Chapter 46: The Mirror Master Questions the Mountain
This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation
Qing Prefecture was the domain of the Chen Clan of Immortals, perched atop Yellow Cloud Mountain. Unlike other sects, this immortal clan preserved the structure of an ancient aristocratic family. Any disciple joining the sect had to renounce their original surname and adopt the Chen name.
In the early days of the Taiyuan era, just as spring approached and the chill of winter receded, the great formation guarding Yellow Cloud Mountain was abruptly dismantled. The immortal mist shrouding the mountain gradually dissipated with a sweep of the Sect Master’s sleeve. On this radiant day, the sunlight poured down, and disciples from both the inner and outer courts stood in orderly rows along the mountain paths, whispering among themselves.
“Are disciples from another sect coming to pay their respects?”
“The protective formation has been lifted. This is no ordinary visit; it must be an inquiry of the mountain.”
“What’s the difference between paying respects and inquiring of the mountain?”
“When disciples of another sect visit, even if they are direct disciples of a sect master, they must first present an invitation. This is called paying respects. However, when a sect master personally visits another sect, it’s referred to as inquiring of the mountain. To show proper respect, the visited sect must dismantle its protective formation.”
“But I’ve never heard of a sect master leaving their mountain.”
“Yesterday, a senior brother saw people from Spirit Sword Mountain arriving. It’s said that the one visiting this time is their direct disciple, the Mirror Master.”
At the pinnacle of Yellow Cloud Mountain, amidst an endless sea of clouds, three figures stood braced against the wind. The rising sun cast golden rays across the churning white clouds. Among them were two young men and women: Chen Luo and Chen Xi, a brother and sister bearing the main bloodline of the Chen Clan. Although youthful, they had both reached the mid-stage Dao Fusion Realm, marking them as direct disciples of their generation.
Behind them stood an elderly woman, Granny Wu, a formidable Boundless Martial Stage cultivator who acted as their guardian. The three gazed down at the array of Chen disciples filling the mountain below, along with the immortal cranes soaring amidst the clouds, their expressions tinged with confusion.
Chen Luo spoke coldly, looking toward Granny Wu. “Last autumn, my sister and I visited Spirit Sword Mountain, presenting an invitation as protocol demanded. Although Yan Shu Yi is only a direct disciple of Spirit Sword Mountain, what gives her the audacity to inquire of the mountain and even alarm our clan ancestor?”
Granny Wu responded calmly, “Young master, your words are valid. However, the Mirror Master of Spirit Sword Mountain is unlike other direct disciples.”
Chen Xi’s curiosity was piqued. “Granny Wu, how so?”
“Among the Seven Great Immortal Sects, only the Heavenly Script Academy has yet to appoint a direct disciple. The other six have done so. But Spirit Sword Mountain’s Mirror Master stands apart from them all,” Granny Wu explained, folding her hands behind her back. “She alone wields the Sacred Artifact of the Heavenly Dao. While she is not yet the sect master, she already holds that authority.”
Chen Xi and Chen Luo exchanged startled glances. They understood that being a sect master’s direct disciple did not guarantee succession to that position. For example, Chu Xian of the Mystic Origin Immortal Palace was a peerless talent whose mastery of mystical arts was unrivaled. Yet the palace ultimately belonged to the Ji family, and it remained uncertain whether the Ji sect master would pass on leadership to Chu Xian.
Even in the flourishing immortal world of the Azure Clouds Dominion, sects were akin to monarchies, adhering to the principle of hereditary rule. Legends abounded of disciples whose brilliance transcended the ages, only for their masters to favor them to the point of passing on techniques and even daughters in marriage. But in reality, who would willingly hand over the legacy and power of a millennia-old sect to an outsider?
Even among the same lineage, the internal struggles for power were fierce and unending. Spirit Sword Mountain itself was a testament to this, as the three main branches—Heavenly Sword Peak, Mystic Sword Peak, and Sword Inquiry Peak—had vied for dominance for centuries. Eventually, Heavenly Sword Peak emerged as the sole authority, producing five consecutive sect masters. However, the mysterious disappearance of the previous Mirror Master, who hailed from Heavenly Sword Peak, disrupted this balance. The Spirit Mirror, their Sacred Artifact, fell into the hands of Mystic Sword Peak.
Thus, Spirit Sword Mountain’s current Mirror Master, Yan Shu Yi, differed profoundly from her contemporaries. As the wielder of a Sacred Artifact, she was destined to become the sect master, a status even the current sect master could not contest. The Sacred Artifact symbolized the sect’s lineage; without its recognition, a sect could not progress beyond the fifth stage to the immortal realm. Losing the endorsement of their Sacred Artifact would demote even the greatest immortal sect to the level of an aristocratic family.
For this reason, the other six sects regarded Yan Shu Yi as more than a mere disciple. Even the headmaster of the Heavenly Script Academy, the foremost sect, would personally dismantle their protective formation to welcome her and demonstrate goodwill between the sects.
Hearing this, Chen Luo and Chen Xi were astonished. Granny Wu continued, “The Azure Clouds Dominion has enjoyed a millennium of peace, maintained by the independence of the Seven Great Immortal Sects. However, the recent emergence of Malignant Beings signals an impending era of chaos. Spirit Sword Mountain’s Mirror Master making her first appearance in Qing Prefecture is a display of power and a warning to other sects and rogue forces alike.”
Chen Xi’s eyes lit up with understanding. “Is that why the Dao Seeking Sect’s direct disciple came to congratulate her upon her breakthrough?”
“Indeed,” Granny Wu replied. “She may be a woman, but in the end, she is destined to marry.”
Chen Luo and Chen Xi pondered her words in silence. Suddenly, the cry of immortal cranes echoed across the sky. Turning their gaze downward, they saw a woman of breathtaking beauty ascending the divine path. Accompanied by over a dozen followers, she moved with calm elegance toward the clan’s grand hall.
Within the hall, several elders of the Chen Clan had already taken their seats. The sect master, Chen Ru Hai, stood at the forefront. Upon meeting, both sides exchanged formal courtesies.
“It is an honor for my Chen Clan to receive the Mirror Master. Please, take the seat of honor,” Chen Ru Hai said, gesturing politely.
Yan Shu Yi smiled faintly. “Thank you, Sect Master Chen.”
Chen Ru Hai stroked his beard and gave a meaningful glance to his attendant. Moments later, a thin clan member was brought into the hall. Bowing first to the clan elders and then to Yan Shu Yi, he stood aside respectfully. Standing near Chen Ru Hai was Chen Sheng, the clan’s Chief Steward, who explained, “The man you sent to our mountain yesterday has been identified. His name is Chen Qing He, a former disciple of the Chen Clan. This is his former master, Chen En.”
Yan Shu Yi arched an eyebrow. “Former?”
Chen En stepped forward and bowed. “Mirror Master, Chen Qing He was indeed my disciple, but he remained at the pinnacle of the Lower Three Stages for many years. Over a year ago, he descended the mountain.”
“So, you claim that Spirit Sword Mountain’s missing disciple has no connection to the Chen Clan?” Yan Shu Yi asked sharply.
Chen En bowed deeply. “Mirror Master, I assure you, Chen Qing He’s actions were not directed by the Chen Clan.”
Yan Shu Yi’s gaze sharpened. “Do you know where he went after leaving the mountain?”
Chen En shook his head. “The bond of master and disciple ended with his descent. I have no knowledge of his whereabouts since.”
At this, Chen Ru Hai spoke gravely. “Since the disciple vanished in Qing Prefecture, the Chen Clan bears responsibility. We have already dispatched outer court disciples to investigate.”
Yan Shu Yi glanced at Chen Ru Hai, then turned back to Chen En. “He was at the pinnacle of the Lower Three Stages when he left, yet within a year advanced to the upper stage of Dao Fusion?”
“The message from Spirit Sword Mountain surprised us as well,” Chen Ru Hai admitted. “We have ordered a thorough examination of all records pertaining to Chen Qing He’s cultivation techniques, medicines, and daily habits. Mirror Master, please follow me to the Disciples’ Hall to see for yourself.”
Yan Shu Yi rose, following Chen En to the hall to scrutinize Chen Qing He’s records. Meanwhile, Chen Ru Hai exchanged a look with Chen Sheng, and the two quietly retreated through a rear passage, entering a narrow corridor that led to a stone chamber.
Inside, Chen Qing He was bound with iron chains, struggling wildly. His inhuman behavior had persisted without pause since the previous night.
“Have you confirmed his movements?” Chen Ru Hai asked.
Chen Sheng nodded. “After leaving the mountain, he traveled to Qiling Town in Central Prefecture.”
Chen Ru Hai’s face remained impassive. “The largest Ancient Ruin lies in Qiling. To this day, it remains unopened.”
Chen Sheng hesitated. “Could this be connected to the sudden exodus of Malignant Beings from the ruin?”
“Undoubtedly,” Chen Ru Hai replied. “But that is not the main issue. The true matter of importance is how he advanced so drastically within a year. The ruin must contain an extraordinary treasure.”
“But Chen Qing He has lost his humanity,” Chen Sheng pointed out.
Chen Ru Hai chuckled. “What of it? Even as a mindless weapon, he cannot fall into another’s hands. The Heavenly Script Academy sent disciples to investigate the Malignant Beings, and I doubt their motives are purely for justice.”
Chen Sheng thought for a moment. “We must send our own people to the ruin quickly to avoid being outpaced by other sects.”
“Indeed,” Chen Ru Hai agreed.
“Should we inform the clan patriarch?”
The Chen Clan’s patriarch, a Transcendent Immortal, held ultimate authority over their Sacred Artifact but lived in seclusion deep in the mountains. Even Chen Ru Hai did not wield full control.
After a moment’s thought, Chen Ru Hai shook his head. “There are no concrete leads yet. We dare not disturb him until we have more evidence.”
“Understood,” Chen Sheng replied. “Should we also delay Spirit Sword Mountain’s party to prevent them from leaking information?”
Chen Ru Hai’s expression turned cold. “The Mirror Master of Spirit Sword Mountain is formidable but still lacks the years of experience to see the bigger picture. She focuses on the missing disciple while overlooking the greater opportunity behind it.”
Chen Sheng immediately issued orders to mobilize a group of disciples, who swiftly changed their attire and left the mountain via a concealed path, heading toward Qiling Town.
Unbeknownst to them, Zhuo Wan Qiu and three disciples had been observing from behind an ancient tree along the mountain path.
“As the Mirror Master suspected, they’re making a move. Follow them,” Zhuo Wan Qiu instructed quietly.
“……”