Cultivation Begins From The Desert

Chapter 624 - 609: Choice

"Is this all he said to you?"

In the Donghua Immortal Palace, a handsome, elegantly built man in a blue robe was holding a Jade Scroll, questioning a Foundation Establishment Disciple of the Donghua Immortal Palace.

The Foundation Establishment Disciple was the receptionist cultivator who had registered information for Zhouyang half a day earlier.

For such a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, a piece of Upper Grade Spirit Stone is definitely a fortune hard to earn even in ten years.

Therefore, after receiving this benefit from Zhouyang, he immediately brought the Jade Scroll given by Zhouyang to the Young Palace Master’s cave residence, passing on Zhouyang’s request for a visit.

Zhouyang was lucky, as Lingchao, the Young Palace Master of Donghua Immortal Palace, happened to have no other matters today. Hearing that an unfamiliar Late-Stage Golden Core Cultivator requested a visit, he incidentally summoned the Foundation Establishment Disciple outside the cave to inquire.

At this time, the Foundation Establishment Disciple, hearing the Young Palace Master’s question, quickly replied respectfully: "Young Palace Master, bear witness that the senior only spoke these words to me; I have not hidden anything at all!"

Lingchao realized there was nothing more to ask and waved his hand, saying, "Alright, I understand, you may go back and continue your duties."

"Yes, the disciple takes leave."

After the Foundation Establishment Disciple exited the cave, Lingchao remained inside, holding the Jade Scroll and fell into contemplation.

Within the Jade Scroll, there was actually only one sentence left by Zhouyang.

"I am Jiang Fengxian’s Dao Companion!"

This was the sentence Zhouyang had left on the Jade Scroll.

Although Jiang Fengxian being Jiang Yufeng’s mother was unknown to ordinary cultivators, Lingchao, as the Young Palace Master of Donghua Immortal Palace, was obviously not included in this list.

Given he had pursued Jiang Yufeng before, how could he not be interested in news about the parents of this beloved girl?

Though despite his inquiries, he did not know who Jiang Yufeng’s father was, the fact that Jiang Fengxian was her mother could not be hidden from him.

The rumors outside about the "Phoenix Goddess" Jiang Yufeng being forced into marrying the Dragon Taming Family were also spread by him to nauseate the Dragon Taming Family and Divine Lady Palace.

As the Young Palace Master of Donghua Immortal Palace, whether from personal feelings or the sect’s larger agenda, he undoubtedly did not wish for Jiang Yufeng to marry Dragon Taming Golden Radiance, forming an alliance between the Dragon Taming Family and the Longevity Immortal Alliance.

However, what he could do was limited.

Although Donghua Immortal Palace was the leading sect in the Donghua Continent Cultivation Realm, the strength of the Dragon Taming Family was similarly unfathomable, not to mention the newly rising superpower "Longevity Immortal Alliance."

He could secretly cause trouble to make these two parties uncomfortable, and even if the other parties knew, they could only pretend not to know.

But should he personally intervene to ruin this alliance, the Dragon Taming Family and the Longevity Immortal Alliance certainly wouldn’t hold back simply because he is the Young Palace Master of Donghua Immortal Palace.

Moreover, none of the Nascent Soul Stage elder cultivators of Donghua Immortal Palace would help him in such a matter.

Therefore, he felt helpless and regretful about Jiang Yufeng marrying Dragon Taming Golden Radiance, watching the situation unfold with no power to change it.

At this moment, with Zhouyang, Jiang Yufeng’s father suddenly visiting him, Lingchao knew the reason without thinking.

Reason told him that it might be better not to see Zhouyang to avoid getting enticed into this deep pit if he lost control.

Yet emotionally, he still could not completely let go of that celestial-like beautiful woman.

"Forget it, for Yufeng’s sake, let’s meet him!"

With a soft sigh, Lingchao couldn’t help but shake his head slightly and soon sent a message to notify Zhouyang.

Zhouyang, waiting in an Immortal Inn, received the message and immediately hurried to Donghua Immortal Palace, escorted by guides to Lingchao’s cave residence to meet the Young Palace Master.

When they first met in the cave, both were slightly surprised at each other’s youthfulness.

In terms of age, they weren’t much different; Zhouyang was slightly older, perhaps by twenty to thirty years.

However, in terms of cultivation, Lingchao was somewhat higher, having reached the eighth layer of Golden Core Stage.

Appearance-wise, both looked equally young, as if they were in their twenties or thirties, both being extraordinarily handsome men.

"Thank you, Young Palace Master Ling, for taking time out of your busy schedule to give Zhou an opportunity."

After a moment of silence, Zhouyang, who sought favor, was the first to cup his hands in a respectful gesture, expressing gratitude.

Lingchao, hearing this, didn’t act superior, but slightly cupped his hands in return and said, "Fellow Daoist Zhou is too polite. I, Ling, enjoy making friends with fellow Daoists from various realms, especially those coming from other cultivation realms like Fellow Daoist Zhou."

This phrase indicated he was already aware of Zhouyang’s background.

Whether he learned this during his prior investigation of Jiang Fengxian or through this visit, having people investigate, now seemed less relevant.

Seeing this, Zhouyang skipped the introductory remarks and directly said, "Let’s be straightforward; Zhou has come to see the Young Palace Master upon Feng’Er’s guidance, seeking assistance."

"Oh, Fellow Daoist Zhou has met Yufeng?"

Lingchao’s eyes showed a flash of surprise, his face reflecting astonishment as he looked at Zhouyang, seemingly finding it unbelievable.

He was aware of the tight guard over Jiang Yufeng by Divine Lady Palace; it surprised him that Zhouyang could meet Jiang Yufeng, suggesting they had even recognized each other.

"I met her briefly last month!"

Zhouyang nodded slightly.

Lingchao, upon hearing this, exhibited even more surprise in his gaze and couldn’t help but ask, "Can Fellow Daoist Zhou still contact Yufeng now?"

Zhouyang did not conceal, truthfully responding, "Through special means, Zhou provided Feng’Er with a Tier Four Top Grade ’Echoing Conch,’ allowing contact as long as she is near Divine Lady Palace."

This open-hearted attitude indeed increased Lingchao’s goodwill towards him immensely, and he extended his hand, saying, "Fellow Daoist Zhou, please have a seat; we can discuss things while seated."

"Seated discussion" implied they could have a detailed and lengthy conversation.

For Zhouyang, this was indeed a positive sign, allowing him to relax.

Truthfully, before coming, Zhouyang had little certainty that this Young Palace Master of Donghua Immortal Palace would be willing to assist him.

As a leader of a faction himself, he naturally understood Lingchao’s difficulties.

Regarding the rescue of Jiang Yufeng and Jiang Fengxian’s mother-and-daughter issue, Lingchao’s willingness to help depended entirely on his affection for Jiang Yufeng.

Luckily, given Lingchao’s current attitude, it seemed he still harbored some feelings for Jiang Yufeng; otherwise, he wouldn’t have let Zhouyang sit for a detailed talk.

At this moment, after the two took seats as host and guest, Zhouyang once again cupped his hands towards Lingchao and said, "Young Palace Master Ling, Zhou reiterates that there will be no concealment here; Zhou has come to request help in rescuing Feng’Er and her mother."

Lingchao’s ability to maintain his position as Young Palace Master of Donghua Immortal Palace wasn’t solely due to his parents being two of the highest cultivation Nascent Soul stage cultivators in Donghua Immortal Palace; he himself was a capable cultivator.

Therefore, upon hearing Zhouyang’s words, he didn’t immediately refuse. Instead, he showed a bitter smile towards Zhouyang and said, "Fellow Daoist Zhou is very candid; therefore, Ling won’t play any mind games. While I certainly don’t wish for Yufeng to marry that Dragon Taming Golden Radiance fellow, as an outsider, I have no reason to meddle, much less affect the sect’s relationship with the Dragon Taming Family and the Longevity Immortal Alliance because of personal matters!"

Is it just because of being an "outsider"?

Zhouyang’s eyes narrowed slightly, showing no change as he gazed at Lingchao, asking, "While probing information about Fengxian and her daughter outside, I heard a rumor that Young Palace Master Ling once expressed admiration for Yufeng, wishing to form a Dao companionship?"

Upon hearing this, Lingchao’s face paused slightly, then he returned with a bitter smile, saying, "Indeed, I have admired Fairy Yufeng and once wished to become Dao companions with her, but it seems Fairy Yufeng doesn’t feel much for me; perhaps it was my one-sided wish!"

Zhouyang, hearing this, immediately said, "I have just recognized Feng’Er; claiming to know her now might not be believed by Young Palace Master Ling, but Young Palace Master, try to imagine: if Feng’Er truly felt nothing for you, why would she guide Zhou to seek the Young Palace Master’s aid?"

"What does Fellow Daoist Zhou mean?"

Lingchao’s expression shifted, his gaze sharpened, fixed on Zhouyang as though he comprehended something.

"Regardless of whether Young Palace Master believes it or not, Zhou definitely doesn’t use Feng’Er’s marriage as bait to entice Young Palace Master, or else there would be no reason to prevent her from marrying into the Dragon Taming Family!"

Zhouyang’s gaze was solemn as he stared at Ling Chao, speaking in a deep voice, "However, I know that Feng’er absolutely doesn’t want to marry into the Dragon Taming Clan. Her marriage should be decided by herself, and outsiders, including myself and her mother, shouldn’t forcibly intervene!"

Ling Chao, hearing this, suddenly sighed, seemingly touched by some realization, and said, "Fairy Yufeng having a father as enlightening as Fellow Daoist Zhou is truly a blessing!"

After saying this, he shook his head slightly and said firmly, "Unfortunately, Ling is currently powerless to help Fellow Daoist Zhou, and help Fairy Yufeng!"

From beginning to end, he was never optimistic about Zhouyang’s plan to rescue Jiang Fengxian and Jiang Yufeng. Not to mention Zhouyang is merely a Golden Core Stage Cultivator, even a Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator has no chance to accomplish this.

Even if Zhouyang tells him now that he can betroth Jiang Yufeng to him as his Dao Companion in the name of her father, he would simply laugh it off and promptly send him off.

Although he likes Jiang Yufeng, that affection hasn’t reached the level of being reckless.

Moreover, the Dao Companion he seeks should be someone who shares mutual affection and love, not someone forced by circumstances to marry him and use him.

As the Young Palace Master of Donghua Immortal Palace, if he merely wanted women, he could have any kind he desired!

Honestly speaking, Zhouyang appreciates Ling Chao’s character from his core, and if Jiang Yufeng chooses such a person as her Dao Companion, as her father, he would greatly agree.

But Ling Chao’s current approach of weighing the pros and cons makes Zhouyang somewhat uncomfortable and troubled.

Gazing at Ling Chao’s resolute expression, Zhouyang could only settle for the next best option, saying, "Young Palace Master Ling, don’t be hasty in rejecting. Zhouyang is not asking Young Palace Master Ling to directly help him rescue at the Divine Lady Palace, but just to find someone for him. Once that person is found, Zhouyang will persuade them, and Young Palace Master Ling can decide then!"

"Oh, may I ask who Fellow Daoist Zhou wants Ling to find?"

A glint of curiosity flashed in Ling Chao’s eyes; he did not refuse outright but instead looked at Zhouyang with an inquiring gaze, waiting for his explanation.

"This person’s identity is somewhat complex. Young Palace Master Ling might need to inquire about the situation from a senior in your sect. Zhouyang only knows she..."

Under Ling Chao’s curious gaze, Zhouyang, in a low voice, truthfully told him the origin of Zhu Zizhen and his related guesses.

When asking for help, sincerity should be shown, which is always Zhouyang’s way of doing things.

No cultivator who can reach the Golden Core Stage or even the Nascent Soul Stage is a fool. When asking such people for help, genuine sincerity and visible rewards are more effective than those unrealistic promises of empty checks.

Now, seeking Ling Chao’s assistance, Zhouyang couldn’t offer him any compensation or reward, so he could only use sincerity to move him, hoping that Ling Chao would consider his sincerity, along with the good feelings towards Jiang Yufeng, to help him find the whereabouts of Zhu Zizhen.

After listening to Zhouyang’s account, Ling Chao looked deeply at him, expressing great interest and saying, "I didn’t expect Fellow Daoist Zhou to know such a presence. It seems Ling somewhat underestimated Fellow Daoist’s capacity. In the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm, Fellow Daoist must not be an unknown figure!"

"Young Palace Master Ling overestimates me. Compared to distinguished individuals like Young Palace Master Ling, the reputation of Zhouyang is hardly worth mentioning, hardly worth mentioning!"

Saying this, Zhouyang did not hide anything; he openly disclosed his relationships with the Profound Sun Immortal Sect and the Yuqing Daoist Sect.

He particularly recounted how he and Zhu Zizhen assisted Lu Xuanji in entering the Dome Heaven Immortal Realm to refine the Heaven-Sundering True Demon and specially mentioned his son Zhou Guangcheng possessing a Profound Sun Spirit Body, who apprenticed into the Profound Sun Immortal Sect as a True Disciple at the Nascent Soul Stage.

This was not the time to be modest and understated. If he wanted Young Palace Master Ling from Donghua Immortal Palace to aid in rescuing his lover and daughter, he needed to make Ling Chao understand that rescuing Jiang Fengxian and her daughter would not only gain Jiang Yufeng’s goodwill, potentially winning the heart of a beauty, but also foster friendship and gratitude from his family.

Although, given Ling Chao’s status, he might not take this seriously, it would indeed influence his decision-making and importance in Ling Chao’s heart.

"So, during the sensational incident of the Heaven-Sundering True Demon back then, there was an unknown inside story like this, and Fellow Daoist Zhou was actually one of the participants. Ling is truly gaining knowledge from this!"

Listening to Zhouyang’s narration, Ling Chao regarded him with eyes full of a newfound brilliance, his attitude now evidently different from before.

At that time, the rampage of the Heaven-Sundering True Demon required the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm to invite "Master Chongyang," Du Chongyang, a reclusive Tribulation Crossing True Immortal, from the Donghua Continent Cultivation Realm to severely injure it.

As a major event, Young Palace Master Ling of Donghua Immortal Palace couldn’t be unaware.

That "Master Chongyang," Du Chongyang, luckily being a Loose Cultivator who secluded himself from world affairs after reaching the Tribulation Crossing Stage; otherwise, the position of the top force in the Donghua Continent Cultivation Realm wouldn’t have fallen to their Donghua Immortal Palace.

Thus, the Donghua Immortal Palace consistently pays close attention to the movements of this Tribulation Crossing True Immortal.

Meanwhile, Ling Chao is well aware of the two pinnacle Major Sects, the Profound Sun Immortal Sect and the Yuqing Daoist Sect, of the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm.

While these two sects individually may not match the Donghua Immortal Palace, together their strength is not weaker.

If what Zhouyang said is true, and he has deep ties with such two top major sects, as long as he passes the Nascent Soul Stage hurdle in the future, he is bound to soar high and become a prominent figure in the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm.

Considering these, Ling Chao finally nodded and said, "Alright, I’ll do Fellow Daoist Zhou this favor and help find Elder Zhu Zizhen, but I can’t guarantee I’ll find her. I’ll just do my best!"

Upon hearing this, Zhouyang heaved a sigh of relief and quickly cupped his hands in gratitude, "Then I thank the Young Palace Master Ling. I’ll be waiting for your good news."

Following this, Ling Chao naturally went to visit the Nascent Soul Stage cultivator who was guarding the cross-cultivation realm teleportation array at the time, to inquire about Zhu Zizhen’s whereabouts, and then activated the Donghua Immortal Palace’s information network to find Zhu Zizhen’s tracks.

Meanwhile, Zhouyang, unable to leave Donghua Immortal City without news, decided to stay and wait for updates while gathering various materials and planning for matters after the rescue.

Rescuing Jiang Fengxian and her daughter Jiang Yufeng is undoubtedly the most important thing. If they’re not rescued, everything is just empty talk.

But rescuing them does not mean the end of the matter.

The Dragon Taming Clan and Goddess Palace will surely pursue them relentlessly afterwards.

Looking at Ling Chao’s attitude, it’s clear Donghua Immortal Palace is unlikely to offer them protection, at most Ling Chao might secretly mobilize some forces from Donghua Immortal Palace to provide some assistance.

So, after succeeding, how to escape the pursuit by the Dragon Taming Clan and Goddess Palace, and safely bring Jiang Fengxian and her daughter back to the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm, is also something Zhouyang must consider.

Zhouyang ruled out the option of using the cross-cultivation realm teleportation array to return to the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm first. The teleportation array at Donghua Immortal Palace will not activate for several decades, and without their protection, they can’t afford to wait that long.

And hiding their identities to travel the normal path, traversing the vast barrier between the two cultivation realms over millions of miles, doesn’t seem like a good choice either.

The Goddess Palace knows where Jiang Fengxian truly comes from, and going to the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm will surely be fraught with enemy spies.

If the three hide their cultivation level to the Foundation Establishment Stage, and slow down on their journey, they might avoid enemy spies.

However, that would mean a long wait to return to the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm, with no guarantee they won’t expose their true strength due to demon beast attacks or bandit cultivator ambushes and other accidents along the way.

"In this view, the best plan is to head east to the Overseas Cultivation Realm and hide. The Overseas Cultivation Realm is vast with countless islands. Once the three of us find an uninhabited deserted island to hide, no matter how many cultivators the Dragon Taming Clan sends, they won’t find us!"

"Then we’ll cultivate in seclusion for decades or centuries, and once either Fengxian or I successfully form a Nascent Soul, or both do, returning to the Liuyun Continent Cultivation Realm will be free of any obstruction!"

"Moreover, heading to the Overseas Cultivation Realm will also allow me to search for that legendary Red Emperor Fire Mulberry Tree and refine the Qianyang Golden Lamp lifebound artifact. Once I achieve Nascent Soul Formation, I won’t take long to acquire two Tier Six lifebound magical artifacts!"

Zhouyang’s eyes gleamed with determination, and he made up his mind.

In fact, he originally planned to visit the Overseas Cultivation Realm while coming to the Donghua Continent Cultivation Realm.

That’s because searching for spiritual objects to refine the lifebound artifact Qianyang Golden Lamp in the Overseas Cultivation Realm has been his plan for a long time.

"So, there are several things I need to accomplish at present: first, find Zhu Zizhen and persuade her to help us, then use this as leverage to convince Ling Chao and the so-called ’Green Robe Ancestor’ to join our side."

"Then, I need to gather as much information about the Overseas Cultivation Realm as possible to prepare for later evasion and cultivation there."

"Finally, the most important aspect of escaping is not being found by the enemy. The easiest possibility for enemy discovery is being locked and tracked through secret techniques and treasures. To successfully escape, we must be well-prepared against this!"

The first task is beyond Zhouyang’s ability now, and he can only hope for Ling Chao’s success.

The second task he can start immediately, gathering information about the Overseas Cultivation Realm in the Donghua Continent Cultivation Realm is not difficult, especially since exchanges between these two cultivation realms are frequent, with many shops in Donghua Immortal City opened by major forces from the Overseas Cultivation Realm selling sea specialty spiritual objects.

Some even operate passenger routes between the two cultivation realms, profiting from those cultivators wanting to venture and explore for gold in the Overseas Cultivation Realm. It’s said to be very lucrative.

As for the third task, Zhouyang feels he must seek Ling Chao’s assistance, as apart from themselves, only Donghua Immortal Palace likely knows the tracking techniques favored by the Dragon Taming Clan and Goddess Palace.

So, while waiting for Ling Chao’s news, Zhouyang started frequenting various bookstores in Donghua Immortal City, gathering information about the Overseas Cultivation Realm, and even spent spirit stones to hire cultivators who have been to the Overseas Cultivation Realm to explain the living methods there.

This went on for about half a year before Ling Chao finally sent a message summoning Zhouyang to Donghua Immortal Palace, bringing the news he had gathered.

"According to the intel, it has been confirmed that Elder Zhu Zizhen entered the Vermilion Bird Mountain Range more than a month ago. Here is the information about Vermilion Bird Mountain Range; Fellow Daoist Zhou can study it on your way to find her."

After delivering the message, Ling Chao handed a jade scroll to Zhouyang with a wave of his hand.