Chapter 188 Pilgrimage

“Brother, we’re not taking the path to immortality, what are we going there for?” Wu Yaozu asked. “We can learn from others’ experiences!” Qin Ming replied.

The Flying Immortal Academy is located in the next city and is very famous in the Kunling area. It only recruits disciples on the Immortal Path, and the number is limited each year.

It can be said that this is one of the top choices for top geniuses who have no background, take the unified exam step by step, and are eager to embark on the path to immortality.

“The Flying Immortal City is truly amazing!” Wu Yaozu exclaimed. In this area, there are towering towers that seem to reach into the clouds. It is said that they can attract lightning during rainy days to collect the light from the heavens.

Furthermore, golden rays of light can often be seen streaking across the night sky in this area; even in the bustling city center, such radiance is not uncommon. This is a spiritual light imbued with pure Yang attributes, belonging to those who have achieved success on the path to immortality and are experiencing astral projection.

Wu Yaozu exclaimed in surprise, “Brother, look over there! It’s like a comet tearing through the night sky, piercing through heaven and earth!”

Qin Ming also looked solemn. In the dark night sky, an extremely dazzling light pierced through the clouds and fell towards the ground.

“Is this a senior at the Pure Yang level, who is traveling in spirit, entering the dark clouds to collect ‘Heavenly Essence’ before returning, or is he refining himself with the light of the outer world?”

“Judging from where he landed, it was Feixian Academy.”

Nearby, many people looked up, seemingly unfazed by the sight.

Qin Ming looked on with envy and sighed, “The methods on the Immortal Path are indeed extraordinary. It’s so carefree and allows one to ascend to the heavens at any time to gather essence.”

Nearby, someone else sighed, “I travel to Beihai in the morning and visit Cangwu in the evening.”

Wu Yaozu transmitted his voice: “Our path to Rainbow Transformation can also be advanced. Brother, you don’t need to be envious. Your Heavenly Light Force can also leave your body, but at this stage you still need someone to pull you out. Once you reach the Outer Saint level, I reckon you’ll be able to leave on your own.”

“Don’t say such things,” Qin Ming reminded him, especially after they arrived at their destination, that he shouldn’t talk carelessly.

Although Feixian Academy is located in the heart of the city, the rolling hills and misty surrounding it truly give it the aura of a celestial abode.

Qin Ming and Wu Yaozu entered smoothly without being stopped by anyone. Moreover, like them, many people from other academies came after hearing the news.

In this area, streaks of light occasionally flash across the night sky; most of them are the flashes of consciousness from the students of this academy.

“As expected of the top-tier Immortal Path Academy, heavily supported by the Pure Land of the Mortal Realm, this is a gathering place for geniuses,” an outsider exclaimed.

A wide-open space, with inscriptions on the ground and occasional wisps of light rising from it, the arena belonging to Feixian Academy, was packed with people today.

Because the elder statesman is going to preach here.

Qin Ming and Wu Yaozu arrived relatively early, but the place was already packed with people, and even more were on their way.

Xiao Wu muttered, “What’s going on? Why are there so many people?” He felt like he was being squeezed so tightly he was about to be lifted off the ground.

What surprised him most was that many girls were very excited and were rushing forward, not afraid of being pushed around at all.

Someone asked in surprise, “Don’t you know who’s coming? It’s Senior Sun Taichu, one of the leaders of the Pure Land, whose cultivation is as profound as creation itself. He looks down on the entire Night Mist World. He’s coming here in person. Anyone who aspires to the path of immortality, who wouldn’t want to come and listen to his teachings?!”

Wu Yaozu was completely bewildered, wanting to ask, “Who is this veteran? I’ve never heard of him before!”

“Master Sun’s cultivation is close to that of an immortal. He stands high above the clouds, overlooking the eight directions. He is the ultimate goal of us, and we have long admired him. Today, we have come to pay homage!”

“The disciples that Senior Sun took in have all become the backbone of my path to immortality. Each one is stronger than the last. Even the youngest disciple is a seed of immortality.”

When people in the vicinity mentioned Sun Taichu, their faces lit up, which showed how esteemed he was and how terrifying his power was. Everyone respected and submitted to him.

“His disciple Cui Chonghe has also arrived. It is said that he attained enlightenment at the age of three, truly a seed of near-immortality!” When Qin Ming heard this, he finally understood why the name sounded familiar.

He knew a senior figure would be coming, but he didn’t expect it to be someone of this caliber. He really wanted to leave; this old man was indeed terrifying beyond belief.

This is the person who dared to slam his fist on the table at Cao Qianqiu, and is also one of the most famous senior figures in the Night Fog world.

Qin Ming tried to squeeze out of the crowd, but found that doing so would be very conspicuous, as a steady stream of Immortal Path disciples were on their way, making it difficult to go against the flow.

“I reckon that everyone who has embarked on the path to immortality has come to Kunling City, from disciples to seniors; no one wants to miss it.”

“That’s right, people from Taixu Academy, Chunyang Academy, and Yuhua Daoist Temple have also come. They are supported by people from the Immortal Land, Yang Land, and Calamity Land, respectively!”

In fact, it wasn’t just this; many people from Xinsheng Road, Mijiao Road, and Yihua Road also rushed there, wanting to see the immortal face of this world-renowned senior.

“Everyone, spread out and sit on the ground. You’ll all be able to see Master Sun.” A pure Yang spiritual light streaked across the night sky, and the voice rang in everyone’s ears.

“Don’t worry, Senior Sun will ascend to the void to preach.” Another voice rang out. Finally, the place was no longer crowded.

Many people had been waiting for half an hour. Apart from Qin Ming and Wu Yaozu, who were getting impatient and wanted to leave, everyone else was looking forward to it. Suddenly, a grand wave came, and the entire Flying Immortal Academy became peaceful and quiet. Brilliant golden light rippled from the depths of the academy into the night sky. Then, a golden sun slowly rose, its light illuminating the entire area.

Many people exclaimed in surprise, everyone knew that Sun Taichu had appeared.

People saw an old man dressed in feathered robes, his sleeves fluttering, ascend into the night sky, like an immortal being, radiating golden light that overshadowed many of the city’s high-grade fire springs.

“In the past, even the blazing sun overhead was no more than this; it truly felt as if the sun had reappeared!” Even some of the older generation exclaimed in amazement.

Everyone knew that this was not Sun Taichu’s physical body, but his pure Yang consciousness transformed into a human body of equal proportions, standing horizontally in the air.

“It is said that Senior Sun has white hair and a youthful face, but since he came out of seclusion, some of his white hair has turned black. Sure enough, his cultivation has become even more profound.” A master on the Immortal Path sighed in admiration.

In the sky, the old man indeed had black and white hair. “We have come on a pilgrimage to pay homage to our ancestor!”

“Greetings, Senior Sun!”

Many people knelt down, coming to pay homage with devout hearts.

Qin Ming and Wu Yaozu remained silent. While everyone else kowtowed, the two of them standing there was rather conspicuous. Fortunately, there were many other people standing or sitting on the ground in the distance as well.

Because many members of the esoteric sects also came, it was impossible for them to kneel and worship the senior figures of the Immortal Path.

Sun Taichu’s pure Yang consciousness sat cross-legged in the night sky, illuminating the Flying Immortal City as bright as day. He spoke calmly: “There’s no need to worship me. Our path is about getting closer to immortality and seeking truth. In the end, even immortality can be abandoned. What’s the point of worshipping an old man like me? To forge a path through the foggy world, one must have a fearless heart.”

His voice was gentle, a completely different style from Cao Qianqiu’s.

If Cao Qianqiu were here, a blazing crimson sun would radiate an oppressive aura that would send many experts trembling. Sun Taichu’s pure Yang consciousness, however, was vast but not domineering, and it was not intimidating, having contained its terrifying fluctuations.

Of course, he only mentioned it once, and he didn’t stop those who insisted on kowtowing.

He first encouraged the disciples of the Flying Immortal Academy, and then began to preach. In an instant, auspicious clouds and wine fell from the sky, the Daoist charm was strong, and glowing characters shone continuously in this area, which could help people comprehend the Dao.

“This old… senior is truly amazing!” Wu Yaozu sighed, swallowing back the words “old bird.” He wondered if his ancestors on the moon could compare to this person.

Qin Ming sighed inwardly. Sun Taichu’s chanting of mantras could make people resonate with the runes and fall into a state of enlightenment. This method was truly remarkable.

After nearly an hour, auspicious colors descended from the sky, fiery springs sprang from the ground, and golden lotuses with runes appeared in the void, covering the entire Flying Immortal Academy with an astonishing and wondrous sight.

Many people gained a lot, finding new insights into problems that had troubled them in the current environment. Qin Ming, however, didn’t feel anything special, because he usually grasped things quickly and didn’t experience any particular improvement at the moment.

After exactly one hour, Sun Taichu stopped.

Many people awoke and immediately cried out, “Thank you, senior, for using your divine powers to enlighten us!”

A voice echoed from the golden sun in the sky: “This is the release of your own potential. If you wish to embark on a long journey on the path to immortality, you must awaken to your true self.”

Qin Ming’s expression was solemn. Sun Taichu was so powerful, sitting high above everyone else. How powerful had Cui Chonghe, whom he had taught for more than ten years, become now?

“May I ask, senior, is your visit to Kunlun Mountain to deal with that auspicious beast?” a middle-aged man asked, a master from the esoteric sect.

Sun Taichu nodded and said, “Well, this is no secret. There is a crisis on that plateau, and it’s not just about a single auspicious beast anymore. But every crisis has its opportunity, and for you, there may be a chance to change your fate.”

Soon, people learned that the blood of that auspicious beast could accelerate the transformation of consciousness into pure Yang, rejuvenate the physical body, enhance one’s talents, and prolong life; it was a mature and extraordinary blood medicine.

Sun Taichu smiled and said, “This time, we are advancing along multiple routes, and everyone has a chance. We will treat everyone equally. No matter which route you come from, as long as you make enough contributions in clearing the plateau, you can get the blood of the auspicious beast. In fact, this is just a rehearsal for the great pioneering. You must seize the opportunity.”

A woman transformed from a high-level alien asked, “In the eyes of someone as close to immortal as you, senior, that plateau is a major problem and is considered a crisis. Can we… really pacify it successfully this time?”

“It’s alright, there are powerful figures coming from all directions this time,” Sun Taichu said.

“Excuse me, has Senior Cao Qianqiu arrived? I heard he was injured at Black and White Mountain. I wonder how he is now?” someone asked.

“What do you think my master will do? He will come in person!” In the night sky, a crimson sun appeared. Although it was not as earth-shattering as Cao Qianqiu’s, it was still quite domineering, causing many people to sway and feel fear.

When Cao Qianqiu’s eldest disciple, Pu Heng, appeared, he displayed some of his master’s true essence. Everyone was filled with apprehension; this lineage was truly something to be talked about!

Pu Heng bowed to Sun Taichu, showing no disrespect to this senior figure.

Then, he looked at everyone and said coldly, “In fact, my Pure Land lineage is enough. The others are just there to make up the numbers, wanting to get a share of the blood of immortality.”

“What are you saying?!” Another blazing sun appeared, but it was different; it was actually the light of the sky boiling, unlike the pure light of the sun.

Pu Heng, bathed in the crimson sun, was extremely domineering. He said, “So you’re the disciple of that old scoundrel Qingtian? How are you still alive? You’re so old, your body below the neck should be buried. What are you doing out here!”

“Pu Heng, you want to explode, don’t you?!” Qingtian’s disciple shouted.

“Heh, I’m not just talking about your lineage, the entire path of rebirth is doomed. Is your master waiting for the blood of auspicious beasts to prolong his life? And Liu Yu is about to lie in his coffin. Your path has no future, it’s finally coming to an end.” Pu Heng laughed loudly.

Suddenly, a golden, exotic bird flew across the sky, with a young man in coarse linen clothes standing on it. His whole body radiated heavenly light, and with a loud boom, he punched Pu Heng across the void.

puff!

The red sun that Cao Qianqiu’s eldest disciple had transformed into, which was originally full of oppressive power, now showed cracks and then began to explode rapidly from one side.

Suddenly, a commotion arose. People were shocked. Today, all the important figures had appeared. This was truly going to draw disciples from all walks of life to pay homage!

(There’s more to come!)