Chapter 188: Pilgrimage
This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation
“Brother, we’re not walking the Immortal Path, so why are we heading there?” Yao Zu asked, his voice tinged with confusion.
“To hone our skills and broaden our horizons. The stones of another mountain can polish jade,” Qin Ming replied calmly.
The Flying Immortal Academy was located in the adjacent district and was renowned across Kun Lun. It exclusively admitted disciples of the Immortal Path, and its recruitment was extremely selective. For top-tier talents who lacked connections but aimed to enter the Immortal Path through standard examinations, it was one of the most coveted destinations.
“This Flying Immortal District is truly incredible!” Yao Zu exclaimed as he took in the sight of towering spires piercing the clouds. It was said that during storms, these spires could attract lightning to harvest celestial energy. Even in the bustling marketplace, streaks of golden light occasionally flashed across the night sky.
These streaks were pure yang consciousness auras, emanating from those who had attained success on the Immortal Path, their spirits venturing outward.
Yao Zu’s gaze fixed on a blazing streak that resembled a comet tearing through the heavens. “Brother, look over there! It’s cutting through the night sky like a blade of light!”
Qin Ming looked solemn as he watched the spectacle. In the dark expanse above, a beam of dazzling light pierced the clouds and descended toward the earth.
“This must be a senior of the Pure Yang level. Is he wandering through the dark clouds to collect ‘celestial radiance,’ or is he refining himself with this outer-worldly light?”
“It seems he’s descending toward the Flying Immortal Academy,” Qin Ming observed. Around them, others lifted their heads, their expressions calm, as if such events were commonplace.
Admiring the extraordinary display, Qin Ming sighed. “The methods of the Immortal Path are indeed miraculous. How carefree it must be to roam the heavens, harvesting celestial essence at will.”
Someone nearby echoed his thoughts. “To roam the Northern Sea by morning and the Cangwu Mountains by night.”
Yao Zu whispered telepathically, “Brother, with our Rainbow Transformation Path, we could reach those heights too. You shouldn’t envy them too much. Your Celestial Light Force can also leave your body, though you currently need assistance to pull it out. When you reach the Outer Saint level, I reckon you’ll be able to manage on your own.”
“Let’s focus,” Qin Ming replied, reminding Yao Zu to keep his comments in check, especially as they neared their destination.
The Flying Immortal Academy, though located at the heart of the district, exuded an ethereal ambiance with its rolling mountains and misty white fog. The environment radiated the tranquil majesty of an immortal sanctuary.
Qin Ming and Yao Zu entered smoothly, encountering no barriers. Many others, also from various academies, had been drawn here by the news.
The night sky above the academy was alight with streaking glows—most of them the consciousness auras of the academy’s disciples.
“It truly lives up to its reputation as the top Immortal Path academy,” an outsider marveled. “Supported by the Pure Land Sect, this place is a haven for geniuses.”
At the heart of the academy was a vast arena inscribed with intricate runes. Occasionally, radiant mist would rise from the ground, marking it as the Flying Immortal Academy’s dueling field. Today, however, it was packed with a dense crowd.
A revered elder was scheduled to give a lecture here.
Although Qin Ming and Yao Zu arrived relatively early, the area was already swarming with people, with even more pouring in by the moment.
“What’s going on? Why are there so many people?” Yao Zu muttered, feeling as though the crowd might lift him off the ground. He was particularly stunned by the sheer number of enthusiastic young women surging toward the front, undeterred by the chaos.
“Don’t you know who’s coming?” someone nearby asked, astonished.
“Sun Tai Chu, the venerable ancestor of the Pure Land, one of the most powerful figures in the Night Fog World, is gracing this place. Anyone aspiring to the Immortal Path would leap at the chance to hear his teachings!”
Yao Zu was baffled. “Who’s this old Sun guy? Never heard of him!”
“Grandmaster Sun’s mastery approaches the immortal realm. He stands above the clouds, gazing over the eight directions. He’s the ultimate goal of our generation! I’ve admired him for years and came here specifically to pay my respects!”
“Every disciple under his tutelage has become a pillar of the Immortal Path. Even his youngest pupil is an Immortal Seed,” another chimed in reverently.
As Qin Ming listened, he began to understand why the name sounded familiar. He had anticipated the arrival of a senior figure but hadn’t expected someone of this caliber. The thought of facing Sun Tai Chu filled him with an urge to leave immediately; the elder’s reputation was formidable.
This was a man who dared slam the table at Cao Gan Qiu, another illustrious elder of the Night Fog World.
However, the surging crowd made retreat nearly impossible. More disciples and elders continued to arrive, making movement against the flow difficult.
“I bet everyone in Kun Lun City who walks the Immortal Path is here, from disciples to seniors,” someone observed. “Even those from the Tai Yi Academy, Pure Yang Palace, and Feathered Transformation Dao Ground have come. These institutions are supported by the Immortal Land, Yang Land, and Calamity Land, respectively.”
In truth, the gathering extended beyond these factions. Practitioners from the New Awakening Path, the Secret Sect, and the Aberration Path had also arrived, eager to witness the legendary elder’s presence.
“Disperse and take your seats,” a Pure Yang consciousness aura announced, its voice resonating in everyone’s ears.
“Don’t worry. Grandmaster Sun will ascend to the void to deliver his lecture,” another voice assured.
At last, the crowd began to settle. Qin Ming and Yao Zu, however, grew restless, feeling out of place amidst the throng. They debated leaving, but the magnetic anticipation in the air held the others firmly in place.
Suddenly, a profound wave of energy swept through the academy, instilling a sense of peace and harmony. Golden radiance rippled outward, illuminating the night sky.
A golden sun rose slowly from the depths of the academy, its brilliant light bathing the entire area.
Cries of amazement erupted as people realized Sun Tai Chu had arrived.
High above, a figure clad in feathered robes ascended into the sky. With billowing sleeves and a radiant aura, the elder appeared otherworldly, emanating golden light that overshadowed even the grandest fire springs of Kun Lun.
“Back in the day, the blazing sun in the sky wasn’t more dazzling than this. It’s like the heavens themselves have descended!” Even senior figures were awestruck.
This was not Sun Tai Chu’s physical body but a Pure Yang consciousness manifesting in human form, floating majestically in the air.
“Rumor has it that Senior Sun’s hair is a mix of white and black. After his recent seclusion, some of his white hair has turned black, a sign of his deepened cultivation,” an expert on the Immortal Path murmured in awe.
Indeed, the elder floating in the sky had interwoven strands of black and white hair.
“We come as pilgrims to pay homage to the Grandmaster!”
“Greetings to Senior Sun!”
Many fell to their knees in reverence, their hearts filled with piety as they gazed upon him.
Qin Ming and Yao Zu, however, stood silently. While most knelt, their upright posture was conspicuous. Fortunately, some in the distance also remained standing or were seated on the ground, especially members of the Secret Sect who wouldn’t kneel to an elder of the Immortal Path.
Sun Tai Chu’s Pure Yang consciousness sat cross-legged in the sky, illuminating the Flying Immortal Academy and the surrounding district as brightly as day. He spoke with calm authority:
“There’s no need to bow to me. Our path seeks truth and draws near the immortal. Ultimately, even immortality can be forsaken. Why bow to an old man like me? To forge ahead in the Night Fog World, one must cultivate a fearless heart.”
His tone was gentle, distinctly different from the imposing demeanor of Cao Gan Qiu. Had Cao Gan Qiu been present, his aura would have manifested as a scarlet sun, its sheer presence overwhelming even the most powerful individuals.
Sun Tai Chu’s consciousness radiated grandeur without aggression, suppressing its terrifying energy. Yet, he made no effort to stop those determined to bow. After a few words of encouragement directed at the Flying Immortal Academy’s disciples, he began his lecture.
The sky filled with radiant auspicious light, and glowing symbols danced across the area, imbued with profound Daoist principles. These symbols resonated with those present, helping them gain insights into the Immortal Path.
“This elder is truly remarkable,” Yao Zu admitted, swallowing the irreverent nickname he had almost blurted. He couldn’t help but wonder if the legendary ancestors on the moon could rival this man.
Qin Ming silently marveled at how Sun Tai Chu’s spoken truths could harmonize with the glowing runes, drawing attendees into an immersive state of enlightenment. Such mastery was extraordinary.
For nearly an hour, celestial light descended from the heavens, fire springs erupted from the earth, and golden lotus symbols emerged in the void. The Flying Immortal Academy was shrouded in a miraculous aura. Many attendees experienced breakthroughs, gaining clarity on obstacles that had previously hindered their cultivation.
Qin Ming, however, felt little change. His natural talent for comprehension meant he rarely struggled with such revelations and gained no significant insights this time.
After exactly one hour, Sun Tai Chu concluded his lecture.
Awakened from their meditative states, many attendees called out, “Thank you, Senior, for your divine teachings, which have enlightened us!”
From the golden sun in the sky, Sun Tai Chu’s voice resonated: “This is merely the release of your own potential. To walk the Immortal Path, one must understand their true self.”
Qin Ming’s expression grew serious. Sun Tai Chu’s prowess was undeniable. He couldn’t help but wonder how formidable Cui Chong He, the elder’s disciple of more than a decade, must now be.
A middle-aged man from the Secret Sect boldly spoke up: “May I ask, Senior, if your visit to Kun Lun is to deal with the auspicious beast?”
Sun Tai Chu nodded. “Yes, the matter is no longer a secret. The crisis on the plateau involves more than a single auspicious beast. However, within danger lies opportunity. For you, it might be a chance to change your fate.”
The crowd soon learned that the blood of the auspicious beast could accelerate the transformation of consciousness into Pure Yang, enable physical nirvana, enhance one’s innate gifts, and extend lifespan—a rare and mature miracle medicine.
Sun Tai Chu smiled faintly. “This time, multiple paths converge, offering everyone a fair chance. Regardless of your affiliation, as long as you contribute significantly to clearing the plateau, you’ll earn the beast’s blood. In truth, this is merely a rehearsal for the great frontier expedition. Seize the opportunity.”
A woman, transformed from an advanced aberration, hesitated before asking, “In the eyes of someone like you, so close to immortality, the plateau is seen as a grave crisis. Can we really succeed in stabilizing it?”
“Don’t worry. Experts from all paths are participating this time,” Sun Tai Chu replied.
“Is Senior Cao Gan Qiu coming as well? Rumor has it he was injured at Black and White Mountain. How is he now?” another voice asked.
From the night sky, a deep, commanding voice answered: “What do you think? My master will undoubtedly attend!”
A scarlet sun appeared, radiating intense pressure. Although it didn’t reach the overwhelming magnitude of Cao Gan Qiu’s presence, it was enough to make many tremble.
Cao Gan Qiu’s first disciple, Pu Heng, arrived, exuding a fraction of his master’s imposing demeanor.
The crowd grew wary, knowing the lineage was not to be trifled with.
Pu Heng saluted Sun Tai Chu respectfully, showing due reverence to the elder. Then, turning to the crowd, his voice grew cold: “Frankly, the Pure Land lineage alone is sufficient. The rest of you are just here to make up the numbers, hoping to snatch a share of the longevity blood.”
“What did you say?!” another figure retorted, as a glowing sun, different from Pure Yang light, appeared. This radiance boiled with celestial energy.
Pu Heng sneered. “Oh, it’s one of the old Sky-Supporting Sect’s disciples. How are you still alive? At your age, most of your body is already in the grave. Why bother showing up?”
“Pu Heng, do you want to explode?!” the Sky-Supporting Sect’s disciple roared.
“Ha! I’m not just talking about your sect. The entire New Awakening Path is failing. Is your master waiting for the beast’s blood to extend his life? Even the Six Rulers Sect is ready to enter their coffins. Your path is doomed, finally coming to its end.” Pu Heng laughed arrogantly.
Suddenly, a golden aberrant bird streaked across the sky, carrying a youth dressed in coarse linen. Radiating celestial light, the youth punched through the void with a resounding boom.
The scarlet sun that was Pu Heng’s manifestation began to crack, splitting rapidly until it exploded entirely.
The crowd erupted into chaos, stunned by the convergence of so many powerful figures. Today’s gathering had truly turned into a pilgrimage for disciples from all paths.