A Banquet Invitation

This trip was actually a tour of the Tianfu Mountain, allowing people to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Ink Bamboo Mountain. There was no need to rush, and the flying boat arrived at the Crane Head Peak area around 1:00 PM.

Seeing the beautiful mountains and clear waters, the interconnected rivers and lakes, the spirit birds and cranes flitting among the clouds, and the many immortal temples nestled side by side, Real Person it was truly a superior blessed land for immortals and an excellent place for cultivation. He then suggested that there was no rush to leave. He said that Lou Guan City was filled with the mundane world, with smoke and dust obscuring the sky and foul air permeating the air, causing cultivation to be neglected. He wanted to rest here for a while and have the master guide the younger generation in Qi Refinement Stage.

Song Dayou did not object, after all, going further south would lead to the territory of Moshan, a place that was not one to recklessly cross at night. So they stopped the boat and went to the Crane Head Peak Daoist temple to stay temporarily.

Zheng Zetian was quite nervous. The first time, Song Dayou died around this time, and the second time, those demons from Nangong were lying in ambush near Qingting Peak, not far from here in a straight line. So he had to stay close to Song Dayou, in case there was a sudden sniper attack from the company, he figured he could use the Black Lotus Gang to block a burst of bullets.

So much so that when Ling Juan invited him to play in the waters of Crane Head Peak, Zheng Zetian politely declined. Song Dayou was quite happy, thinking that his disciple had listened to advice and knew that his studies were important. So he took out his textbooks and offered to guide him in the cultivation of thunder magic at Qingting Peak.

Seeing this, Ling Juan didn't want to force him and delay his cultivation, lest she become annoying. Instead, she felt that her senior brother was more diligent and hardworking, much more mature and ambitious than Ling Bao, that noisy boy who insisted on going to play in the water. She grew more and more fond of him; perhaps even a fart from someone in the throes of new love smells sweet... cough cough...

So Real Person led his disciples to the mountains to find spiritual veins for cultivation. Zheng Zetian stayed on Qingting Peak, calmly listening to Song Dayou impart the Dharma.

In fact, he had already learned the thunder technique passed down by Qingtingzi twice, and he could recite it fluently. Although the master said that he had deduced that Qingtingzi's master was someone else, he could tell from the scriptures and Cultivation Method taught by Song Dayou that this lineage was indeed the true lineage from Danxia Mountain.

You must know that thunder magic is the most supreme secret manual of the Xuanmen, a secret among secrets. The Five Thunder Heart Sutra is not something that just anyone can learn, and the Purple Mansion Ancestor is not something that just anyone can worship. The Danxia Mountain Shenxiao Sect, such an old-school lineage, is famous throughout the entire cultivation Immortal Realm. How could Zheng Zetian not know its background?

The lineage of Qingtingzi transmits the most classic Thunder Register, which is mostly invoked and chanted by the Heavenly Venerable of Universal Transformation of Thunder in the Nine Heavens. This is the most authentic Nine Heavens Thirty-Six Thunder Great Method of Xuanmen. Moreover, it also transmits the orthodox Thunder Department treasures such as the Supreme Thirty-Six Divine Thunder Fire Banner. The thunder and fire banner on each thunder pearl corresponds to the thirty-six Yin-Yang Twin Thunder Seals of Heaven and Earth.

If this family isn't True Cultivator of the Thunder Law, then no one can claim to be a direct descendant.

Zheng Zetian wasn't greedy and didn't insist on refining all thirty-six lightning bolts immediately. After all, he was only at the Golden Core stage, and he was only maintaining his level by relying on the black lotus. In fact, he hadn't even finished cultivating the Purple Radiance Inner Core of the Heavenly Origin Technique yet, and his body was still weak, so he didn't have that much Dao Breath to use in his Qi Sea.

Therefore, among the thirty-six thunderbolts, he specifically sought out the Green Grass Thunder, which matched his Azure Cloud Sky True Qi attribute, to cultivate.

Although the name "Green Grass Thunder" sounds quite cute, it is actually a legitimate form of thunder magic.

Thunder is the fire of spring. All things sprout when they hear the sound of thunder. This is the so-called spring thunder awakening of insects. All things begin to sprout, shaking the nine heavens and moving the nine earths, startling the four seas and overturning the four oceans.

When the Azure Heavenly Primordial True Qi is transformed into Azure Grass Thunder, the power of the thunder is like a spring fire spreading across the fields, continuous and inexhaustible. While it can be used to defeat enemies, it can also stimulate the vitality of the Inner Landscape organs. It may seem useless under normal circumstances, but when a person is locked in a fierce battle and on the verge of death, it can give them an extra bit of strength to turn defeat into victory.

Zheng Zetian also remembered the ingenious trick he used when he installed the Flesh Scorpion System, which involved using lightning to stimulate his muscles and forcefully pull his body to move. Now, he used the same technique with the Green Grass Lightning. In an instant, his whole body was surrounded by flashes of green lightning, which were as fast as light and shadow. When he activated it at full power, he was almost as fast as an alien.

So much so that Song Dayou, who was watching the disciples practice, was completely stunned.

"So lightning magic is this powerful! Alas, I'm just too untalented; such a divine skill, yet I've never been able to comprehend it..."

"Master..."

"Oh, Ze Tian, don't worry about me. True Cultivator. The future of our Qingting Peak lineage rests on your shoulders."

Zheng Zetian had inadvertently upset his master, and there was nothing he could do about it.

After all, thunder magic is indeed very powerful. A thunder cultivator who has mastered the Thirty-Six Thunders of the Nine Heavens can unleash six Divine Sky Thunder of the Thunder level with a wave of his hand. Whoever he strikes will die, and whoever he blasts will be reduced to dust. If we only consider the divine power of the Cultivation Method, even a sword immortal cannot compare.

Of course, if you compare them like that, even the Sword Immortal would have something to say. A single sword strike is death, and being blasted to smithereens by lightning is also death. Everyone's damage output is already excessive; what's the point of having such high power? I can strike with a single sword strike, while your lightning magic has to sing a song. Who's stronger?

Of course, there would be no end to discussing this, but there are some other uses for thunder magic, because the times have changed now.

Although Zheng Zetian couldn't remember everything clearly, he knew that most of the various Tai Su demonic Non-Thing he encountered in the Outer Heaven Demon could regenerate and revive, and couldn't be dealt with by simply cutting them in half with a sword. If he had to chop them into pieces, it would be easier to just roast them with lightning and fire. Moreover, in the final moment, to destroy their core, only the highest-grade lightning magic could be used.

Incidentally, even now, after Zheng Zetian has only cultivated this protective black lotus for a short time, although it makes him impervious to blades and spears, and immune to water and fire, he estimates that if he could unleash the power of a three-tribulation heavenly lightning bolt, he could probably shatter the lotus head-on. In other words, with this lotus protecting him, getting through the first two lightning bolts shouldn't be a problem. In any case, once he has mastered the lightning techniques, he can study it more carefully...

"Is Junior Brother Song here?"

Just as the master and disciple were discussing and practicing thunder magic, someone came to visit, temporarily disturbing their cultivation.

The newcomer was a burly man with broad shoulders, a square face, and a wide robe. He carried a sword and looked like a martial arts practitioner. Judging from his appearance, he had probably reached the Three Thunder Cultivation level. He was none other than Shang Jiannan, the local garrison master of Crane Head Peak.

"What are the garrison commander's instructions?"

Song Dayou naturally couldn't be negligent and led Zheng Zetian out of the pass to welcome them.

Master Shang asked, "I just returned from Lou Guan City and saw Junior Brother Song here. Did he guide a master from the Xuanmen sect into the mountain? I wonder where this person is now?"

Song Dayou replied, "Real Person has taken her disciples to the mountains to Qi Refinement Stage. I wonder what instructions the garrison commander has given her? If there are any forbidden areas where she shouldn't wander around, I will immediately find her and bring her back."

Master Shang waved his hand, "It's not really an inconvenience. As you know, my Crane Head Peak has beautiful scenery and has even reserved a nature reserve to raise cranes, which has attracted many immortals to live here. Among them is a wealthy family surnamed Huang who often makes offerings to the mountain and has a good relationship with me."

Recently, it seems his son offended someone and was seriously injured. I don't know what illness it is, even Lou Guan City can't cure him, so he was brought home to recuperate. The Huang family even sent a telegram to invite me to a banquet, probably to ask for a prescription to cure the illness.

"Alas, I don't really know anything about this. Lou Guan Tower is the most professional when it comes to treating illnesses and injuries. It just so happens that you've come. I've heard that the True Lords of the Xuanmen are proficient in the Five Arts and are skilled in both medicine and divination. So I thought it would be better to ask the True Lord to take a look."

Song Dayou quickly calculated with his fingers, "The Huang family's son? Rich? Is his Huang Jing?"

Master Shang said, "I think that's the name. How come you recognize it, Junior Brother?"

Song Dayou thought about it for a moment, and realized that not all children could throw a thousand taels at someone in front of them.

"We met once, but I heard he offended someone and was seriously injured. Could it be...?"

Zheng Zetian quickly coughed.

"Ahem, Master, Juan'er left me a talisman book, telling me to go find her to play later. She's probably not far from the mountains. Why don't I go invite the True Immortals to the banquet? Master, why don't you go check on Junior Brother Huang's injuries first? Perhaps it's not serious, and it'll save us from making a fuss and letting the Xuanmen laugh at us."

Master Shang nodded and said, "That's fine. Let's go ahead and see what's wrong with him. The Huang family is quite wealthy. Let them help us welcome the True Lord of Xuanmen and fulfill our hospitality. It'll be a good way to end this good relationship."

"Ze Tian, right? Take this jade sword and use it to guide you. The Huang Clan is easy to find; it's the largest manor on the edge of the marsh."

Song Dayou wasn't worried about either the mountainside or the area below. He was probably also concerned that he'd ruined the Huang family's kid, inadvertently making Zheng Zetian an enemy for no reason.

"Alright, Ze Tian, you go and make the trip. I'll go see what's going on first."

"Yes."

So Zheng Zetian accepted the jade sword, took the Tu Lou, and headed to the Spiritual Spring at the foot of Crane Head Peak to find someone.

Following the talisman's calculations, Zheng Zetian quickly located Ling Juan.

She and Ling Chan were swimming and playing in a spring as blue as jade, while Ling Bao could only sit alone on the grass not far away, blocked by the two of them with their skirts as a curtain, and enclosed in that magical golden circle. He was frowning and meditating, probably being punished.

Zheng Zetian ignored him, rode his sheep down to the edge of the pond, chased the Tu Lou away to graze, and then used his own energy to walk onto the water's surface.

"It's getting late and chilly, so please don't catch a cold."

"Senior brother, come down with me! The water is so sweet!" Ling Juan waved excitedly.

Ling Chan chimed in with a high-pitched voice, "That's right, Senior Brother~~ Why aren't you here yet? Everyone's getting impatient~~"

"You're going to kill me, you little brat!" "Ouch, it splashed into my eyes! Juan'er, you idiot!"

The two girls splashed water and played around for a while.

Zheng Zetian sat cross-legged on the lake, peeled an orange, ate it, and looked around.

"Where is your master?"

Ling Chan and Ling Juan swam to his side. Ling Chan opened her mouth and secretly ate the orange from Zheng Zetian's hand, while Ling Juan lay on Zheng Zetian's lap and laughed.

"Chan'er said that Master likes you very much, and we like you too. Senior Brother, what are you still doing at Ink Bamboo Mountain? Why don't you come and cultivate together at Tianfu Mountain? Wouldn't that be more carefree?"

Zheng Zetian smiled and gently brushed her wet bangs away.

"You're all perfectly content cultivating on my Ink Bamboo Mountain. It just so happens that some immortals are hosting a welcome feast for us today, and they'd like to invite you, Master. I've come specifically to have a drink with you."

Ling Chan immediately clapped her hands and jumped for joy, "Ah, a banquet! Great! But Master had to leave earlier. He specifically told us to stay here and cultivate our qi in seclusion, and not to leave without permission."

He left on business; he probably went to see his lover.

Zheng Zetian narrowed his eyes and pondered for a moment, guessing that the expert at the Transformation Stage probably couldn't show himself casually. After all, Ink Bamboo Mountain only allowed Xuanmen to study here, and that was limited to a True Person bringing some juniors into the mountain. Other sects' forbidden areas were not very convenient for Divine Lords from other sects to enter and exit.

Since those two were able to predict the whereabouts of the Heavenly Book so quickly last time, they probably sent the message specifically to the Daoist of Qingting Peak. It's possible that they've already taken this opportunity to sneak into the mountains and retrieve the Heavenly Book.

"What a pity! I heard the Huang family is quite wealthy, so the food tonight must be pretty good. Are you really not going? I'll bring some good food back with me!"

"Great! Great senior brother, bring me lots of sweets, I love them!"

Ling Chan was a glutton, and as soon as she heard there was something delicious, she couldn't resist. She rushed over and hugged Zheng Zetian's leg, almost being pulled into the water by him.

"Chan'er, you're going to die! Eat, eat, eat! You'll get so fat you'll die!"

Ling Juan pounced on Ling Chan, pinched her, slapped her bottom and chased her away, then went to Zheng Zetian's side.

"Senior brother, you don't need to go back and forth. We'll escort Master back. You can go by yourself."

"Hmph, at least you guys listened to your master and didn't let this kid run away after just a couple of words."

Real Person appeared on the lake. She had changed into a pale yellow dress and replaced her token of love with a plum blossom one. The plum blossoms were folded underneath and she was sweating profusely, with the red plum blossoms faintly visible. Judging from this, she had probably been feeling unbearably hot and had taken a bath in the Spirit Pool.

"Master!" Ling Juan Ling Chan quickly greeted her.

"Go put your clothes on! How old are you, playing in the water like that? People will laugh at you!"

"Yes!"

Real Person glared at him, and his two disciples stuck out their tongues and swam ashore to get dressed.

Zheng Zetian laughed on the water, "My two junior sisters are naturally beautiful and have exceptional talents. Others would love them so much that they would laugh at them."

Moreover, it's true that a celestial being invited me to a feast. I've heard that Heavenly Immortal from the Xuanmen sect has descended to earth, possessing unparalleled beauty and wisdom, and wishing to make their acquaintance. They specifically sent me to invite them. Sister, please don't misunderstand my sincere good intentions."

Real Person gave a soft 'humph'.

"You little rascal, you're so glib. Fine, I've got nothing better to do, so I'll just go."

So, Real Person, Ling Juan, and Ling Chan, all dressed in light, freshly bathed attire, adorned with celestial robes and ribbons, followed Zheng Zetian as he soared into the clouds. Of course, the unfortunate Ling Bao was also taken along, but he dared not act recklessly beside his master. He could only watch with red eyes and envy as Ling Juan and Ling Chan flanked Zheng Zetian, playfully bickering and laughing. He was probably still deep in thought, utterly baffled as to how he had suddenly fallen into such a miserable state.

Real Person didn't care about his feelings; instead, he beckoned Zheng Zetian to his side and asked,

"Which immortal family is hosting this banquet today? A local Cultivation Family from Crane Head Peak?"

"In response to your question, Master, we can hardly be considered a family of cultivators. The Huang family were salt smugglers, merchants by origin..."

Ling Bao immediately jumped out and attacked.

"Mere merchants! What right do you have to invite us to this banquet! Are you, Ink Bamboo Mountain, looking down on the disciples of my Xuanmen Sect?!"

Real Person and did not reprimand his disciple, perhaps slightly bothered by the fact that he was a merchant.

Zheng Zetian knew the temperament of these self-proclaimed righteous people. Even Lou Guan City found them dirty and noisy, so they must look down on these 'mortal families' whose cultivators had not lasted more than ten generations and felt that they were not worthy of sitting at the same table as him.

He'd seen this superior attitude of these True Cultivator many times before, so he couldn't be bothered to argue with them. He simply smiled and explained...

"We're just using his place for the banquet. Actually, the peak master of Crane Head Peak wanted to welcome you back, so my master and I went ahead to make the arrangements to avoid any gossip from the Huang family and disturbing your peace."

Real Person nodded in satisfaction, "Peak Master is very thoughtful."

Actually, being sarcastic or sarcastic requires skill. Ling Bao is just bad with words. When Zheng Zetian started rambling on, he couldn't think of any words to retort, so he had to swallow his anger and stay silent.