BOOK 2: CHAPTER 438: THE DRAGON LORD’S VISIT, TURMOIL IN THE SEA REGION

Vol 2 Chapter 438: The Dragon Lord’s Visit, Turmoil in the Sea Region

Under the gaze of Master Shi Nandang, who highly respected tradition, Zheng Fa’s reply was truly heartwarming: “Rest assured, Lu Mo’s foundation is profound;

his life is not in danger.”

But judging from Shi Nandang’s expression, he seemed neither comforted nor convinced.

The Elder Yu suddenly burst into laughter beside them.

Everyone looked at him in confusion.

Elder Yu grinned widely: “I’m laughing at how Haori Mountain strictly observes hierarchy, unlike common folk…”

Zheng Fa couldn’t help but smile.

High emotional intelligence: Hierarchy is well-maintained, unlike commoners.

Low emotional intelligence: Life there is unbearable.

It must be said, Haori Mountain’s system was extremely unfriendly to cultivators outside the Three Clans. Without the Sacred Blood Seal, he probably would have ended up leaving Haori Mountain.

Shi Nandang’s desperate hope for his sect founder’s peaceful passing was not just fear of being purged;

there was that reason too.

Not only others, even Shi Nandang shook his head and laughed, then said: “Actually, Haori Mountain isn’t overly harsh. Compared to the Demon Sect, Haori Mountain is still a reputable orthodox sect. It’s one of the Five Great Sects, admired worldwide, so naturally it wouldn’t go too far.”

He paused, looking at Zheng Fa: “What’s different is the Jiushan Realm.”

The hall instantly fell silent.

Even Xie Qingxue couldn’t help but glance at him twice, thinking:

Though this Master Shi’s path at Haori Mountain was cut off, at Jiushan Sect his path was only getting wider.

No wonder he could reach high levels in the Lu Clan at a place like Haori Mountain.

Everyone laughed for a while, and the previously tense atmosphere in the hall was completely swept away.

It wasn’t that Zheng Fa’s ideas could make Jiushan Realm carefree.

But everyone understood that Jiushan Realm was currently in a situation of being able to advance or retreat at will:

The path forward was clearly outlined in Zheng Fa’s blueprint:

As the Sect Leader of Jiushan Sect, Zheng Fa’s cultivation breakthrough was imminent.

Other Jiushan disciples would accelerate their cultivation and unleash power far beyond their own through immortal formation techniques.

Although many details still needed refinement, compared to the previous confusion and uncertainty, everyone now had a goal, and their vigor and mindset were naturally different. Řἁɴ𝐎ꞖĘs

The fear of great changes in heaven and earth had seemingly diminished a lot.

The retreat path was even more obvious:

If things turned sour, Zheng Fa could lead Jiushan Realm’s people to seek refuge in the Underworld.

Though previous gains would be lost, future cultivation would be difficult, and they would be at others’ mercy—certainly full of frustrations—but at least their lives would be somewhat guaranteed.

With this confidence, Jiushan Realm could let go of burdens and pursue progress with resolve.

Their mindset was naturally more relaxed.

Even Senior Sister Zhang laughed: “The greatest gain from this trip is actually the Nine Nether Emperor’s proving of the Taiyi Dao.”

Everyone nodded along.

It had to be said, the Jiushan Sect’s high-level leaders now indeed bore the shape of Zheng Fa:

With a great enemy looming and Jiushan’s survival at stake, urgency was palpable!

Want to run away?

What’s there to panic about?

...

“But Lu Mo is deeply worrisome,” Xie Qingxue frowned. “If Taiyi is restricted, then Lu Mo is probably one of the strongest in the heavens. As long as he lives, Jiushan Realm won’t be safe.”

Probably because the Heavenly River Sect was destroyed by Lu Mo, Xie Qingxue spoke of him with full caution and dislike.

“The situation at Haori Mountain needs to be investigated.” Zheng Fa smoothly brought up his previous thoughts, looking toward Han Lao as he instructed, “Han Lao, select some disciples from the Intelligence Division and send them to Haori Mountain.”

Seeing Zheng Fa’s serious expression, Han Lao straightened up and cupped his hands in response: “Yes!”

“Don’t get too close to Haori Mountain,” Zheng Fa warned. “The most important thing is to clarify three matters:”

“First, can Luo Sanxian be resurrected?”

“Second, is Lu Mo still on the mountain?”

“Third, is the Three Clans still dominant on Haori Mountain?”

Everyone exchanged glances, understanding that Zheng Fa truly intended to attack Haori Mountain.

But what did “still dominant by the Three Clans” mean?

Han Lao’s face showed difficulty: “That is probably a secret of Haori Mountain.”

“We’ll do our best. Shi Nandang and I know some inside information about Haori Mountain;

it might help you.”

Zheng Fa knew it was difficult to investigate these matters and didn’t push hard.

Seeing others’ solemn expressions, as if sensing an imminent heavenly war, he laughed: “I want to strike while the iron is hot, but I suspect the Demon Ancestor is still behind Haori Mountain.”

“The Demon Ancestor?”

Everyone’s faces instantly changed.

This was a guess Zheng Fa made from Immortal Yun’s attitude and he hadn’t yet discussed it with them.

“Lu Mo might be able to command one or more Demon Ancestors,” Zheng Fa shared his thoughts, “Perhaps these Demon Ancestors will appear on Haori Mountain.”

Senior Sister Zhang understood: “You mean if Luo Sanxian dies and Immortal Yun is trapped in the Underworld, Lu Mo will command the Demon Ancestor to emerge?”

Zheng Fa nodded: “It depends on whether Lu Mo is still on Haori Mountain now.”

Everyone understood his implication.

If Lu Mo is on Haori Mountain, the Demon Ancestor might not manifest.

But if Lu Mo is recuperating or restricted by the heavens and earth from entering Xuanwei, he might really let the Demon Ancestor emerge.

Otherwise, it’s like handing Haori Mountain directly to Zheng Fa.

Uncle Pang was somewhat disappointed: “No wonder you want to check if the Three Clans are still dominant. If the Demon Ancestor emerges, we’re done for?”

“No,” Zheng Fa laughed, “There’s still a chance. If Haori Mountain doesn’t have Dao Fruit, then no doubt, we’ll strike their door directly.”

“If the Demon Ancestor really appears... given Haori Mountain’s situation, internal chaos will probably break out.”

Hearing this, Shi Nandang suddenly realized: “If the Demon Ancestor controls Haori Mountain, the Lu Clan is fine, but the Yun and Luo Clans will be doomed.”

Uncle Pang also understood: “The Demon Ancestor has a big family to support.”

“That’s why I want the entire Xuanwei artifact forging market,” Zheng Fa nodded, “The Taishang Dao’s, the Western Continent’s, and even… Haori Mountain’s.”

Senior Sister Zhang agreed: “If we want to promote the Immortal Formation Method, our resource consumption won’t be small. Making money might even be more important than occupying Haori Mountain.”

“If Haori Mountain encounters problems, it will be an opportunity for Jiushan Sect.”

Senior Sister Zhang understood his intention.

If Haori Mountain is emptied, Zheng Fa will naturally eliminate this trouble.

If not, then first seize their market.

On one hand, the resources earned will be converted into real combat power through the Myriad Immortal Formation.

On the other hand, it will also weaken Haori Mountain’s strength.

Who says economic warfare isn’t war?

Because Zheng Fa would soon enter seclusion to advance, this discussion at the Heavenly Palace Hall was basically Jiushan Realm’s strategic plan after his seclusion, so the meeting lasted a long time.

By the time all the details were finalized, it was already the morning of a month later.

Zheng Fa returned to his courtyard, set aside mundane matters, and focused on preparing for seclusion.

Uncle Pang and Elder Yu flew together in the sky and saw the Golden Crow pulling the Heavenly Emperor body rise slowly from the east.

The sunlight gently spread between the skies and earth of Jiushan Realm.

Between the Xuanwu Dormitory islands, disciples hurried by, seemingly preparing to attend classes at Jiushan University, murmuring as if reviewing lessons.

In the mortal realm, farmers carrying hoes walked toward the fields, dew dripping beside their legs.

The two former Jiushan Sect leaders silently stopped, watching as the golden light of the rising sun reflected in their pupils.

After some time, they glanced at each other and then separately rushed toward their respective departments without hesitation.

However, they soon gathered again.

“The Lord Shuyu Dragon is coming?” Elder Yu and Uncle Pang looked at the Heavenly Emperor body, both a little caught off guard. “What for?”

“She said she wants to see the status of the Dragon Clan’s cultivation experiments,” Zheng Fa’s true body was in seclusion, so the Heavenly Emperor body had to manage affairs. “But I think the Dragon Lord is probably panicking too.”

The two nodded knowingly.

“Also, her Dao Fruit was affected even more than ours.”

The Nine Nether Emperor had established the Reincarnation Cycle, so the Dao Fruit cultivators would feel as if the sky was falling upon waking.

The Heavenly Emperor body continued: “Lord Shuyu Dragon is our Jiushan ally. I can’t leave Jiushan Realm, so I ask you masters to welcome her together with Fairy Xiao.”

Elder Yu and Uncle Pang naturally understood his meaning.

Among Jiushan Sect’s alliances, the Nine Nether Emperor was unparalleled, a major power.

The next tier was not Yaochi or Taishang Dao but this Lord Shuyu Dragon.

Most of the Hundred Immortals Alliance’s territory was sea region, with marine farming and other industries, still in early stages but already generating considerable income, destined to become another pillar industry.

Not to mention trade routes resembling endless spirit stone mines, bringing Jiushan Sect abundant resources.

Moreover, Lord Shuyu Dragon’s background was clean and, to some extent, even more trustworthy than the Four Sects. Her strength in Xuanwei was expert-level and even more formidable in the sea.

Zheng Fa and the Jiushan elders highly valued her.

Hence, they wanted the two elders to welcome her together as a courtesy.

Elder Yu and Uncle Pang, while watching Xiao Yuying and disciples standing at the shore to greet, patiently waited to observe Lord Shuyu Dragon’s value to Jiushan Sect.

The sea was calm, gentle waves rhythmically striking the coastal rocks.

Suddenly, a massive black shadow appeared under the sea, growing so large it quickly covered the entire coastline.

Everyone’s expressions turned serious.

Lord Shuyu Dragon burst out of the sea, transforming in midair into a dignified and elegant woman, her face cold as she scanned them.

“Greetings, Dragon Lord!”

“Master!”

Elder Yu and others greeted respectfully.

The Dragon Lord’s gaze passed over Elder Yu’s face, then she frowned and looked at Xiao Yuying: “Where is Zheng Fa?”

“The Sect Leader felt something and is preparing for his breakthrough, waiting in Jiushan Realm.”

The Dragon Lord’s expression softened a little: “Then I am the one disturbing you.”

Uncle Pang thought the Dragon Lord was probably in a bad mood but still reasonable.

“Who are these?”

“These two are Jiushan Sect’s former Grand Elders, Grand Elder Pang and Elder Yu.”

The Dragon Lord’s expression was indifferent, barely nodding her head.

Though both were Nascent Soul cultivators, in her eyes they were insignificant.

Xiao Yuying added: “Elder Yu is Sect Leader Zheng’s master.”

The Dragon Lord fixed her eyes on Elder Yu and actually revealed a slight smile: “Master and disciple, my apologies.”

Seeing her smile, Elder Yu and the overlooked Uncle Pang exchanged a glance, and Elder Yu silently cursed:

“A disciple is a disciple. Master? Pfft!”

It seemed Elder Yu’s warm welcome of the Sect Leader’s master pleased the Dragon Lord quite a bit. The group was lively on the way and soon arrived at Jiushan Realm.

Elder Yu smiled: “Is this the Dragon Lord’s first visit to Jiushan Realm?”

The Dragon Lord nodded and then looked at Xiao Yuying beside her: “Today, I want to see what’s so special about Jiushan Realm that makes my disciple unwilling to leave, no matter life or death.”

Xiao Yuying lowered her head, her expression shy and embarrassed.

Seeing the Dragon Lord’s curiosity, Elder Yu really took the honored guest around.

Jiushan Military Academy was currently rehearsing immortal formations and naturally was not for outsiders.

The rest was unremarkable. Lord Shuyu Dragon took a cursory tour, roughly visiting Jiushan University and various factories.

Although Zheng Fa was in seclusion, his plans for standardized innate treasures, experiments decoding Haori Mountain’s Scripture Hall texts, and previous research and production tasks had made most of Jiushan Realm bustling with activity.

Many disciples were so busy their feet never touched the ground, yet the chaos was orderly, and their faces showed calm confidence.

This surprised Lord Shuyu Dragon.

“Jiushan Sect unaware of the Nine Nether Emperor’s proving of Taiyi Dao?” Lord Shuyu Dragon asked, “I see many cultivators in the sea region are panic-stricken;

Yaochi seems to be in chaos again.”

Elder Yu thought: before Zheng Fa’s return, it was much the same for them.

Not that the Nine Nether Demon Ancestor’s proving had direct effects on ordinary cultivators.

But it affected Dao Fruit patterns, easily causing disasters that harm innocent bystanders.

Most cultivators were very familiar with such dangers.

Cultivators were a group extremely sensitive to danger.

He didn’t explain further, only chuckled softly:

“Our Jiushan Sect has always been like this.”

There was a strange confidence in facing shocks without change, watching storms unfold with a smile.

Lord Shuyu Dragon stopped and looked at him deeply, as if trying to judge whether this confidence was genuine.

But neither Elder Yu nor her disciple looked worried;

they seemed to endorse Elder Yu’s words.

This made Lord Shuyu Dragon narrow her eyes, a thoughtful expression crossing her face.

The group soon arrived at the Heavenly Palace Hall and met Zheng Fa’s Heavenly Emperor body.

“Sect Leader Zheng.”

Lord Shuyu Dragon cupped her hands to the Heavenly Emperor body, her attitude more serious than their previous meeting.

The Heavenly Emperor body invited the Dragon Lord to sit.

After some small talk, the Heavenly Emperor body said: “Elder Jiao Wuji’s side is ready. Shall I accompany you to take a look?”

“No rush.” Unexpectedly, Lord Shuyu Dragon seemed to have made a decision and declined, “I came naturally to check on the experiments. But there are some matters I think you should know, Sect Leader Zheng.”

“What matters?”

“The meteor shower in Xuanwei has lasted over a month.” Suddenly Lord Shuyu Dragon changed the topic, “Since the first meteor appeared, I’ve felt changes in the sea region.”

The Heavenly Emperor body knew the meteor shower was composed of fallen Golden Immortals.

According to the Heavenly River Venerable, these worlds created by Golden Immortals would merge with Xuanwei.

He hadn’t expected it to happen so quickly.

Seeing he remained silent, Lord Shuyu Dragon continued: “The sea region is expanding.”

Indeed, as a sea deity, her feelings were naturally trusted by Jiushan Realm.

“The sea region is the foundation of Jiushan Sect. Thank you for informing us, Dragon Lord.”

But Lord Shuyu Dragon shook her head and said something that shocked everyone in the hall: “It seems there are cultivators in the newly born sea region.”

The Heavenly Emperor body frowned.

This matter seemed small, but Lord Shuyu Dragon deliberately mentioned it to warn of something else:

Another force had appeared in the sea region, which Jiushan Sect had long considered its exclusive forbidden zone.