Vast Sun's Hidden Affairs, Too Good to Be True

"It is speculated that Cloud True Immortal did not want Loose Immortal Luo to be resurrected too quickly."

Inside the Purple Tenuity Enclosure Heavenly Palace Hall of the Nine Mountains Realm, Senior Sister Zhang read the message Biography of Zheng Fa while analyzing it with Shi Nandang and the other person.

Shi Nandang listened intently, as if comparing it with the past events of Vast Sun in his own memory.

Although Xie Qingxue was not from Vast Sun Mountain, as a direct disciple of the Tianhe Sect Leader, she knew a lot about Vast Sun Mountain. At this moment, she was also listening attentively, frowning in thought.

Senior Sister Zhang continued, "Vast Sun Mountain is quite different from sects like Supreme Dao."

Xie Qingxue asked, "Different?"

"Their Dao Fruit is too low."

Xie Qingxue slapped the hilt of her sword. "That's true. Not to mention the Supreme Dao and the Thunder Sound Sect, even the Jade Pool seems to have more than three Dao Fruit."

Indeed, there are more than that.

Although the Four Sects don't have many True Immortal in the Xuanwei Realm, it doesn't mean they only have a few—for example, Jade Pool seems to be being bullied to death by Thunderclap Temple.

However, the confirmed Dao Fruit are those of three people: the Jade Pool Water Mother, the Nishang Yuanjun, and the Blissful Heavenly Maiden.

Based on information intentionally or unintentionally revealed by Nishang Yuanjun, it can be inferred that there should be other Dao Fruit in Jade Pool.

Only Vast Sun Mountain, judging from the Three Sages Hall and the Three Clans, has only three Dao Fruit.

Shi Nandang nodded and said, "Our Vast Sun Mountain has only ever had the saying of three patriarchs; I've never heard of any other Founder."

After he finished speaking, both he and Xie Qingxue looked puzzled, as if they didn't understand why Vast Sun Mountain would only have these three Dao Fruit.

"My junior brother and I have a theory," Senior Sister Zhang said, "that most of Vast Sun Mountain's resources have been used by Lu Mo."

"Saint..." Shi Nandang uttered the word, then realizing it was inappropriate, changed his words to, "Lu Mo?"

Shi Nandang uttered the two words "Lu Mo," a secretive thrill appeared on his face.

"Lu Mo has attained the Golden Immortal realm three times. Even if we don't count his first time as the Demon Emperor, it would still be twice. So, Vast Sun Mountain has actually cultivated two Golden Immortal, but both of them are Lu Mo."

Xie Qingxue understood a little. "So, Lu Mo spent a lot of resources to make it difficult for the others in Vast Sun Mountain to achieve the Dao Fruit?"

Senior Sister Zhang nodded. "Only in this way can we explain why Vast Sun Mountain cultivates so few Dao Fruit cultivators, and why Lu Mo even needs the help of Thunderclap Temple to attain the Golden Immortal in this life—it seems that Vast Sun Mountain's resources are simply insufficient."

Xie Qingxue and Shi Nandang exchanged a glance and nodded slightly, finding the idea highly plausible.

Shi Nandang then asked, "What does this have to do with Cloud True Immortal?"

"The Nishang Yuanjun said that Cloud True Immortal attained enlightenment very early, and because Lu Mo sometimes transformed into the Devil Ancestor and sometimes went to Thunderclap Temple, he has actually been the true ruler of Vast Sun Mountain since the Devil Ancestor Era."

"On the one hand, all the resources have been used up by Lu Mo, leaving Cloud True Immortal with little hope of advancing."

"On the other hand, Lu Mo has been away from Vast Sun Mountain for a long time, so Cloud True Immortal is the de facto master of Vast Sun Mountain."

Xie Qingxue and the other person listened and fell into deep thought.

"Does Cloud True Immortal dare to defy Lu Mo?"

Xie Qingxue felt that Cloud True Immortal was a bit frustrated and might even have some ambition, but as long as he wasn't stupid, he definitely wouldn't dare to disobey Lu Mo.

"I wouldn't dare, but there's also Loose Immortal Luo," Senior Sister Zhang shook her head and said, "If it weren't for my junior brother getting some information from Nishang Yuanjun, and me using the Primordial Eight Trigrams to deduce it, I still wouldn't be able to figure it out."

"Loose Immortal Luo?"

"The Nishang Yuanjun said that in this era, Loose Immortal Luo is the one in charge of Vast Sun Mountain. Although the reason is unknown, Cloud True Immortal is no longer involved in affairs."

"That's true," Shi Nandang confirmed. "Although all three ancestors received decrees, Lu Mo received the fewest, while Loose Immortal Luo received the most frequently. Logically, it should be Cloud True Immortal."

Xie Qingxue realized. "Cloud True Immortal is unwilling?"

Senior Sister Zhang shook her head. "Judging from his apparent delay in resurrecting Loose Immortal Luo, he must harbor resentment. Moreover, if the Immortal-Trapping Sword is truly refined by Loose Immortal Luo, it's hard to say who will be in charge of Vast Sun Mountain in the future."

"Even if Cloud True Immortal is gentle and kind, she's not made of clay."

Cloud True Immortal looked at Zheng Fa with an inscrutable expression and a hint of oppressive power in his eyes.

Zheng Fa lowered his head, pondering his and Senior Sister Zhang's speculations—although Vast Sun Mountain was not as hostile as Jade Pool, there were still undercurrents surging within it.

Previously, the three Dao Fruit of Vast Sun Mountain had a clear hierarchy:

The head of the gang Lu Mo, the Golden Immortal.

Second-in-command: Cloud True Immortal.

The third leader was naturally Loose Immortal Luo.

The problem is that in this era, Loose Immortal Luo has risen against the tide. If he obtains the Immortal-Trapping Sword, he probably won't be afraid of Cloud True Immortal at all.

Of course, Cloud True Immortal might also be magnanimous and not mind too much.

However, when Zheng Fa went up the mountain, he observed something—the Yunluo and Yunluo tribes were not on good terms and seemed to be fighting for the territory of the second inner city.

This demonstrates the dominance of the Luo Clan during this era.

Conversely, this also reflects that Cloud True Immortal doesn't seem to be entirely without opinions.

It's also difficult to be completely without opinions: not only are their Dao Path restricted, but they also lack power.

Cloud True Immortal turned to look at the Luo Clan Nascent Spirit Transformation who were still furious. "Shi Nandang said is not entirely unreasonable."

"I need to investigate further to determine the truth of the matter."

The Luo Clan members exchanged glances, their faces showing anger, but they dared not say anything more. However, their gazes toward Zheng Fa grew increasingly cold.

"Regarding the matter of the Immortal-Trapping Sword, I must also report to the First Ancestor before making a decision."

Cloud True Immortal seemed to ignore these glances and coldly said, "Except for Shi Nandang, the rest of you, leave."

"... yes!"

The Three Clans looked at each other, not daring to disobey, but they all glanced at Zheng Fa as they passed by.

The Yun Clan members looked on with a hint of curiosity.

The expressions of the Lu Clan and Luo Clan were not very pleasant.

After everyone left the Three Sages Palace, Cloud True Immortal stared at Zheng Fa with cold indifference in his eyes. He suddenly reached out and pointed at the top of Zheng Fa's head.

Several runes emerged from his palm and fell into Zheng Fa's Mud Pill Palace.

Zheng Fa felt his Divine Soul twitching, as if it were about to be torn apart.

The Nine Nether Talisman Edict activated on its own, connecting with these runes.

After three breaths, Cloud True Immortal's hand left Zheng Fa's forehead.

Looking at Zheng Fa, who was covered in cold sweat, much of the doubt in his eyes quietly disappeared.

"You have such audacity."

"This disciple dares not."

"What are you afraid of? You have no evidence to back up your accusations against Ancestor Luo?"

"This disciple truly doesn't understand," Zheng Fa said in a low voice, "I only wish to live."

Cloud True Immortal smiled faintly and said, "You are quite frank."

"Not one of my disciples is speaking the truth."

"The truth? Or are you trying to use me?"

Zheng Fa remained silent, seemingly speechless.

Cloud True Immortal stared at him for a long time before finally speaking, "As you wish, I will investigate. You may leave."

Zheng Fa bowed and took his leave.

He had just stepped out of the main hall when the door slammed shut, nearly hitting him in the face.

Fortunately, the Nine Nether Talisman Edict was present, Cloud True Immortal seemed not to have discovered any flaws, but that did not mean he intended to protect himself.

Just as he said, he was ultimately suspected of taking advantage of Cloud True Immortal, and if we're talking about disrespect, he was extremely disrespectful to Cloud True Immortal.

Preserving his life now is also because Cloud True Immortal wants to use him.

As for what he would do with himself, it would simply be to suppress Loose Immortal Luo's prestige and hinder his resurrection.

This aligns somewhat with his own thoughts—except that his target is Lu Mo!

Whether Loose Immortal Luo is dead or alive, he poses less of a threat to Zheng Fa.

However, Lu Mo's three attainments of the Golden Immortal affected the survival of the Nine Mountains Sect. Therefore, although he came to Vast Sun Mountain to infiltrate the Tianhe Sect, he also wanted to investigate Lu Mo's background.

It does not mean that it would undermine his enlightenment.

At least we can figure out Lu Mo's situation and even determine how much longer he needs.

He looked behind the Three Sages Hall and heard Shi Nandang said: behind the snow peak, there was a forbidden area called Vast Sun Mountain, which was said to be related to Lu Mo.

Zheng Fa simply didn't know how to enter.

After thinking for a long time, he still had no clue. He turned around and his gaze fell on the air in mid-air.

Thirteen Luo Clan cultivators stood in mid-air, looking at Zheng Fa with cold, sharp eyes.

In the void behind them, people from the Lu Clan and the Yun Clan were watching.

All eyes were on Zheng Fa.

No, the Luo Clan not only sought revenge without holding back overnight, but they also made a big show of it, calling on their friends and relatives.

The arrogance of the Three Clans greatly shocked Zheng Fa.

He glanced at the palace door behind him and saw that it was tightly closed. It seemed that Cloud True Immortal inside the hall had not seen this scene at all.

At the entrance of the Three Palaces Hall, Zheng Fa stood alone, facing a dozen or so Luo Clan cultivators.

Inside the hall.

A Yun Clan cultivator emerged from the side of the platform, seemingly noticing Zheng Fa's predicament outside the hall. He respectfully asked, "Holy Ancestor, did you leave Shi Nandang behind to strike at the Luo Clan, preventing them from having time to revive Ancestor Luo?"

This person was probably a confidant, because Cloud True Immortal offered an explanation. "These people were implying that I was delaying... This Shi Nandang happened to come at just the right time."

The man nodded and laughed, "I'm not afraid of Ancestor Luo, but I am afraid of the First Ancestor. If my Yun Clan takes action, it's easy to cause trouble."

Cloud True Immortal was silent for a moment, then smiled and said, "Does this Shi Nandang have some old grudges with my Yun Clan?"

"That's just wishful thinking; I just didn't expect him to have the guts."

"He is not only unrelated to my Yun Clan, but he was originally from the Lu Clan, the first ancestor... No wonder I..." Cloud True Immortal said softly, "Nephew Luo has also worked hard, so let him rest for a couple more days."

"Then why let them seek revenge against Shi Nandang?"

Cloud True Immortal chuckled softly, glancing at Zheng Fa through the palace doors. "This man has no sense of honor or respect whatsoever in his struggle to survive; he deserves to die."

"But if he were killed by the Luo Clan, wouldn't that ruin the Holy Ancestor's grand plan?"

"Better dead."

That's outrageous.

Is this Cloud True Immortal planning to wait until these people kill him before upholding justice?

"Shi Nandang, you have slandered the Holy Ancestor!" The old man from the hall earlier roared, looking down at Zheng Fa, his voice echoing throughout the mountainside, "His crime deserves death!"

Many disciples of Vast Sun Mountain were attracted by the sound and flew to the vicinity to watch from a distance.

Zheng Fa glanced around.

My gaze swept across a somewhat familiar face:

This is Shi Nandang's master—a direct descendant of the Lu Clan, with the cultivation level of Corpse Liberation.

He looked at himself, his gaze distant.

"Aren't you going to save your disciple?"

"He's not surnamed Lu," Master Shi Nandang said. "Even if he were surnamed Lu, daring to criticize Ancestor Luo is a capital offense."

Hearing these words, Zheng Fa couldn't help but feel a slight sneer in his heart.

The cultivators from Vast Sun Mountain could see it very clearly.

As Shi Nandang, offending Loose Immortal Luo was a genuine subversion of the Vast Sun Mountain system, enough to put Zheng Fa on the opposite side of the Three Clans.

Including the Lu Clan.

In the distance, there were some Vast Sun Mountain disciples who were not from the Three Clans. They were not qualified to enter the Three Palaces Hall and naturally did not know what had happened.

Zheng Fa withdrew his gaze and looked at the Luo Clan elder above him.

The old man spoke again, "Hand over the Soul Seal, and I'll spare your life."

You mean the Soul Seal that Shi Nandang?

To be honest, he really does have...

It seems the Luo Clan isn't stupid; they know that killing Shi Nandang have some consequences.

"Which word I said is false?" Zheng Fa spoke up, "The Immortal-Trapping Sword was destroyed by Ancestor Luo!"

Even if Ancestor Luo were to be resurrected, he wouldn't utter a single word of objection!

His voice was loud enough that not only the Luo Clan cultivators could hear it, but also the Vast Sun disciples in the distance could hear it clearly.

"How dare you slander the Holy Ancestor!"

The old man roared, and his body shone with crimson light, revealing his Yang Spirit.

He held a Yang Spirit Divine Fire Pearl in his hand, with fire snakes swirling around it, causing the air to crackle and pop.

As the unsung leader of the Luo Clan, this old man was naturally exceptionally strong, having already reached the final step before attaining the Dao Fruit: the Corpse Liberation Realm.

"I remember, Shi Nandang was a Nascent Spirit Transformation, wasn't he?"

A cultivator from the Lu Clan standing beside Master Shi Nandang spoke up.

Shi Nandang nodded.

"Then he still dares to provoke the Luo Clan?"

He was destined to die.

"Too."

The Lu Clan cultivator looked at Shi Nandang with a hint of pity.

With a thought, Zheng Fa's entire body radiated golden light, and he also released his Yang Spirit.

His Yang Spirit has now changed its appearance again:

The Yang Spirit was surrounded by nine orbs of light, which were the Nine Luminaries Yang Spirit, a secret tradition of Vast Sun Mountain.

Not only that, he was also holding a wooden longbow.

The transformation into Shi Nandang, Zheng Fa naturally changed the appearance of his Cultivation Method and even his Life-bound Dharma Treasure.

"Corpse Liberation?"

Master Shi Nandang called out in a low voice, clearly extremely surprised.

"No wonder he was so bold." The Lu Clan cultivator who had spoken earlier remained silent for a long time before finally saying in a low voice, "What a pity."

No one expected that Shi Nandang actually possessed the cultivation level of Corpse Liberation Dissolution!

Given Shi Nandang's cultivation level, if he hadn't committed any crimes, there would have been no obstacle to him being granted the title of a direct descendant of the Lu Clan.

From the moment he was trapped in the destruction of the Immortal-Trapping Sword, Shi Nandang was destined never to join the Lu Clan.

"I don't know if your taste is good or bad."

Upon hearing this, Master Shi Nandang's gaze was also complicated, but after looking at the Luo Clan members, he shook his head.

Inside the hall, the Yun Clan member was also stunned for a moment, then turned to look at Cloud True Immortal and said, "Holy Ancestor, is Shi Nandang actually Corpse Liberation?"

Cloud True Immortal's lips curled slightly, as if she had already seen it. "He does have some talent."

"Then he..."

"Does the Luo Clan rarely Corpse Liberation?" Cloud True Immortal countered.

"The Holy Ancestor is right."

The Yun Clan members immediately understood: the Holy Ancestor still did not think highly of Zheng Fa.

He thought for a moment, then smiled and said, "That's a good thing. The stronger Shi Nandang, the more trouble he'll cause the Lu Clan."

"This is your reliance?" The fire dragon on the old man's Divine Fire Pearl paused for a moment, then laughed, "You think...?"

"You talk too much."

Zheng Fa muttered softly, Nine Luminaries Yang Spirit stretched out his arms, drew his longbow, condensed a golden arrow, pointed it at the old man, and shot it out suddenly.

"You're tired of living!"

The old man's precious pearl shot out, wrapped in a fiery serpent, and rushed straight towards Zheng Fa's location.

The golden arrow and the precious pearl collided violently in mid-air.

Bang!

As everyone watched in disbelief, the fire serpents wrapped in the precious pearl cried out in agony, as if they had encountered a natural enemy, and fell to the ground with the pearl in their arms.

Zheng Fa's golden arrow, however, still possessed great momentum, and shot straight into the old man's chest.

The old man hadn't expected the golden arrow to be so powerful, shooting down his Life-bound Dharma Treasure in a single shot. He was stunned for a moment, and only when the golden arrow was about to hit him did he react. He tried to dodge backward, but it was too late. His shoulder was pierced, and he flew backward onto the golden jade steps.

He lay on the ground, feeling a sudden silence around him, his eyes still somewhat dazed.

Only one set of footsteps grew closer and closer, and when he turned his head, he saw a pair of boots slowly come into his view.

He tilted his head slightly and saw Shi Nandang, whom he had been looking down at, standing on a higher step, looking down at him.

"The direct descendants of the Luo Clan?" Zheng Fa's tone held little hatred, or even much disdain; it was more like a sigh.

However, the faces of all Three Clans alternated between red and white.

The onlookers, however, had eyes that gleamed with curiosity, yet dared not say a word.

Everyone watched as Shi Nandang, a non-member of the Three Clans, stood proudly before a direct descendant of the Luo Clan, causing their hearts to tremble.

This scene has appeared countless times throughout the history of Vast Sun Mountain.

Today, however, the person standing and the person lying on the ground have switched identities.

Inside the hall.

Cloud True Immortal suddenly stood up, his brows furrowed.

"Holy Ancestor?" the Yun Clan cultivator asked in surprise, "Why is this Shi Nandang so powerful?"

Cloud True Immortal stared intently at Zheng Fa, his gaze filled with both confusion and doubt.

Clearly, he hadn't expected this either.

"Do the Luo Clan members still dare to make a move?"

The Yun Clan cultivator murmured.

Cloud True Immortal remained silent.

I won't do it again.

Zheng Fa defeated the Luo Clan Corpse Liberation cultivator with a single arrow, throwing the other Luo Clan members into disarray.

Although they were not the only ones Corpse Liberation, the highest level they reached was Corpse Liberation.

Now that Zheng Fa has seriously injured a Corpse Liberation cultivator with a single arrow, they are naturally wary of him because they cannot ascertain Zheng Fa strength.

Speaking of which, Zheng Fa's Primordial Spirit technique was based on the <Scarlet Firmament Jade Register>, and he was very familiar with the Nine Luminaries Yang Spirit.

More importantly, Shi Nandang's Sunset Bow is almost considered a Standardized Life-bound Dharma Treasure of Vast Sun Mountain —usually made by Vast-Sun Mulberry.

There is no Vast-Sun Mulberry on Vast Sun Mountain now.

Zheng Fa didn't have that either, but he had the ancestor of Vast-Sun Mulberry — the Fusang Wood!

He transformed the Creation Jade Disc into the shape of Sunset Bow, but it was still inferior to the original version by Shi Nandang.

After all, the Shi Nandang to break through and forged the Sunset Bow for tens of thousands of years.

Even if Zheng Fa had Corpse Liberation, he wouldn't dare claim that the Sunset Bow he conjured was more powerful than Shi Nandang's.

However, he possesses the Fusang Wood, a top-tier Spirit Root with deep roots in the Vast Sun Mountain Cultivation Method, and even subtly compatible with the Sunset Bow.

The arrow just now, although it didn't unleash the full power of the Fusang Wood, still surpassed ordinary Corpse Liberation:

If Zheng Fa hadn't been so afraid that he held back, the old man would likely have been seriously injured and on the verge of death.

He was somewhat speechless. He had used the Nine Luminaries Yang Spirit and the Sunset Bow, and it was even more powerful than his original Primordial Spirit Technique. After all, the Creation Jade Disc was not very good at combat, while the Sunset Bow could actually draw upon the Fusang Wood.

Zheng Fa ignored these people and slowly walked down the steps.

Shi Nandang watched his receding figure, opened his mouth, but could only keep it closed.

The Lu Clan Spirit Transformation beside him sighed softly:

"Your taste is both excessively good and excessively bad."