Ascending to Heaven

Flame-Offering Mountain, at the highest point of Venerated Sun Peak.

Fierce spirit flames still burned inside the cave abode at the summit. Yang Yuanyi stood in attendance outside, awaiting instructions.

Not far away stood Nianhui Peak. Bingyang Hall, brought over from Great Xia years ago, had been placed there. It was where Xu Xuan and Dao Yan were meeting.

A water mirror stood before Yang Yuanyi, reflecting the scene inside the hall. Xu Xuan's every movement was under observation.

"My lord, it seems Mu Youdu's Mist Marsh bloodline is genuine. His origins, however, remain highly suspicious."

After watching the scene in the hall, Yang Yuanyi had a few guesses, but he first sought the opinion of the ancestor inside the cave.

"The bloodline is indeed genuine. It even bears a trace of a Purple Mansion Dragon King's aura. But this claim of leaving the Dragon Court is rather difficult to believe."

"Great Mist Marsh remains secluded from the world, and its Purple Mansion cultivators have never left their grotto-heaven. When that Dragon Lord of [ren water] was still alive, he decreed that anyone who left [Mistcloud Heaven] would be considered to have severed ties with the Dragon Court."

"That Vast Marsh Dragon King does exist. There have always been banished dragon offspring, but most shed their bloodlines and sought refuge with their mothers' clans, no longer daring to call themselves dragon scions."

Flames flickered inside the cave, and the aged voice sounded somewhat puzzled. After a moment's thought, Yang Yuanyi replied:

"My lord, we still exchange news with several demon mountains under the Dragon Court's rule. I have already sent people to inquire. Once they return, we can judge whether this Mu Youdu is genuine."

The voice inside the cave fell silent for a moment, then sighed.

"Great Mist Marsh possesses that jade register, much like the underworld's. Every bloodline inheritance is recorded within it. Mu Youdu's [Mysterious Yin Reverse Scale] is genuine, so his name would naturally have been entered there."

"If this man were an impostor, the Dragon Court would need only erase a single entry, and Mu Youdu would lose his bloodline and become mortal. Since they have done nothing, they have tacitly approved."

This was Yang Yuanxin's first time hearing of such a method for managing bloodlines. Looking somewhat astonished, she asked:

"Then does that mean Mu Youdu truly has the Dragon Court behind him?"

Scarlet eyes blazed inside the cave, and the aged voice spoke gravely:

"There is little point dwelling on such things. Great Mist Marsh may be exalted, but its Dragon Lord is gone, and its Purple Mansion cultivators do not enter the world. It has little bearing on our clan's plans."

"Make use of Mu Youdu for now, and treat him courteously. It is a venture that costs us nothing, after all. Genuine would be best, but false would do no harm. He is only at Qi Refining; he cannot whip up any great waves."

Nianhui Peak, Bingyang Hall.

Dao Yan was chatting with Xu Xuan when the ancestor's voice sounded in his mind, instructing him to proceed as usual. Only then did he relax and smile.

"Yuanxin, take Dragon Scion Youdu to a guest residence to rest. Tomorrow, we will prepare to ascend to heaven and retrieve the scriptures."

Yang Yuanxin understood and led Xu Xuan away. Only the Demon King Dao Yan remained in the hall. With a contemplative look, he rose, transformed into a streak of flowing fire, and flew out of the hall, landing directly on Venerated Sun Peak.

Seeing his father arrive, Yang Yuanyi hurriedly bowed. Dao Yan merely waved a hand, gave a few instructions, and sent his son off to attend to them.

Streams of fire surged inside the cave. Dao Yan entered and followed a bluestone path downward. The cavern was immensely spacious, and the fire within was so intense that a Foundation Establishment cultivator would turn to ash upon contact.

At its very center lay a dark-crimson Fire Crow, showing signs of age. His enormous body nearly filled the entire cave abode. Only his left wing remained; his right had been severed cleanly, leaving a huge wound at its root that radiated metal qi.

Precious light scattered from the wound, and spell inscriptions flickered in and out, continually transforming the Fire Crow's blood qi into tiny pearl-and-jade figures that threw themselves against the flames.

Dao Yan entered, bowed to the old crow, and spoke gravely:

"Grandfather, we have investigated most of the matters concerning Mu Youdu. But when the time comes to enter [Surging Tribulation Heaven], I do not know whether this dragon scion will meet its requirements."

The Fire Crow rose, his scarlet eyes flickering, and spoke in an aged voice:

"Dragons summon clouds and breathe mist, changing with the times. When they ascend, they soar through the cosmos; when they hide, they lie concealed beneath the waves."

"Dragon Lords have attained exalted stations in both spirit thunder and shock thunder, making dragons one of the symbols of these two paths. Since Mu Youdu possesses a [Mysterious Yin Reverse Scale] and carries the Dragon Court's bloodline, there is naturally no need to worry about his qualification to enter."

Dao Yan's expression shifted beside him, and he spoke with some emotion:

"When Great Xia still stood, our clan could be counted among the Golden Crow's close retainers. Our ancestor seized the opportunity when [bing fire] held the station of utmost yang and [Greater Yang] held a manifest station throughout the world, seeking to attain Golden Core.

"From then on, Fire Crows would also have become an image of bing fire, recorded in [Deep Abyss] and spared from falling into calamity. Unfortunately, Great Xia perished abruptly in its second generation. Greater Yang lost its station, bing fire lost its radiance, and even our clan's bloodline degenerated along with them."

The old crow looked sorrowful and sighed softly:

"Jixia, keep these matters in your heart. You are still young, with much you can accomplish."

Dao Yan's original name was Yang Jixia, which seemed to carry a certain meaning. Standing below, he composed himself and asked solemnly:

"Grandfather, can that Thunder Pool in [Surging Tribulation Heaven] truly erase your old injury?"

The old crow rose. Pearls and jade poured from the root of his right wing like a waterfall, landing on the ground with tinkling sounds. The flames suppressed the many tiny pearl-and-jade figures bearing blades, swords, axes, and halberds, but another swarm immediately burrowed out of the wound, seemingly without end.

"This [Pearl-Fall Origin-Transforming Talisman] is a Grand Talisman of the [xin metal] path, left behind by a True Lord before attaining the Dao. Naturally, it is extraordinary."

"Though [bing fire] can burn substances belonging to [geng metal], it cannot easily dissolve the essence of [xin metal]. It transforms, yet never runs out. Those clans truly spared no expense to cripple me back then."

The Fire Crow groaned in pain and said quietly:

"Thunder severs spiritual nature, degrading xin into geng. If we can truly obtain the origin liquid from that Thunder Pool, this injury of mine can be healed. I would no longer have to confine myself to this peak."

Fire qi flowed through the cave as tiny figures of every kind of jewel continually burrowed out, their cries of battle echoing within.

Flame-Offering Mountain, an outer peak.

Yang Yuanxin led Xu Xuan into a guest residence. Its furnishings were luxurious; it was clearly intended for receiving guests.

After giving a few instructions, Yang Yuanxin left Xu Xuan to rest. There were numerous demons here, all servants. Xu Xuan simply said that he preferred peace and quiet and dismissed them, telling them there was no need to attend him.

Xu Xuan entered the cultivation room, announcing that he intended to regulate his breathing, and shut the door. Remembering Tiantuo playing dead inside him, he hurriedly asked through his thoughts:

"Tiantuo, did we manage to fool them?"

"There is a late-stage Purple Mansion Demon King on this mountain, and he has broad experience. But rest assured, there will be no problem here."

Xu Xuan did not dare feel entirely reassured. He continued asking:

"What is your relationship with that [Vast Marsh Dark-Cloud Dragon King]? What happens if he learns that I am impersonating his offspring?"

Tiantuo gave an odd laugh and said somewhat awkwardly:

"Learns of it? Great Mist Marsh should have sensed you the first time you took control of the avatar."

Tiantuo urged Xu Xuan not to panic and explained carefully:

"Though Great Mist Marsh is the Dragon Court, the Dragon Lord decreed that Purple Mansion cultivators may not enter the world. If those below Purple Mansion leave the grotto-heaven and become tainted by the dust of mortal life, their bloodlines will also be sullied. That is why members of this lineage rarely venture out."

"The Dragon Court has a jade register left behind by the Dragon Lord. Every Mist Marsh bloodline is recorded in it. Naturally, you are there as well, under the name Mu Youdu."

"I once entered [Mistcloud Heaven], and that Vast Marsh Dragon King owes me a favor. He knows the origin of this name and will not question it. But do not expect much help from him, either."

Xu Xuan did not know whether Tiantuo's words were true, but another question arose, and he asked quietly:

"Since you have ties to that Dragon King, why not go directly to [Mistcloud Heaven]? Surely that would be better than finding an insignificant pawn like me."

Tiantuo's voice sank, sounding somewhat despondent:

"The karmic entanglements upon me are immense. No clan would shelter me. Only here with you can I conceal them somewhat."

"[Mistcloud Heaven] is untouched by karma and cannot be divined. That is why I had you borrow its identity."

"Dragons are indiscriminate in their affections. They have many offspring born of lesser consorts with impure bloodlines, who are expelled from the Dragon Court. This identity suits you well enough."

Only after understanding the circumstances did Xu Xuan feel reassured. When the real work began tomorrow, he would be better prepared to handle it.

Xu Xuan then examined his avatar. Its qi sea resembled his own, but lacked that thunder tree. Instead, its thunder marsh was much larger, and the streak of purple lightning had assumed the shape of a flood dragon, soaring into the sky from the marsh.

He could still use Sword Qi as usual, but to conceal himself, he had altered all his moves to prevent anyone from spotting clues.

Tomorrow, he would enter the outer palaces. According to Dao Yan, both demons and immortal cultivators would be accompanying them. [Surging Tribulation Heaven] contained many spiritual treasures coveted by every faction, and lineages that already cultivated thunder naturally held a greater advantage.

For now, this was only an initial exploration, with merely a few cultivation methods and secret arts from the outskirts emerging. But once they acquired those and had someone cultivate them to Foundation Establishment, they could truly enter its depths and naturally reap considerable benefits.

Xu Xuan settled down to regulate his breathing. There might well be fighting tomorrow.

The next day, the appointed hour arrived.

Yang Yuanxin set out together with Xu Xuan. Carried by Dao Yan, they rose straight into the clouds and flew farther west.

Dao Yan belonged to the feathered races and was also a Purple Mansion cultivator, making him extraordinarily fast. In an instant, they had flown beyond Mountain Flame City. Xu Xuan did not know where they were, only that it seemed to be the borderlands of the Li Kingdom. The terrain varied greatly, with numerous valleys and basins. Mountains stretched endlessly in the distance, and farther to the northwest lay snow-covered peaks and bleak plateaus.

Red Cloud lay in the south of the Li Kingdom. Although Green Peaks also had many mountains, plains still dominated its terrain overall. Xu Xuan had never seen such precipitous landscapes before.

"This was the territory of the ancient Shu Kingdom. To enter the scripture repository this time, we must ascend to heaven from here."

Dao Yan explained this to the two of them, then shot upward, protecting Xu Xuan and Yang Yuanxin with his magical power as they entered the clouds.

Xu Xuan had wanted to see more of Shu's scenery, but the landscape below soon vanished behind cloud vapor. Dao Yan did not stop, continuing upward. Cold spread through the high heavens, lightning surged, and amid the drifting clouds, Xu Xuan saw the so-called scripture repository.

Among the clouds lay a shattered expanse of the Great Void. Like what Xu Xuan had seen in the Ancient Painting, it resembled countless broken mirrors scattered across the ground, reflecting myriad scenes. At its very heart stood a stone gate engraved with the words [Nine Heavens Universalizing].

Many immortal cultivators and demons had already gathered beside this entrance. Most of the Li Kingdom's Purple Mansion factions had probably come.

The entrance was steadily expanding. After arriving and giving his instructions, Dao Yan went straight inside to stabilize the passage. Purple Mansion cultivators who came here still had to contribute before their juniors could be allowed entry.

Xu Xuan waited for a long time and even spotted a familiar True Person: the one from Tip-Feng Mountain. He cultivated hidden Jin and wore golden armor, with white qi surging all around him and no flesh visible.

That True Person had brought two people. The one in front was a burly man in black, carrying the air of someone who had spent years licking blood from a knife's edge. He was clearly a rogue cultivator recruited from somewhere. Behind him followed a young man in golden armor, apparently a direct-line descendant of Tip-Feng Mountain.

Most factions had brought a similar pairing for this expedition: one thunder-path cultivator and one direct-line descendant.

"This place is called [Observing the Laws]. It is where disciples are selected and Dao lineages bestowed. Besides thunder methods, there are other secret arts as well. Once we enter, we will be relying on you, Brother Youdu."

Yang Yuanxin explained in detail. Her cultivation was only at the sixth level of Qi Refining, and once inside, she would have to rely on Xu Xuan to see whether she could obtain any benefits. Thus, she was inclined to draw closer to him.

Naturally, Xu Xuan agreed. He would have to return to [Surging Tribulation Heaven] after reaching Foundation Establishment, so he could not afford to offend the Fire Crows. It was best to cultivate friendly relations.

After a long wait, the entrance finally stabilized. The Great Void, which had resembled broken mirrors, gradually coalesced and settled. The stone gate's form became stable, and cloud vapor spread into a road for everyone to enter.

Those present were all direct-line descendants of immortal sects and great clans. Naturally, they would not swarm inside and scramble for things like rogue cultivators. Most still observed a measure of etiquette, though if some wondrous method appeared inside, that might well change.

Yang Yuanxin looked toward Xu Xuan, and the two set off together, entering along the cloud stairway. The cloud road was extremely broad and uncrowded. Along the way, everyone employed their own means and made their way inside.

Xu Xuan did not want to attract attention. He had long since concealed the flood dragon traits on his body, leaving only a few azure scales whose supernatural qualities he had already subdued.

Yang Yuanxin, however, did not do the same. Spotting a woman in a plain white gauze dress, she laughed and called out:

"Sister Bai Su, Jade Flow Demon Mountain has come too! Why haven't you brought anyone who cultivates thunder methods?"

The woman's cultivation had already reached the eighth level of Qi Refining. Her bearing was cool and aloof, with a faint chill lingering between her brows and eyes.

Only upon seeing Yang Yuanxin did she smile slightly. She came over and said softly:

"Jade Flow Demon Mountain has no intention of entering the inner layers of the grotto-heaven. We only came to seek a few secret arts. We will pass on those cultivation methods."

Yang Yuanxin understood and sighed.

"I have duties to attend to. Otherwise, I would certainly spend more time talking with you, Sister. What a pity."

Bai Su, however, did not wish to say much and merely spoke quietly:

"Hurry inside and secure a good position first. If you encounter any difficulties, call my name. I will come to help you."

With that, Bai Su rode away on a cloud. She did not intend to enter alongside Yang Yuanxin, saying that she still had important matters to attend to.

Before leaving, Bai Su's gaze lingered on Xu Xuan for a moment. But she did not ask about his origins, merely departing with a soft laugh that left him somewhat bewildered.

Yang Yuanxin and Xu Xuan had now entered the stone gate. They saw a stretch of somewhat dilapidated palaces suspended amid dark clouds, with lightning flashing all around. Neither dared delay, and they hurriedly flew forward.

There was still some distance to travel. Xu Xuan asked with feigned casualness:

"Was she a direct-line descendant of Jade Flow Demon Mountain?"

Yang Yuanxin's expression turned somewhat peculiar, and she answered with a light laugh:

"Indeed. Sister Bai Su is a descendant of Immortal Lady Bai Xuan, a direct-line heir who is greatly cherished."

"I was wondering why you asked me about Jade Flow last time, Daoist Brother Youdu. Could it be that she has caught your fancy?"

Xu Xuan felt somewhat awkward, but his expression did not change. He merely smiled.

"I was just a little curious. My mother's clan is the [Dew-Bedecked Azure Viper] clan, and we are close to snakes, so I thought I would learn more."

By the time he finished speaking, the two had reached the edge of the ruins. Heavenly thunder rolled in wave after wave, utterly intimidating.

Xu Xuan felt the streak of purple lightning inside his qi sea begin to tremble wildly. Within those palaces lay something he had craved for a long time.

A cultivation method of the shock thunder path.

(End of chapter)