Chapter Twenty-Three
Gu Jin and Ayin flew toward the Immortal-Demon boundary, arriving two days later at the place where Mu Guang had transformed into a stone dragon.
The hundred-meter-long stone dragon raised its head toward the sky, guarding the massive chasm of the Immortal-Demon boundary. Truly worthy of a sovereign who stood at the pinnacle of the Three Realms for tens of thousands of years, even in its petrified form, the colossal dragon body remained majestic and solemn.
Gu Jin and Ayin descended from the clouds, landing before the giant dragon.
A trace of emotion flickered across Gu Jin’s face. Noticing this, Ayin asked curiously, “A Jin, I heard the former Celestial Emperor transformed into a stone dragon long ago. Have you met him?”
As Dong Hua’s disciple, it wouldn’t be unusual for Gu Jin to have had an audience with the Celestial Emperor.
Gu Jin shook his head. “He hadn’t transformed into a stone dragon when I was young. I once heard elders in my family speak of Celestial Emperor Mu Guang. It’s a pity I never had the chance to meet him.”
Gu Jin’s gaze held reverence as he looked at the stone dragon, clearly admiring the final choice and courage of this sovereign.
Ayin, naive about worldly affairs, suddenly looked up and asked, “A Jin, you always mention elders in your family. Are you from the mortal realm? Where is your home?”
Ayin had hatched without parents, but she had never heard Gu Jin speak of his own origins. According to fellow disciples at Great Marsh Mountain, Gu Jin had been personally brought back by Dong Hua. Even Qing Yi, known as the Three Realms’ encyclopedia, didn’t know Gu Jin’s background.
Gu Jin, usually talkative, paused. He patted Ayin’s head with a smile. “Ayin, my home is very far away. I was too mischievous as a child, so my mother drove me out, saying I couldn’t return until I mastered some skills. When you’re older, I’ll take you back to see it. My home is a rare place—ordinary people can’t even go there.”
Listening to Gu Jin’s boastful talk, Ayin rolled her eyes and turned toward the direction of the Sky-Pillar.
“A Jin, how many more years do you think we need to cultivate before our names appear on the Sky-Pillar?”
The Sky-Pillar was formed after the ancestral god Qiantian endured his tribulation, serving as the pillar of the Three Realms. The names of all Immortal Realm High Lords and Third Heaven Demon Monarchs who had survived the Nine Heavens Thunder Tribulation would automatically appear on it. The pillar was divided into three sections: the middle carved with a map of the Nine Provinces and Eight Wastelands, the upper part listing the names of High Lords from the Immortal and Demon Realms, and the lower part featuring famous cave paradises and magnificent mansions of the Three Realms—the Heavenly Palace of the Celestial Realm, Clear Pond Palace at Qilian Mountain, and the Mystic Crystal Palace of the Demon Realm. Since Dong Hua’s ascension, Great Marsh Mountain had also been added.
“With your meager immortal power, just focus on being a healing immortal beast. In tens of thousands of years across the Three Realms, I’ve never heard of any Water Condensation Beast cultivating to become a High Lord.” Gu Jin teased Ayin, rubbing her ears that were about to bristle, and winked. “Besides, with me protecting you, why waste effort on cultivation?”
Ayin looked up and met the youth’s refreshing and gentle smile, instantly losing all her temper. Her ears burned bright red, and her eyes darted around until they landed on the top of the Sky-Pillar, where the names of the four True Gods were inscribed.
“I heard the names of the four True Gods were up there in earlier years. After the Chaos Tribulation returned and True God Bai Jue sacrificed himself for the world, his name was shrouded in black mist, and it hasn’t cleared all these years.” Ayin sighed with emotion. “Qing Yi says the current peace in the Three Realms is thanks to True God Bai Jue’s sacrifice back then.”
Ayin chattered on, unaware of Gu Jin’s suddenly somber expression. The Primordial Spirit Sword on his back emitted a faint, uneasy hum, which Gu Jin patted lightly."Let's go, Ayin. It's getting late, we still need to head to the Demon Realm."
Gu Jin beckoned to Ayin, who was momentarily stunned before following him toward the Immortal-Demon boundary.
Beneath the massive glowing curtain of the Immortal-Demon boundary, immense Spiritual Power surged toward the two. Gu Jin's expression darkened as he held Ayin and flew toward the other side of the light barrier.
The two flew for an entire day through the First Heaven of the Demon Realm, finally arriving at Tranquil Mountain, the resting place of the Fox Demon Clan deep within the Second Heaven.
Tranquil Mountain curved in an arc on three sides. From a distance, the entire mountain range was hidden behind towering, cloud-piercing forests, appearing gentle and serene. However, Gu Jin dared not underestimate or be careless. A hundred years ago, after Chang Qin rose to prominence, the Fox Demon Clan, under her leadership, had worked diligently and had long since become the foremost clan in the Demon Realm. Although the Tiger Demon Clan held the imperial throne, aside from Sen Hong, who was a High God, and Sen Yu, who had gone far away to guard Rakshasa Land—both possessing profound Demonic Power—the younger generation had no outstanding talents.
Sure enough, as soon as the two approached the mountain gate of Tranquil Mountain, they were detected by members of the Fox race. An elderly man with white hair and beard, dressed in white robes, stood smiling at the mountain gate, with a row of Fox race guards possessing formidable Demonic Power behind him. Upon seeing Gu Jin and Ayin, the Fox elder was also taken aback but still spoke with a smile.
"I am Chang Huo. May I ask which Immortal Sect's young friends have come to visit our Tranquil Mountain today?"
Although the war between Immortals and Demons had ended a century ago, the deep-seated grievances between the two races had left them highly wary of each other. Otherwise, they would not have sent an Elder to investigate as soon as they sensed Gu Jin's Immortal Power.
"Gu Jin of Great Marsh Mountain, here to visit your esteemed clan on a matter." Before coming, Gu Jin had specifically asked Qing Yi about the names of several Fox clan Elders. He greeted Chang Huo with a respectful bow.
"So it is the esteemed disciple of Dong Hua Shang Shen. No wonder your Immortal Power is so pure despite your youth." Chang Huo could not hide his surprise, and the wariness in his eyes diminished considerably.
Dong Hua was gentle and kind, and his disciples and followers were the same. For tens of thousands of years, Great Marsh Mountain had enjoyed an excellent reputation throughout the Three Realms. Even among the Demon Tribe, many held goodwill toward the disciples of Great Marsh Mountain.
"This junior's Immortal Power is shallow; the Elder praises me too highly." Gu Jin replied humbly. Noticing Chang Huo looking at Ayin, he quickly added, "This is my master's nominal disciple, my junior sister Ayin."
Chang Huo looked surprised. "Oh? Dong Hua Shang Shen has taken on another young disciple? This is the first I've heard of it." He nodded to Ayin before turning back to Gu Jin. "May I ask what brings you to our Fox race, young friend Gu Jin?"
The Fox Demon Clan and Great Marsh Mountain had no prior connections. For Gu Jin to come from so far away, it was surely not for leisure.
"This junior has a matter for which I seek your clan's assistance. I have come specifically to pay respects to Tribal Chief Chang Qin. I ask Elder Chang to convey my request for an audience."
"The tribal chief returned from the Third Heaven a few days ago and is currently resting within the clan. Since you are the esteemed disciple of Dong Hua Shang Shen, please follow me inside." Great Marsh Mountain was a giant in the Immortal Realm—what matter could require the assistance of the Fox race? Suppressing his inner doubts, Chang Huo led Gu Jin and Ayin into the mountain.
The scenery within Tranquil Mountain was ten times more magnificent than outside. Exquisite and unique stone houses stood among rolling green hills and mountain streams, adding an exotic charm.The fox race is naturally skilled in charm, with every member being a beauty, regardless of gender. As the two followed Chang Huo, they were watched by the fox clansmen observing from within the mountain. Gu Jin remained unfazed, but Ayin was already dazzled, her eyes nearly sparkling with admiration. Gu Jin had no choice but to pinch the collar of her clothes and drag her along, lest his lustful Water Condensation Beast get lost in a moment of carelessness.
"Young friend, I have already sent my disciple back to the clan to report. The tribal chief and other Elders are waiting for you in the council hall."
At the innermost part of the encircling mountains stood an eight-tiered pagoda-shaped stone hall, which served as the clan’s council hall. Gu Jin followed Chang Huo inside and was momentarily taken aback by the sight within.
Six exquisitely carved stone chairs were arranged in the council hall. Five stunningly beautiful and delicate women gazed toward the entrance with alluring eyes, their expressions softening even further upon seeing Gu Jin. In terms of beauty, those seated here were far beyond anyone outside the hall. Ayin immediately bristled, anxiously glancing at Gu Jin, fearing his soul might be captivated. Fortunately, Gu Jin remained composed, unaffected by the extraordinary beauty in the hall.
Seeing the clarity in Gu Jin and Ayin’s eyes, the fox clan Elders revealed undisguised surprise beneath their smiling gazes.
"Enough. Those taught in Great Marsh Mountain are pure and upright individuals, not easily swayed by your charms. Cease your techniques."
A crisp voice echoed through the hall. Gu Jin looked up to see Chang Qin, dressed in plain white robes, lazily seated on the highest stone chair, scrutinizing him.
At the tribal chief’s command, the fox clan Elders abandoned their playful intentions, withdrew their powers, and sat upright with solemn expressions, though inwardly marveling. Gu Jin, as Dong Hua’s disciple, possessed refined Immortal Power and was naturally immune to their charms, but the young girl accompanying him remaining unmoved under the allure of eight-tailed foxes was truly remarkable. They wondered what origins Dong Hua’s new disciple had.
"Gu Jin of Great Marsh Mountain pays his respects to Tribal Chief Chang Qin and the Elders." Gu Jin and Ayin bowed to Chang Qin and the others.
"Oh? Your appearance has changed greatly. I saw you once on Phoenix Tree Island years ago. It seems you’ve endured hardships in the forbidden land these years. You were only able to leave after your master ascended to the Divine Realm, right?"
Feng Ran’s decree was issued under the Celestial Emperor’s authority. Even if Dong Hua cherished his disciple, he would not defy Feng Ran’s imperial order.
"Yes, I only left the Forbidden Valley a few days ago."
"No need for formalities. Dong Hua and I share some past acquaintance. Feel free to relax." Chang Qin waved her hand, straightforward and decisive. "Why have you come to my Tranquil Mountain instead of searching for Feng Yin’s soul?" Without waiting for Gu Jin to speak, Chang Qin narrowed her eyes, taking the initiative.
She held great affection for this little phoenix of the Phoenix Clan. Years ago, she had even intended to arrange a marriage for her nephew. Who would have thought the little phoenix’s soul would be destroyed by Gu Jin before it could even descend? If not for Dong Hua’s sake, Chang Qin might have made this mischievous little fatty suffer before allowing him into the mountain.
"I have come precisely for Feng Yin’s soul." Gu Jin retrieved a letter from his sleeve. "This is a letter from my master before his Ascension, addressed to you, Tribal Chief. Please review it and grant me some convenience."
Chang Huo, standing nearby, promptly took the letter and handed it to Chang Qin. The stunning beauties on the stone chairs remained as steady as mountains. Ayin, who held a favorable impression of Chang Huo, felt a flicker of indignation, thinking these fox clan female Elders showed no respect for the elderly or care for the young."Young lady, our tribe is different from others; age isn't determined by appearance. Among us five, even the youngest is at least five hundred years older than Chang Huo! Didn't your master teach you not to judge by appearances?" The elder on the far left, Chang Yun, toyed with her long hair and gave Ayin a flirtatious glance. Though her words were soft and charming, a sharp coldness flickered in her eyes.
Caught red-handed and under the pressure of an eight-tailed fox elder's stare, Ayin's face flushed crimson. Gu Jin leaned slightly forward, shielding Ayin from Chang Yun's teasing gaze, and raised his hand in response. "Elder Yun, my junior sister has only recently come into this world and is unaware of your tribe's customs. She meant no offense to the elders. Please, in light of her youth and inexperience, do not take it to heart."
Gu Jin's appearance was exceptional even among the fox race. As a disciple of an orthodox Immortal Sect and raised in Clear Pond Palace, his refined looks carried an air of nobility. Though he still appeared somewhat youthful, he was undeniably pleasing to the eye.
Moved by his sincere plea, Chang Yun's cold expression immediately softened. She covered her mouth, about to tease Gu Jin further, but was interrupted by Chang Qin's voice from the side.
"As expected of Dong Hua, to know so clearly that our tribe hides a phoenix tree within its borders. So, according to his letter, one strand of that little phoenix's soul is hidden within the phoenix tree in my Tranquil Lake?"
At Chang Qin's words, the atmosphere in the hall grew tense. The fox elders immediately straightened up and turned their attention to Gu Jin and Ayin.
Gu Jin understood the implication. Seeing the expressions of the fox elders, he realized this phoenix tree must be of great importance to the fox tribe; otherwise, they wouldn't have reacted so strongly upon merely hearing it mentioned.
"Yes, Chief Chang Qin. Before his Ascension, my master speculated that due to Feng Yin's phoenix nature, her shattered soul might have scattered among the remaining phoenix trees in the Three Realms. We found one strand of her soul in a phoenix tree within the Forbidden Valley of Great Marsh Mountain. I humbly request your permission to investigate the Tranquil Lake." Gu Jin produced the Fire Phoenix Jade, revealing the faint soul power within to Chang Qin.
"Preposterous! Gu Jin, the Tranquil Lake is our sacred lake for nurturing young foxes. How could we allow an Immortal Tribe member to approach? Not even you—if Dong Hua himself came today, our tribe would still refuse." Upon hearing Gu Jin's request to enter the Tranquil Lake in the back mountains to search for Feng Yin's soul, the hot-tempered Elder Chang Mei glared and firmly rejected it.
Gu Jin hadn't expected the fox elders to disregard the face of Great Marsh Mountain so completely and refuse so decisively. It seemed the phoenix tree in the Tranquil Lake was even more important to the fox tribe than he had imagined. However, it was Chang Mei who had refused, not Chief Chang Qin.
Gu Jin looked at Chang Qin, his words earnest. "Chief Chang Qin, I mean no disrespect. I came today solely for Feng Yin's soul. Due to my foolishness in the past, I caused Feng Yin's soul to scatter and spirit to disperse, forcing Great Marsh Mountain and Phoenix Tree Island to spend ten years searching for her soul. I beg you, in consideration of the Celestial Emperor and Phoenix Tree Island, to grant me this favor. I promise to retrieve only Feng Yin's soul and will not disturb your tribe's phoenix tree."
It was well-known throughout the Three Realms that Chang Qin shared a deep friendship with the Celestial Emperor Feng Ran. At Gu Jin's words, Chang Mei and the others immediately grew tense, turning their eyes to Chang Qin.Outsiders may not know, but they understood clearly in their hearts. The phoenix tree possessed the miraculous effect of nurturing souls. Over the years, all the unhatched young foxes of the Fox race had relied on the nourishment of the phoenix tree, and the successive births of five-tailed and six-tailed foxes had made the Fox race the foremost clan in the Demon Realm. Even though Great Marsh Mountain rarely involved itself in the conflicts between immortals and demons, Gu Jin was, after all, from an Immortal Sect. If he harbored ill intentions toward the phoenix tree, or if the process of retrieving Feng Yin's soul damaged the tree's Spiritual Power, it would be an immeasurable blow to the Fox race.
"You wish to enter the Tranquil Abyss Lake—it's not entirely impossible." Chang Qin's voice echoed in the silent hall. She leaned back slightly on the throne, her tone growing more serious. "However, as you've heard, the Tranquil Abyss Lake is our sacred lake. You are not of our race, and you belong to the Immortal Tribe. Even out of respect for Feng Ran, I cannot casually set such a precedent."
Ignoring the deepening frowns of the Fox race Elders, Chang Qin calmly finished her words and turned her gaze leisurely toward Gu Jin.
"Whatever the tribal chief wishes Gu Jin to do, please speak freely. As long as it is within my power, I will not hesitate to oblige," Gu Jin replied with a respectful gesture.
"My nephew, Hong Yi, went missing three years ago. If you can help me find him, I will permit you to enter the Tranquil Abyss Lake and retrieve Feng Yin's soul."
Gu Jin had not expected Chang Qin to propose such a condition. How could it be easy to find a single person across the vast Three Realms?
"Tribal Chief Chang Qin, the Three Realms are so vast. Locating someone's whereabouts is no small task..."
"Rest assured, I will not make it too difficult for you. Over these years, our clan has indeed traced some of his movements. However, the place where he disappeared is not easily accessible to our race, which is why I ask for your assistance in investigating."
Gu Jin was taken aback and asked, "Where exactly does the tribal chief refer to?"
Chang Qin narrowed her eyes slightly and looked at Gu Jin as she slowly spoke, "Within the Third Heaven of the Demon Realm, at the cultivation grounds of Divine Lord Ziyue—Purple Moon Mountain."
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