The wind and thunder rolled. The Sect Master, bringing the young Daoist boy, traveled from the nether realm to the mortal dojo. With a single glance at the mountain gate, he raised his hand and unleashed a palm strike without a word.
This palm strike was peerless. A full-power attack from a Great Cultivator of the Yellow Court Realm was enough to shake mountains and move the earth. The entire mortal dojo seemed about to be lifted into the sky. Nan Yangzi and the Fallen Immortal were greatly alarmed and moved forward together. However, neither of them had a physical body at this moment. One had a clay statue body, and the other a carved wooden figure. How could they possibly withstand this Sect Master? A surge of energy struck them, sending them flying far away.
"A True Master of the Yellow Court Realm, cultivating the path of life and nature, but without a physical body, they are nothing more than that!"
"It seems the Southern True Masters are also nothing special."
The Sect Master glared, "I didn't want to fight you two. You two were injured by my palm strike. Leave now and don't call for your other cultivators to cause trouble here. This is all your own doing."
Nan Yangzi focused his gaze and said, "The Sect Master of the Sheshan Sect of Maoshan Shangqing! Eighth Sect Master... Why do you attack us upon meeting!"
The Fallen Immortal grumbled, "Why is it you, you malevolent ghost!"
The Eighth Sect Master of Maoshan snorted, uninterested in them. He turned his gaze to Ji Xiang, "You have quite the composure. If this palm strike had hit your head, your physical body would have instantly turned to dust!"
Ji Xiang said, "That palm strike just now, you had no killing intent. Why should I dodge?"
"Indeed, if you do not enter the dojo, I cannot touch you. I thought you would force your way in, so I could teach you a lesson. Since you are not entering, then leave!"
The Eighth Sect Master began to expel them, "Maoshan currently has important matters and cannot receive guests. The Sect Masters of the Thirty-Six Sects are all sealing the mountain. It doesn't matter who comes, you must go back!"
Ji Xiang said, "Is the Azure Dragon Scarlet Blood Array not yours, Maoshan? Something major happened in Gusu City, the entire population was refined by ghost creatures. You..."
"What does that have to do with us? If there is an Azure Dragon Scarlet Blood Array, does it necessarily mean it was set up by Maoshan disciples? What kind of logic is that! What if someone learns it in the future... Yes, didn't a fierce creature learn the techniques of the True Dao in the past and kill people everywhere? Should that karma be counted against the True Dao?"
The Eighth Sect Master sneered. Ji Xiang then said, "No, I am not here to demand an explanation from you. I am here to learn from Maoshan."
"To learn about Maoshan's many formations, and to learn the way of breaking formations."
The Eighth Sect Master looked at him as if he were an idiot.
Do you think I'm brain-damaged?
Do you think you can be the mountain master by coming to my gate and asking to learn our sect's ultimate techniques?
The Eighth Sect Master said, "Who are you?"
Ji Xiang replied, "I am the Master of the Daoming Dao Record Division. There are truly some very serious matters, and I must come to learn Maoshan formations."
"Also, I need to ask about a few names, for example... Wu Bao Yi, do you know him?"
The Eighth Sect Master burst into laughter and then attacked directly!
"Get out of here!"
He pressed his palm down, and instantly the heavens and earth shook, the thunderous techniques shook the world, and light illuminated the universe!
When the smoke cleared, the surrounding people had disappeared.
Nan Yangzi used his escape technique to take everyone away. The Fallen Immortal grabbed Madam Hou, Madam Hou grabbed the little fox, and the little fox grabbed Feng Menglong. At this moment, Feng Menglong looked at Ji Xiang:
"Daoist Ji, you shouldn't speak so directly. Who asks for others' ultimate techniques right off the bat?"
"Do you know that this is a major taboo in the martial world, especially since you are a lackey of the imperial court."
Ji Xiang rolled his eyes, "I'm just telling the truth. I don't like to beat around the bush. If Maoshan seals its gates and doesn't let us in, and we keep arguing with them, they still won't let us in. We have to fight."
"First, I'll state my conditions and questions. After he loses, he'll go back to call for reinforcements. Once the first wave of reinforcements is defeated, their mountain master will naturally come out to talk to us."
To Ji Xiang, fighting was normal. How could a mission be completed without completing the prerequisites?
Everyone else's mouths fell open.
This logic, it seemed, had no flaws.
Nan Yangzi said, "This Eighth Sect Master uses the Sheshan Five Thunder, which is a very powerful thunder technique among the Shangqing Sect. It can move mountains and overturn seas. It was passed down from the 'Azure Mountain Shadowless Daoist' of the Song Dynasty. The more excited a person's mental state, the more powerful this thunder technique becomes. It can even draw upon the earth's energy to summon thunder dragons to fight!"
"And a common characteristic of the many thunder techniques of the Shangqing Sect is 'sincerity'! The more proficient one is in a particular thunder technique, the greater its power."
Ji Xiang: "I understand. One move to rule them all. This means they only research one thunder technique, the Sheshan Five Thunder. It sounds like the type that gets stronger the more you fight. The thunder techniques stimulate the mind, which is why he is so irritable."
As soon as he finished speaking, a massive lightning light rose from the Maoshan dojo, and the mountains seemed to be slowly moving. The Eighth Sect Master's voice came,
"You've come to my Shang Maoshan to have fun, haven't you! You say your piece and then run away, is it that easy! If I don't teach you all a lesson today, everyone will think my Maoshan is a place where you can come and go as you please!"
"Can you dodge the thunder with your escape technique, but can you dodge this?"
The Eighth Sect Master found Nan Yangzi's escape technique annoying. He had completely lost track of where he had disappeared to just now, vanishing in an instant. This infuriated him, so he decided to make it impossible for his escape technique to be used, and then deal with them properly!
He took out a magic treasure from his sleeve, like an oil lamp with a lotus flower on top!
Ji Xiang focused his gaze and exclaimed in surprise, "The Treasure Lotus Lamp?!"
The Inner Scene Divine Tablet provided the description:
[Treasure Lotus Lamp (Huashan Divine Lamp): The Treasure Lotus Lamp illuminates a thousand-year chamber, and the jade tree's wind blows through a hundred-foot tower!]
[Treasured artifact! Any place illuminated by this lamp is sealed, creating a circle of heaven and earth, rendering most escape techniques ineffective. The lamp contains the universe within it. Those with evil energy, killing intent, malevolent energy, or demonic energy, upon being illuminated by this lamp, will immediately have their divine light burn their bodies, damaging their cultivation!]
[The name of this artifact first appeared in the Han Dynasty, transformed in the Tang Dynasty, reappeared in the Song and Yuan Dynasties, and was heard again in the Ming Dynasty. It was originally a treasure held by Erlang of Huashan, used to suppress the Huayue Goddess who violated heavenly laws, preventing her from leaving the Black Cloud Cave of Huashan!]
[The Master of the Sheshan Five Thunder Technique of the Shangqing Sect will be Liu Yanchang. His true form was originally the immortal official Liu Xiang of the Han Dynasty, whose name was changed due to popular misrepresentation! And the artifact of the Treasure Lotus Lamp, in the Han Dynasty, had a predecessor called the "Glass Lamp," which is the so-called "Glazed Lamp" in mythology!]
This Treasure Lotus Lamp was not the divine artifact Ji Xiang had imagined.
It was merely a treasured artifact, but the name was indeed the same.
The Third Holy Mother was not Erlang's sister. In this era, she was the sister of Erlang of Huashan, the Huayue Goddess.
The evolution of the Treasure Lotus Lamp was a long one. It originated from the story of the Huayue Goddess's marriage. In the Tang Dynasty, it was recorded in the "Guang Yiji," and at this time, there was no "Treasure Lotus Lamp" artifact, but the name "Glazed Lamp" was already known to the world.
As the lotus divine light shone, it immediately sealed the heavens and earth. Then, the divine light shone upon them. No one else was affected, but a faint fire appeared on Ji Xiang's body.
"Hmm? A demon!"
The Eighth Sect Master saw this and was stunned for a moment, then his spirits soared, "I thought the divine light wouldn't reveal anything, but I didn't expect there to be an external demon!"
He sealed the heavens and earth, clapped his hands, and unleashed the Five Thunders. Ji Xiang did not wish to entangle with him further. At this moment, he raised a finger!
The Five Thunders descended, but could not get close!
"Miro Precious Light."
Rings of light enveloped Ji Xiang. Ji Xiang pointed at the Treasure Lotus Lamp again!
Tai Xu Precious Light!
As the light shifted, the Eighth Sect Master felt a lightness in his hand. He looked closely and saw that the Treasure Lotus Lamp had vanished without a trace!
"What, what's going on? Give me back my lamp!"
The Eighth Sect Master was greatly alarmed, not knowing what technique Ji Xiang had used. His anger surged, and he unleashed a full-power strike. Nine illusory thunder talismans appeared in the heavens and earth. This move shook the heavens and earth, moving mountains. Its power surpassed the Yellow Court Realm and suppressed the Innate Realm!
The Eighth Sect Master chanted incantations, burning talismans, and circulating the Shangqing Heavenly Sky:
"Sheshan Forbidden Technique! I invoke the Grand Marshal Liu Yanchang, the Sheshan Fire Thunder General of the Xuan Du Thunder!"
Sheshan Great Five Thunder Nine Talismans!
Nine illusory thunder talismans gave rise to nine coiled dragons, followed by a human face covered in thunder light, appearing in the center of the heavens and earth. Instantly, the mountains collapsed, and roaring sounds were endless. The earth's energy surged upwards and was captured by the thunder dragons. The nine thunder dragons flew towards Ji Xiang and his companions.
This was called a forbidden technique because its power was too great, capable of killing across a major realm, splitting mountains, and collapsing river valleys. The Eighth Sect Master's sincere heart invoked a grand display. Seeing this scene, Ji Xiang did not hesitate. If Tai Xu Precious Light could solve it, there was no need for further thought!
Ji Xiang spun his finger in a circle.
Tai Xu Precious Light circled the heavens!
The clouds dispersed and the rain subsided, the thunder and lightning vanished. The rivers and seas condensed into clear light, and a gentle breeze swept through the mountains!
The thunder and lightning around the Eighth Sect Master disappeared. He stared at the person in front of him, dumbfounded. Ji Xiang retracted the Tai Xu Precious Light. This light was exquisite, hovering between his fingers, forming a dancing sphere, and showing no sign of danger!
Ji Xiang's voice was calm. He stood before the Eighth Sect Master, his finger raised, casting a shadow over him:
"Tai Xu Precious Light. This light, an inch long, melts all things under heaven. Nothing below the highest four heavens can escape."
"The heavens and earth are shaking, what a grand display. But now, your lamp is gone, and your thunder is gone. Next, let me see what else you are prepared to offer me?"
Ji Xiang smiled slightly.
The Eighth Sect Master's eyes turned red, and he cursed, "Heretic!"
He raised his hand and burned a talisman. As the talisman burned, two more gusts of wind and thunder rolled in from the sky!
A classic Daoist move – calling for backup!
Nan Yangzi saw the two gusts of wind and thunder appear and immediately explained:
"Sect Master of Chongwei Sect, Tenth Sect Master, cultivates the Shangqing Five Yuan Chongwei Divine Thunder."
"Sect Master of Beiji Sect, Fifteenth Sect Master, cultivates the Beiji Heavenly Heart True Method."
Ji Xiang's gaze shifted, and he looked at one of the figures in white robes, "Beiji Heavenly Heart True Method? Someone from the Heavenly Heart Sect?"
The composition of Maoshan and Wudang Mountain was similar. Many of the Thirty-Six Sects within them were people from other sects. However, unlike Wudang, Maoshan had one dominant sect. The largest group was the Shangqing Sect. Then came the Qingwei Sect, followed by the Heavenly Heart Sect and the Ruyi Gate. These four sects all focused on talismans, demon slaying, and thunder techniques.
Of course, Maoshan's primary focus was formations.
"Old Eighth, you actually asked for our help?"
"Eighth Sect Master, it seems you are no match for the opponent. With such a big commotion just now, why is there no news now?"
The Tenth Sect Master and the Fifteenth Sect Master also had the aura of the Yellow Court Realm.
Ji Xiang sighed, "Maoshan is indeed one of the Three Mountains. As one of the three great leaders of the Daoist sects, you can easily summon three Yellow Court Realm cultivators. With Thirty-Six Sect Masters, perhaps all of them are Yellow Court Realm figures. This can be considered a top influential force in the world. And the True Dao, as one of the two great Daoist sects in the world, only has one Yellow Court Realm cultivator in the Southern Xuanmiao Temple..."
The Tenth Sect Master heard this and smiled, "There aren't that many Yellow Court Realm cultivators, and what use are so many Yellow Court Realm cultivators? Refining Spirit and Pure Yang are the deciding factors for a sect's rise and fall. As one of the Three Mountains, since you know we are the leaders of the Daoist sects, is it not too bold to come and attack us?"
"I advise you, the Mountain Master is currently enraged. Among the Thirty-Six Sect Masters, we three are not the strongest. Even if you defeat us, there are still Innate and Refining Spirit realm figures waiting for you. Don't force the Pure Yang realm to appear, that would be unsightly."
"We only wish to seal the mountain, and we have not offended anyone. If Old Eighth's actions just now were offensive, I apologize on his behalf."
Ji Xiang also said, "I have no intention of fighting with you all. I merely have important matters to discuss."
The Eighth Sect Master immediately became angry and said to the other two, "This imperial lackey wants our Maoshan formations! He is also a demon. The Treasure Lotus Lamp reacted to him! Quickly, form a great array with me and destroy him together!"
The Tenth Sect Master's eyes moved, and he patted the Eighth Sect Master, "Don't get agitated. This formation can actually be taught. Let's resolve this peacefully. We'll talk about the Treasure Lotus Lamp later. This Daoist friend is quite capable. I wonder which formation you want. Let's be friends."
Ji Xiang: "All of them."
As soon as he said this, the Tenth Sect Master was also silenced. The Fifteenth Sect Master laughed, "Fellow Daoist, you shouldn't say such things."
"Where would one ask for all of another's ultimate techniques? Moreover, Maoshan's formations are as vast as the sea. How can you learn them all? Stop joking."
Nan Yangzi stepped forward at this moment, "This humble Daoist is Nan Yangzi, the Abbot of Gusu Xuanmiao Temple."
"Nan Yangzi? I've heard of you. In recent years, under your leadership, the True Dao has gathered a lot of incense in Gusu, showing signs of revival. How is it that you are now in a clay body? Did something unfortunate happen?"
The Tenth Sect Master spoke with a hint of arrogance when he heard about the True Dao. After all, Maoshan was one of the Three Mountains, and the True Dao had long since declined. Moreover, although Xuanmiao Temple was an old temple, it was not the ancestral court of the True Dao, so he naturally looked down on it.
Nan Yangzi said mournfully and recounted what had happened in Gusu. Both Sect Masters looked surprised. Then they looked at these two loose immortals, one with a clay body and the other a wooden frame, truly pathetic.
"Wu Bao Yi... you are saying that the Yin spirit possessing your ancestor calls himself Wu Bao Yi?"
"Absurd! Wu Bao Yi achieved immortality and ascended into the mountains and rivers long ago. How could he be mixed up with those Yin spirits? He was from the time of Emperor Taizu of Song. Legend has it that he met a supreme being of the Three Realms of Supreme Purity... However, he is indeed my Maoshan ancestor."
"Moreover, how could my Maoshan ancestor be a mere Yellow Court Realm cultivator? You wouldn't say that your ancestor's corpse hindered his cultivation, would you?"
"So, your final conclusion is that my Maoshan ancestor turned into a Yin spirit, dug up your ancestor's grave, destroyed your sect, and killed everyone in Gusu? Hahaha... Hahahaha! The True Dao! Are you trying to use such despicable slander to undermine our incense?"
The expressions of these two Sect Masters also turned unpleasant, becoming mocking and disgusted.
Nan Yangzi said with great pain, "My Xuanmiao Temple has been annihilated. Only my fellow disciples and I escaped. I don't know if this matter is related to Maoshan, but the Azure Dragon Scarlet Blood Array and the Profound Yin Red Furnace Great Array are indeed great formations that only Maoshan possesses. Wu Bao Yi also claims to be from Maoshan. I have no intention of being your enemy, I just want to verify some of this person's deeds..."
"Stop."
The Tenth Sect Master said coldly, "What does the annihilation of the True Dao have to do with my Shangqing? You go and find other sects of the True Dao to help you get revenge!"
"I can tell you that this matter has nothing to do with my Shang Maoshan Thirty-Six Sects. If it is related to my Maoshan, then it is likely the misdeeds of the Lower Maoshan Seventy-Two Sects. You yourselves are not skilled enough, and you were annihilated by others. Who can you blame? Is it unfair of heaven and earth, or are the demons too strong?"
Nan Yangzi said anxiously, "This humble Daoist is inferior to the demons, so I have nothing to say. It's a pity that all my disciples have died, and my ancestor's corpse was even used by the demons. This humble Daoist is just, this humble Daoist is just..."
"Alas, this humble Daoist has nothing more to say. Esteemed Sect Masters, your words are reasonable."
Nan Yangzi did not know how to respond, but his heart was filled with sorrow. A declining sect had no right to demand that a powerful sect open its doors for them. The two Maoshan Sect Masters also said:
"Nan Yangzi, think carefully for yourself. We have neither kindness nor enmity with you. Even if we take ten thousand steps back, and this Wu Bao Yi truly fell from the Heavenly Immortal realm to the ghost path and annihilated your sect, although he is my ancestor, he is a person from several hundred years ago, and it was not the disciples of the current Maoshan who did it."
"Alright, we know about this matter. If we truly encounter this person, we will bring him back. Maoshan people can only be dealt with by Maoshan. As for your so-called Yin realm releasing ghosts and refining forms, and committing acts of killing and annihilation, it is simply absurd. Since the beginning of the world, the underworld has been nothing more than a Dharma realm."
"It must be some evil sect causing trouble for you."
Among the three Sect Masters, the Eighth Sect Master was still displeased, "Now that this matter is settled, you can leave! You fellow, return my divine lamp!"
He thought of something, threw Ji Xiang's token over, and then demanded the divine lamp.
Ji Xiang took the token but had no intention of leaving:
"Nan Yangzi is not qualified to investigate this matter, which is understandable."
"Then, if I represent the Great Ming Dynasty to investigate this matter, will Maoshan deign to receive me?"
The faces of the three Sect Masters darkened.
Ji Xiang also sighed:
"I didn't want to treat you like this."
"Please do me a favor, three of you, and ask that Pure Yang expert to come out and talk."
The Fifteenth Sect Master finally could not help but sneer, "That's enough! Who do you think you are? We don't wish to entangle with you. Even if you are the Master of the Dao Record Division, it won't be of much use in Maoshan..."
One, two, three.
Buzz buzz buzz!
Three divine swords appeared in the air, and the physical bodies of the three Sect Masters instantly dissolved into nothingness!
Boom! They saw three primordial spirits surge out. At this moment, they were greatly horrified. Just as they were about to say something, they saw Ji Xiang extend his palm and slowly make a grasping gesture. This action made them feel immense danger, and they immediately turned and fled into the Maoshan territory without a word!
Nan Yangzi and the Fallen Immortal were stunned. Nan Yangzi asked in confusion, "What, what just happened?"
The Fallen Immortal exclaimed in great shock, "This is it, this is the technique that instantly destroyed my physical body! What on earth is this?"
Ji Xiang's voice was calm:
"Nothing."
"I forgot to tell you, I am not a re-cultivator of the Innate Realm."
"I am a Heavenly Immortal who has descended to the lower realm."