The exciting chapter "Chapter 276: The King Arrives in the Southern Region, Knocking on the Mountain to Inquire About the Dao" is now available online. Click to read it now!
The Eastern Wasteland is vast, dotted with numerous kingdoms.
In its heyday, the Taixuan Sect dominated the region, its power ranking among the top 100 in the Eastern Wasteland, making it a truly formidable force.
Within this territory, its prestige is immense, and few sects in the surrounding hundred kingdoms can rival it.
Although it is not as glorious as it once was, it is still one of the oldest and most influential sects in the Southern Region, with a magnificent and diverse history.
Although Li Qingshan had never been there in person, this place was not unfamiliar to him.
Five years ago, I had just arrived in Big Dipper on a Kowloon Airlines flight and had traveled to the Southern Region, where I was near it several times.
At that time, he still had to be wary of the Ruthless One Lineage hidden within his sect, and thus acted with considerable restraint.
But things are different now.
Not to mention the lineage within the Taixuan Sect, even the Ruthless One Lineage inherited from the Yaoguang Holy Land suffered heavy losses in this massive upheaval of suppressing the Divine Dynasty, and was no longer taken seriously by him.
After traversing the Void several times and shrinking the earth to an inch, the capital city of Wei Capital was finally before his eyes.
The climates of the Eastern Wasteland and the Southern Region are vastly different from those of the Northern Region. The Northern Region is mostly barren land and mining areas, while the Southern Region boasts beautiful mountains and rivers, abundant spiritual energy, and numerous sects and aristocratic families.
The Wei Capital is now teeming with cultivators and bustling with activity.
Li Qingshan strolled leisurely through the city streets and alleys, encountering numerous powerful figures along the way.
There are already no fewer than several dozen elders at the Dragon Transformation Realm alone.
In teahouses and taverns, cultivators came and went, discussing several major events that had recently occurred in the Eastern Wasteland.
"Have you heard? In Licheng, all the holy lands mobilized a large force, but in the end, they returned empty-handed!"
"Not only did they take nothing, but it's said that even the Great Emperor's palace was seized by Ye Fan, the Sacred Body, and a Big Black Dog."
"Shh, keep your voice down. This is a closely guarded secret among the holy lands. Don't discuss it recklessly."
Li Qingshan sat in a corner of the teahouse, listening quietly to the discussions.
That's good, it saves a lot of trouble.
While we were drinking tea, a commotion suddenly broke out on the street.
"Get out of the way! Everyone get out of the way!"
A group of cultivators dressed in uniform rode past on horseback, their imposing manner striking. The leader was a middle-aged man with a cold expression and a hint of murderous intent in his eyes.
"They're from the Yaoguang Holy Land!" someone whispered.
" The Yaoguang Holy Land? What are they doing in the Southern Region?"
"What else could it be? It must be an investigation into Licheng! I heard that Yaoguang invested the most in Licheng and suffered the greatest losses, and now they're searching everywhere for it."
Li Qingshan's gaze swept over the group of Yaoguang cultivators, his expression unchanged.
Their large-scale search suggests they are indeed still bothered by what happened in Licheng.
However, Taixuan Sect is also a major sect in the Southern Region, so it won't be so easy for them to conduct a large-scale search in the Southern Region.
Soon, following Li Qingshan's steps, a majestic mountain range came into view.
There, the peaks rise one after another, shrouded in clouds and mist, with the 108 main peaks pointing like swords to the sky, creating a magnificent spectacle.
Most of the peaks were radiant with spiritual light, with cranes circling around them, but one peak on the edge appeared unremarkable.
That is Clumsy Peak.
There were many unfamiliar faces near the Taixuan Sect, including cultivators from the Yaoguang and people from other forces, all secretly investigating.
However, the Taixuan Sect seemed to have made preparations in advance, with each peak on guard, making it difficult for these people to penetrate deeper for the time being.
When Li Qingshan's figure appeared silently outside the majestic gate of the Taixuan Sect, it was like a meteorite thrown into an ancient pool, instantly stirring up a monstrous wave that swept through the entire sect's upper echelons.
The Dao-Slaying King has arrived in person!
These five simple words carry enough weight to crush many traditions of the Eastern Wasteland.
The Immortal Three Severing the Dao is a desperate chasm separating the mortal realm from the true realm of "Dao". Throughout history, countless brilliant talents have sat in vain until their lifespan was exhausted, yet they still failed to knock on that door.
In times of great hardship, a living King is a giant in himself, a pillar capable of influencing the landscape of the holy land.
Moreover, the newcomer is Li Qingshan, the undisputed number one Severing the Dao expert of this era, possessing Innate Sacred Body Dao Embryo that is rare throughout the ages. Since his rise in the Northern Region, his name has been closely associated with the word "legend".
His stature has long surpassed that of a "prodigy" or "outstanding talent" in the ordinary sense. In the hearts of countless older generation powerhouses, he is already a rising sun that will surely illuminate the Nine Heavens and Ten Earths in the future.
Almost the instant Li Qingshan's aura manifested, several long-dormant divine thoughts, as deep as abysses and as imposing as mountains, suddenly awakened from the depths of the Taixuan Sect.
At the summit of Star Peak, the bell tolls nine times, its clear and resonant sound echoing throughout all 108 peaks. This is the highest honor reserved for the most distinguished guests.
A moment later, Hua Mingxuan, the current sect leader of the Taixuan Sect and the master of Star Peak, led nearly ten Tai Shang Elders of the sect, all with white hair and beards and exuding a vast aura, to personally descend the steps to greet him and appeared before the mountain gate.
Hua Mingxuan had a tall and straight figure, and his face was imposing without being angry. The demeanor he had developed from holding a high position and wielding power over a sect for many years was enough to make ordinary cultivators hold their breath.
However, at this moment, when he truly faced the young man standing quietly in front of the mountain gate, his blue robe fluttering slightly in the wind, a deep shock swept across the depths of his pupils.
It wasn't a deliberately emitted pressure, but rather a kind of "power" that was perfectly in harmony with heaven and earth and nature.
Li Qingshan simply stood there, hands behind his back, with no divine light swirling around him or any Daoist laws resounding, yet he seemed to have become the center of this world.
The sunlight fell on him, Qingfeng brushed against the hem of his clothes, all of which seemed to carry a mysterious rhythm.
He was clearly right in front of me, yet he gave me a sense of ethereal distance, as if he were suspended high in the heavens.
When that calm gaze swept over him, Hua Mingxuan felt a ripple stir in his long-dormant Dao heart.
The realm of Severing the Dao is indeed terrifying!
Moreover, Hua Mingxuan sighed inwardly at his young age, suppressing the complex emotions within him. He stepped forward, lowered his posture, cupped his hands in greeting, and spoke in a steady and respectful voice:
" Hua Mingxuan of the Taixuan Sect, along with all the elders of the sect, respectfully welcomes the Eastern Exalt's arrival at our humble abode. The Eastern Exalt's presence brings great honor to our Taixuan Sect."
The elders Tai Shang him also bowed, their expressions filled with solemnity and respect.
No amount of respect is too much when facing a King of the world.
Li Qingshan nodded slightly in return, his voice calm. "Sect Leader Hua, esteemed elders, there's no need for such formalities. I apologize for the intrusion and disturbance."
"You flatter me, Eastern Exalt. It is an honor for our Taixuan Sect that you have come in person. Please!" Hua Mingxuan stepped aside to lead the way.
The group did not disturb many ordinary disciples. They transformed into streaks of light and flew directly to the most magnificent and beautiful of the 108 peaks, which was also the Star Peak of power of the Taixuan Sect.
The main hall had already been carefully swept and tidied, filled with spiritual energy and Daoist charm, making it one of the most precious cultivation grounds in Star Peak and even the entire Taixuan Sect, with the richest and purest spiritual energy.
Guests and hosts took their seats, and disciples served Cloud Mist Spirit Tea, whose aroma was refreshing and could help people calm their minds and attain enlightenment.
After a brief conversation, the atmosphere in the hall suddenly became subtle and heavy with Li Qingshan's next words.
Li Qingshan didn't waste time with pleasantries. He put down his teacup, calmly looked at Hua Mingxuan at the head of the table, and got straight to the point. "I've come to Taixuan for the inheritance of Clumsy Peak."
The hall fell silent instantly; you could hear a pin drop.
The disciples standing in attendance instinctively held their breath, and the elders paused slightly in the hands holding their teacups.
Li Qingshan continued, his voice clear and resonant in the spacious hall. "It is not that I demand the secret methods of inheritance, but rather that I wish to use your esteemed place for seven days to comprehend the Dao, to personally observe and experience the 'natural' Daoist essence contained within the mountains, waters, plants, and trees of my Clumsy Peak. In exchange,"
He paused, his gaze sweeping over each of the Taixuan Sect's high-ranking members, each with their own distinct expression. "I can grant Taixuan Sect one 'condition' that doesn't go against its principles: either, I will lend a hand to Taixuan if your sect encounters a crisis."
As soon as the words were spoken, the expressions on the faces of the elders in the hall became extremely interesting.
There was surprise, as if they hadn't expected Li Qingshan to ask for this, and so directly;
There was a pause, clearly indicating that he was rapidly weighing the pros and cons;
Some Tai Shang the elders' eyes flashed with barely suppressed excitement and fervor, their fingers even trembling slightly unconsciously.
The legacy of Clumsy Peak is also the foundation upon which the Taixuan Sect was founded.
Although the technique was revived a few years ago due to the current peak master Li Ruoyu, such core secret techniques have always been the sect's top secret and are strictly forbidden to be passed on to outsiders.
It is taboo for outsiders to desire something. For example, in the original story, Ye Fan was only taught some secret techniques of the Void Scripture by Little Moon, and he was hunted down all the way.
It's just asking to borrow this place to attain enlightenment; that request isn't unreasonable, is it?!
However, it was Li Qingshan who made this request.
His promise is so valuable that it cannot be measured by ordinary standards.
This is not only the promise of a Dao-Slaying King, but also the promise of a future supreme being who possesses Innate Sacred Body Dao Embryo, and is very likely to embark on the path of God in this golden age and ultimately prove the Dao!
For a great sect like Taixuan Sect, which has a long history but has never produced a supreme being, such a promise might become a "get-out-of-jail-free card" to continue its lineage and preserve its foundation at a critical moment when the situation changes drastically and its tradition is in danger!
The younger generation may still harbor the idea of catching up and surpassing, their passion undiminished.
However, in the eyes of these seasoned veterans, who had experienced many hardships, Li Qingshan's ability to peacefully Severing the Dao his Dao at such a young age was a testament to his profound knowledge, talent, and fortune, which they dared not even dream of.
Although the battle for the imperial throne has not officially begun, in the hearts of many, the outline of an imperial star has already begun to emerge.
The gazes of Sect Leader Hua and the most senior and profound Tai Shang beside him quickly met, their divine senses exchanging countless times in an instant.
After a moment of silence, Hua Mingxuan took a deep breath, his expression solemn, and spoke again, his voice even more serious than before:
" The Eastern Exalt's frankness and open-mindedness are admirable. Therefore, we dare not offer empty words or prevarication. The secrets of our Clumsy Peak are one of the foundations of our Taixuan sect, a matter of great importance. The Eastern Exalt wishes to observe its Daoist essence and comprehend the laws of nature, but this requires the approval of the Clumsy Peak Master, Junior Brother Li Ruoyu. Junior Teacher Li is a man of great principle and follows the natural way, and the Eastern Exalt's request is reasonable; he will surely not refuse. We will personally discuss this matter with Teacher Li later and give the Eastern Exalt a definite answer as soon as possible."
He then changed the subject. "It's quite a coincidence that seven days from now will be the night of the full moon. At that time, the power of the moon will be perfectly clear and bright, resonating most profoundly and harmoniously with the natural energy accumulated on Clumsy Peak for ten thousand years. It will be the perfect opportunity to comprehend the Dao within. After discussing and replying with Junior Brother Li Ruoyu later, during these seven days, the Eastern Exalt may move to Clumsy Peak at any time to quietly experience and comprehend it. Our entire Taixuan Sect will do its utmost to cooperate."
Finally, when it came to conditions, Hua Mingxuan hesitated briefly, his words extremely cautious. "We are deeply grateful for the Eastern Exalt's Taixuan Sect and righteousness, and dare not presume to ask for anything. How about this, we will not mention specific conditions today. In the future, if our Taixuan Sect truly encounters an insurmountable calamity, or a crucial decision concerning the survival of our lineage, we will then send someone to inform the Eastern Exalt, earnestly requesting that, on the premise of 'not going against Eastern Exalt's conscience and not harming the harmony of Heaven,' you may offer assistance once at your discretion. Is that acceptable?"
After listening, Li Qingshan gave Hua Mingxuan a deep look, as if he could see through all the considerations and expectations in the sect leader's heart.
He didn't say much, only nodded slightly and uttered a single word:
"Can."
A single word, yet it resonates deeply.
As if an invisible boulder had fallen, the tense and stagnant atmosphere in the Central Plains subtly eased with his word "permitted."
With the major issues resolved, the atmosphere eased somewhat.
Sect Leader Hua then said, "It is a rare Eastern Exalt Venerable to grace us with his presence. Coincidentally, the talents of our Southern Region have gathered nearby due to the Nine Secrets of Licheng. I intend to take this opportunity to host a grand gathering at Star Peak, inviting geniuses from all directions to discuss and exchange ideas. This would also allow my less capable disciples to have the opportunity to hear a few words of guidance from the Eastern Exalt and broaden their horizons. I wonder what the Eastern Exalt thinks?"
His move served two purposes. First, it was to build momentum for his grandson, Hua Yunfei. The younger generation in the Eastern Wasteland was now rising rapidly, with numerous individuals possessing the Sacred Body, Divine Body, and King Body. Although Hua Yunfei was exceptionally talented, he needed a broader stage and greater fame.
Secondly, Li Qingshan's presence here is itself the biggest attraction, enough to elevate the scale of this grand event of the Taixuan Sect to the top and demonstrate the sect's profound heritage.
After a moment's thought, Li Qingshan understood what the other person was thinking.
He took the word "Ji" as his secret and accepted the favor, so it was natural for him to push things along with the current.
Besides, he also wanted to see if Ye Fan's "mocking nature" would "perform normally" under his nose.
"Alright," Li Qingshan agreed, "I was just thinking of seeing a few old friends."
Soon, a crane with wings tinged with starlight gracefully arrived from the direction of Clumsy Peak and landed in front of the main hall of Star Peak.
The crane held a jade slip in its beak, its ancient Daoist patterns bearing a reply from Li Ruoyu, the Clumsy Peak master of Zhuofeng.
Sect Leader Hua Mingxuan personally accepted the jade slip, scanned it with his divine sense, and showed no surprise. He then nodded slightly to Li Qingshan, who was sitting quietly to the side, and said, " Eastern Exalt, Teacher Li has agreed. Seven days from now, when the moon is full in the sky, the Daoist aura of Clumsy Peak will be at its most harmonious and abundant, making it an excellent opportunity to comprehend the true meaning of 'Nature.' At that time, Eastern Exalt may move to the summit of Clumsy Peak at any time."
Meanwhile, news of Li Qingshan's arrival at the Taixuan Sect spread like wildfire.
"The Supreme Being of the Eastern Dao-Slaying King the Eastern Exalt, has arrived at the Taixuan Sect, desiring to witness my Clumsy Peak's enlightenment!"
" The Taixuan Sect has sent out invitations widely; Star Peak will host a grand gathering of geniuses, and the Eastern Exalt may appear to discuss the Dao!"
The Southern Region was shaken, and the shockwaves spread throughout the entire Eastern Wasteland.
The turmoil in Licheng has not yet subsided, and many outstanding descendants of the sacred families have not yet left. Upon hearing the news, they are all deeply moved.
Li Qingshan's name is widely known, but very few people have actually had any interaction with him.
Upon first entering the Northern Region, he began to display his prowess in Pingyan City;
His jade gambling skills in the Holy City were astonishing, making him famous throughout the region.
Later, outside the Burning Heaven Valley, he blocked the Ji Family's path. His figure was like a fleeting glimpse of a beautiful shadow, and his instantaneous elegance was imprinted on people's hearts.
Upon re-entering Purple Mountain, he Great Emperor Wushi, and the news spread, shaking the Five Regions of the Big Dipper.
Once he had successfully Severing the Dao his path, he lived a secluded life, his whereabouts becoming increasingly elusive and unpredictable, adding to his mystique.
It is truly a rare occurrence that he has now made a public appearance at the Taixuan Sect.
In just two days, flying boats, ancient beasts, and rainbow lights appeared in an endless stream outside the gates of the Taixuan Sect.
Ji Haoyue, the Divine King Body of the Ji Family, Jiaoyang of the Jiang Family, the Holy Yaoguang Holy Son, the Purple Mansion Saintess, the Great Evolution Holy Son, and the Wanchu Holy Son —one after another, these young leaders who were renowned throughout the Eastern Wasteland arrived.
Many disciples of great sects and scions of ancient families also came to witness the Feng Cai of the number one Severing the Dao and to make a name for themselves at the grand event.