359: Tea Cools When People Leave, The Cistern Remains! Old Zhu's Crisis, Bai Mao's Might

Upon returning to the cave abode, the rain Mountain Gate had stopped, but Mountain Gate, it continued to fall, especially on Longevity Peak where the Incense Clone was cultivating. The raindrops formed strings of beads, creating a wondrous sight.

A rainbow emerged from the misty ravine, drew an arc outside the Thirteen Peaks of Longevity, and then fell back into the ravine, scattering countless bright spots, dazzling and spectacular.

Chen Dengming is now certain that this rain, even if it wasn't caused by the two Heart of the Ocean that were the Incense Clone, was induced by Heart of the Ocean.

Furthermore, the Spiritual Qi moisture in the air caused the rainfall to intensify.

He was now dressed in an ordinary blue robe on the outside, with the shameful Giant Deer Mage Robe worn underneath. As he flew by, many disciples quickly bowed and paid their respects, their expressions reverent and their attitudes courteous.

The sect leader's name, Fighting Longevity Lord, has earned him fame through numerous battles, both large and small, making him one of the most outstanding sect leaders in the history of the Longevity Sect.

When they flew to the Longevity Hall, they happened to run into Guan Chao, who had come to hand over the sect's work.

After exchanging pleasantries, Guan Chao took out a Jade Slip containing the roster and respectfully said, "Sect Leader! The list of disciples who will be going down the mountain for training soon is here. Please review it and approve it if there are no problems."

"Hmm. Let me see which disciples are involved. Are their soul slips ready?"

"Don't worry, Sect Leader, everything is ready," Guan Chao nodded, then hesitated, as if he wanted to say something more.

Chen Dengming glanced at him, then smiled authoritatively without showing any anger, "Say what you want to say."

Guan Chao bowed and smiled wryly, "Sect Leader, using Soul Slips for so many disciples is quite an expense. Actually, the safety factor for this mission is still very high."

"Why?!"

Chen Dengming raised his hand and shook his head, saying, "The sect's resources are sufficient now, and I have enough battle merits as well."

Resources, once acquired, must be spent to cultivate talent, rather than being hoarded and wasted.

I exchanged these soul scrolls for battle merits; the cost wasn't high, so it's still necessary to equip them with good ones."

Upon hearing this, Guan Chao could only bow in admiration, saying, "It is truly a blessing for the disciples of Changshou to have a sect leader like you."

Chen Dengming took the Jade Slip, carefully reviewed it, and after confirming that there were no problems, he exercised his authority as the sect leader, stamped it with the Longevity Jade Seal, and approved the mission for this group of sect disciples to go down the mountain for training.

This training mission mainly involves going to the Western Regions to cooperate with the cultivators of the Counterattack Cultivator Alliance, to rescue compatriots in distress in the Southeast Two Regions and Resettle mortals.

If they encounter demons or Devil Cultivator, they should cooperate in the battle to subdue them, eliminate them completely, and prevent future troubles.

The key point is actually the phrase "to prevent future troubles".

When Chen Dengming issued these instructions, he realized that he had ultimately become like the old Daoist priest in his previous life's novels, who always had slogans like "exorcising demons and monsters" and "upholding the righteous path" on his lips.

However, now that I'm in that position, I can truly understand that 'slaying demons and eliminating evil' is not an irony.

Rather, it is a necessary measure to maintain stability and protect the four regions.

Otherwise, if the curtain rises again in the future and the Outer Domain Evil Cultivator make a comeback, the remnants left in the four realms will revert to their old ways and become the biggest cancer causing internal and external troubles.

Guan Chao accepted the approved list of names on the Jade Slip, and said with a mix of emotion and probing, "To this day, the remaining forces in the Northwest have been almost completely eradicated."

It seems that our Spirit Transmutation Dao Lord and the Spirit Transmutation Dao Lord from beyond the realm have reached some kind of agreement, as there has been no further action since that major battle.

Based on this, the Counterattack Cultivator Alliance gradually began its work of going to the disaster area to provide relief and assistance.

Given the manpower shortage, it's a good thing for us Longevity Sect disciples to go and gain some experience; the danger is probably minimal anyway.

Chen Dengming understood the probing tone and shook his head, saying, "I don't know what decisions the two Nascent Spirit Transmutation Dao Lord have made."

However, it seems that they may choose to settle things quietly.

After all, the Four Domains are ultimately our territory, and I think the First Ancestor and the others are somewhat hesitant to act rashly."

Guan Chao frowned, then exhaled and smiled, "Fine, fine, it's good that we're not fighting anymore."

He suddenly remembered something and reminded him, "Sect Leader, Qiu Feng announced yesterday that he will be going into seclusion to prepare for his Nascent Soul stage. I need to report this to you. Should we send Elder Ye to the Evergreen Sect to oversee things?"

"Oh? Sect Master Qiu made a breakthrough?" Chen Dengming smiled. "That's good news."

He paused, pondered for a moment, and then said, "In that case, I will personally send an Infant Transformation Pill to Sect Master Qiu to lend him a hand, and Elder Ye will deliver it along with it."

Guan Chao's body trembled, and envy appeared in his eyes. He then bowed and said, "Sect Leader, you are truly generous!"

Chen Dengming looked at the raindrops splashing on the steps, put his hands behind his back, and sighed, "It would be a good thing for our sect to have another Nascent Soul. I will certainly help them out."

Guan Chao's eyes dimmed slightly upon hearing this, understanding the meaning behind it.

Now, the first ancestor of the Longevity Sect has perished, and the second ancestor is only Dao God left. If it weren't for Chen Dengming's resounding reputation Fighting Longevity Lord, the sect would actually be in decline.

If Qiu Feng could break through to the Nascent Soul at this time, it would be a great thing.

He watched as Chen Dengming took out a jade box containing pills from his Storage Bag, and after taking it, he couldn't help but remind him.

"Sect Leader! Senior Brother Ran may also be nearing his end. A month ago, I received a message from Evergreen Island that Senior Brother Ran had gone into seclusion and was not seen."

Chen Dengming was taken aback, his gaze involuntarily lingering on the lotus pot in the Longevity Hall.

The pattering raindrops made a "drip-drip" sound as they hit the lotus pot.

This jar, it is said, is very old. It has always been placed in front of the hall, a truly long-lived jar, its mouth open to the sky. Rainwater falls in all four seasons, yet it has never broken and is always filling up.

The Mountain Gate is still there, and so is the lotus pot, but some of the old people who used to Mountain Gate have gradually passed away.

Ran Yiqiang, a Golden Core Elder lived for over nine hundred years, once had the potential to live to be a thousand years old and was hailed as the evergreen tree of the Longevity Sect.

However, due to the infection caused by the Devil Creature severing his arm, his vital energy was severely damaged, and he has not recovered even after so many years. Now he is going into seclusion and will not see anyone, which means he is preparing for his death.

Chen Dengming withdrew his gaze and said, "I remember Elder Ran has some descendants who have established Lineage outside the sect. Remember to support them in the future, keep in touch, and don't let that friendship fade away."

Guan Chao was deeply moved and bowed deeply from the bottom of his heart, solemnly saying, "I will remember the sect leader's instructions."

The saying "when people leave, the tea cools" often happens.

This is not unusual in the Cultivation World.

If something is valuable, then we'll associate with it; if it's not, then we won't.

People like Chen Dengming, who value human relationships so much, are extremely rare. They don't make people feel disheartened, but rather earn their sincere admiration and loyalty.

After Guan Chao left, Chen Dengming stood with his hands behind his back in front of the hall, his gaze becoming much more profound.

Now that the war is basically over, the matter of the next generation of Dao Child must be put on the agenda as soon as possible.

When the environment is safe and comfortable, we should devote all our resources to cultivating talents to support the vast and everlasting foundation of the Longevity Sect.

The meticulous and frugal approach of Guan Chao, who carefully allocates resources to cultivate disciples, is no longer suitable for the Longevity Sect at its current stage.

Currently, many disciples, including the sect's patriarch, have been killed or wounded, resulting in a sharp decrease in numbers. However, resources have increased due to the war's counter-plundering efforts.

Leaving aside the sect's and his personal accumulated military achievements, the entire Northern Spirit Sect's wealth is already a rich resource for its disciples; each disciple could be provided with a Soul Slip.

Of course, the most precious of them are the two Infant Transformation Pills.

Therefore, Chen Dengming was able to privately give Qiu Feng an Infant Transformation Pill, saving the latter two or three decades of hard work.

This can be seen as repaying Qiu Feng for his support and cultivation when I was weak in the past.

If there are few people but abundant resources, then we should invest those resources to cultivate a group of elites and strengthen the sect's power.

The heavy rain continued for several days afterward without any sign of abating.

Inside the Longevity Sect, the rugged, muddy mountain roads were as slippery as if they had been greased, and Yu Yu's feet galloped freely through the mountains and forests.

A moist, refreshing scent of resin filled the valley, accompanied by the constant "tap-tap" sound of raindrops.

The disciples within the sect were already complaining incessantly, having never seen such strange weather before. It was raining only in the Longevity Sect, while the rest of the region was sunny.

Elders like Guan Chao noticed something amiss based on the unusual movements of the water Spiritual Qi.

However, since it was the sect leader's cultivation, everyone was sensible enough not to disturb him. A little rain was nothing compared to the importance of the sect leader's cultivation, which showed his high level of awareness.

However, as the musty smell in the house gradually increased, even Cleansing Technique could not stop it for more than a day or two.

Chen Dengming smelled a musty odor emanating from his ordinary blue robe and immediately sent the Incense Clone out of the sect with disgust.

Go to other great rivers and lakes to cultivate.

In no time at all, the clouds and rain cleared from the Thirteen Peaks of Longevity, and the clear Sky Dome was a pristine blue.

The brilliant sunlight shone on the fine leaves laden with dew, forming beams of light of varying thickness, illuminating the mountain forest where a light mist drifted.

The sky cleared, and the water Spiritual Qi thinned considerably, bringing smiles to the faces of many disciples within the sect.

Chen Dengming thought to himself that this was the end for him.

The Incense Clone thus became the "Rain God," and wherever it went to cultivate, it could cause rain. Some regions that have been suffering from drought for years might welcome the Incense Clone.

However, this cultivation of the Incense Clone also made Chen Dengming realize the extent to which high-level cultivators plunder resources and exert influence over low-level cultivators.

Not only will it cause collateral damage during battles.

Even during cultivation, it can easily cause unusual phenomena in a region, changes in feng shui, and a lack of Spiritual Qi.

This is truly a case of cultivation causing wind and rain; even low-level cultivators and mortals are affected to some extent by changes in weather and Spiritual Qi.

"No wonder the Senior Brother and Second Senior Brother both secluded themselves in the place of lineage inheritance to cultivate. They were probably cultivating together as a group of Nascent Soul cultivators, which could easily disrupt the Spiritual Qi within the sect and affect the disciples' cultivation."

Chen Dengming cast several Cleansing Techniques and then activated the cave abode's Formation 'Warm Sun Technique' to dispel the damp and rotten smell in the cave abode. He then entered the inner room, preparing to enter the Human Heart Hall.

Now that more than twenty days have passed, Zhu Xun should have received some news by now.

Chen Dengming was eager to know if Zhu Xun had obtained the Soul Mussel Pearl from the Undercurrent Old Ghost's lair.

That would be a major event concerning the recovery of one of the Little Array Spirit.

"Ling'er, you stay in the cave abode and protect me. I'll be right back. I hope it's good news."

Inside the meditation room, Chen Dengming smiled and addressed the Little Array Spirit that flew out of the Soul House.

"Well, fellow Daoist, there's no need to take it too seriously. Even if you don't get the Soul Mussel Pearl this Fellow Daoist Zhu, there will be other opportunities in the future."

The Little Array Spirit circled around Chen Dengming, her tiny hands clutching the corner of his dress, stammering sweetly.

"Don't worry! I will definitely restore your Seven Souls and help you regain your former strength and all your memories."

Chen Dengming smiled, then sat cross-legged on the futon, gathered his mind and guarded his heart, and then entered a state of no-mind. His mind and consciousness transformed into countless tiny points, transcending the realm of thought and entering the Human Heart Hall.

One by one, lamps of the soul flickered on the lampstands on both sides of the Human Heart Hall.

The flame in the spiritual lamp belonging to the Fierce Ghost Zhu Xun was now flickering violently, his mind far from calm, as if he were experiencing something.

Upon seeing this, Chen Dengming frowned.

"So many days have passed, Old Zhu's current condition is like he's fighting a powerful enemy. Could it be that after he seized the Soul Mussel Pearl, he's being hunted down by the Undercurrent Old Ghost?"

After a moment's thought, he quickly walked to the center of the hall and sat down, secretly channeling his Human Immortal Way Power to invade Zhu Xun's mind and investigate the specific situation.

If Zhu Xun in danger, he could use the connection of their souls to transmit Divine Sense and Human Immortal Way Power to help Zhu Xun escape.

The premise is that Zhu Xun will not stop or refuse.

This is also one of the wonderful uses of the artifact in the Human Heart Hall.

What is the fastest speed in the world? Is it light?

No, it's thought.

Thought has no boundaries; wherever it wants to go, it can be reached instantly with just a thought.

What is the most limitless power in this world?

It is the mind; the world is as big as the mind.

On the other side of the River Styx, undercurrents surged.

The Fierce Ghost Zhu Xun, along with two Ghost Bride, fled into the deep, thick River Styx, evading the pursuit of the ghost generals and ghost kings lurking in the undercurrents above.

The streaks of dark, sinister lightning on its body had weakened considerably, and one of its once strong and ferocious ghost claws was broken off, making it look quite pitiful.

Behind them, a surging undercurrent rushed forth with a deafening roar.

The water shimmered with Spiritual Light, like giant glass balls, their brilliance revealing the figures of several ghost generals and the Dark Current Ghost King, their eerie and menacing aura terrifying.

Zhu Xun he could see the riverbed below and there was nowhere left to hide in the turbid River of the Underworld, Zhu Xun knew he was in trouble. He immediately sent a telepathic message to the two Ghost Bride beside him who had always depended on him.

"My ladies, this place is still thousands of miles away from Starfall Ghost City. I will lure them away now, and you two should hurry to Starfall Ghost City to fetch reinforcements."

Upon hearing this, both Ghost Bride paled and looked utterly distressed.

Little did they know that this was the rough man's way of putting it, trying to give the two of them a chance to survive.

Recalling their past in this cold, Below the Yin Spring, even the Ghost Bride who were once Netherworld Ghost Lord of the underworld did not feel a single trace of love or care. No ghost was ever willing to give their lives to protect their safety.

Until he met this rough man who loved to play pranks, even though this rough man was usually fierce and even extremely ruthless in some ways.

But that burning passion could not be concealed in this cold, dark underworld.

The two Ghost Bride shook their heads sadly, refusing to be separated.

Traveling thousands of miles, back and forth, even if reinforcements are brought, it's likely that they won't even be able to see this rough man one last time.

Rather than eke out a living in this cold, dark underworld, I'd rather let my soul melt away along with this burning heart.

Zhu Xun he couldn't dissuade the two women, Zhu Xun couldn't help but show his tender side, but he quickly and resolutely handed a clam shell that emitted a soft light to one of the Ghost Bride, saying...

"Zi Yan! You are the first wife, and at this time, I need you to make some sacrifices."

This Soul Mussel Pearl is something Brother Chen entrusted me with finding.

I, Old Zhu, have already died once. It was Brother Chen who supported me all the way to this day. Even if my soul departs, you must deliver this pearl to my brother Chen."

Upon hearing this, the Ghost Bride -in-law, Zi Yan, felt even more miserable, yet dared not disobey, and could only tremblingly accept the pearl.

At that moment, a bright light, accompanied by intense spiritual power, rapidly approached from above, accompanied by a wild, raucous laugh.

"Screech! Screech! Screech! Send them away? Send them where? You can't escape today, not even with wings, not even with fins, you can't cross this River of the Dead! What Brother Chen? No one can save you today!"

The Fierce Ghost Zhu Xun's pair of sinister, bell-like eyes suddenly turned ferocious, his face revealing a malevolent aura, and his body crackled with dark, sinister lightning as he roared angrily.

"If my brother Chen were here, killing you would be as easy as killing a chicken Tu Gou!"

"Boom!--"

The gloomy river water burst forth with a loud crash, appearing like molten, red-hot glass in the light, churning and rolling to both sides to reveal a riverbed.

Several figures with astonishing spiritual power appeared in the riverbed.

A ghostly figure stood at the head of the group, with long, seaweed-like hair cascading over his shoulders. He was thin and sinister, his eyes flashing with a terrifying, fierce light, and he sneered.

"Oh? I'd like to know. I'll capture your two Ghost Bride right now and torture them in front of you. Let's see if your Brother Chen dares to kill me."

The two Ghost Bride paled, Zhu Xun a rage, ready to fight to the death. Suddenly, a cold and vast spiritual force invaded his mind, transforming into a powerful spiritual force that spread throughout the dark River of the Underworld.

The atmosphere suddenly became oppressive, and silence fell from all sides.

A cold and vast Divine Sense, carrying an overbearing and earth-shattering Immortal Intent of a mortal immortal, reverberated throughout the River Styx.

"You're so eager to die?"

"Hmm?" Undercurrent Old Ghost's smile froze, his eyes filled with suspicion and uncertainty.

"Brother Chen!!"

Zhu Xun's heart, which had been in his throat, immediately relaxed. Feeling the powerful mental force invading his mind, he felt as if he had found immense confidence and pride, and immediately relaxed his resistance to this invading mental force.

A vivid scene immediately appeared in my mind.

In that scene, Chen Dengming, with his white hair at the temples, sat in the center of the hall, where two rows of lights shone, staring intently at the scene with a strange light in his eyes, the cold silver gleam in them sending chills down one's spine.