novelraw Chapter 204 : The Mystery of the Shang Court, the God Transformation Cultivator
Chapter 204 : The Mystery of the Shang Court, the God Transformation Cultivator
Chapter 204: The Mystery of the Shang Court, the God Transformation Cultivator
“Martial Uncle, how did the Shang Court, which was once so powerful, come to perish?”
“Could it have been destroyed by another power? But no major force has emerged in the Cangluo Continent since then.”
Ji Yuan had left Water Dragon Island together with Real Person Duocai, yet it seemed that the latter had no intention of leaving in a hurry. Ji Yuan thus seized the chance to ask.
If it had been before, Ji Yuan might not have had much interest in the Shang Court.
After all, it had perished countless years ago, and time should have long erased all traces of it.
But now, it seemed that within the long river of time in the Cangluo Continent, the Shang Court was like a stubborn boulder—unyielding and indestructible.
“How exactly did the Shang Court fall?”
The light of flight beneath Real Person Duocai slowed slightly. Then he simply sat down on Ji Yuan’s Sky-Slicer Boat. “This matter has many versions,” he said. “Even after nearly ten thousand years, no definite conclusion has ever been reached.”
“If you were to ask others about this, even Junior Brother Xuan Shui might not know. But since you’ve asked me…” Real Person Duocai stroked his beard and smiled. “Our Li Family does know a little about it.”
Of course they did—after all, the Li Family was one of the original veterans of the Water Dragon Sect’s founding, and their ancestors had once produced a Nascent Soul cultivator… Ji Yuan slightly cupped his hands. “I ask Martial Uncle to enlighten me.”
“No need to be so polite.”
Real Person Duocai formed a hand seal and cast a restriction.
A cyan stream of light then enveloped the entire flying boat. Ji Yuan quickly stopped the Sky-Slicer Boat, giving him ample time to speak.
“Do you know what realm lies above Nascent Soul?”
“I do. Master told me before—above Nascent Soul is the God Transformation stage.”
This, Ji Yuan said truthfully.
“Yes. A single God Transformation cultivator could dominate and unify our entire Cangluo Continent. Yet the Shang Court of that time had two of them.”
“What?”
Ji Yuan was hearing this for the first time and couldn’t help but be shocked. “Then how could it still have been destroyed? Could it be that a being stronger than God Transformation intervened?”
“Such beings wouldn’t even spare a glance at our tiny Cangluo Continent.”
Real Person Duocai smiled as he stroked his beard. “You know, beyond our Cangluo Continent, there are other continents, correct?”
“I know.”
“Those two God Transformation cultivators—also the Lords of the Shang Court—after unifying the Cangluo Continent and finding no opponents left, departed from it and went to other continents.”
“And then?”
Ji Yuan was now completely absorbed in the story.
“And then they never returned. Some say they perished overseas; others say they achieved even higher realms and no longer cared for our Cangluo Continent. Still others believe they were trapped somewhere. In any case, they never came back.”
When Real Person Duocai spoke to this point, he seemed rather regretful. After sighing softly, he continued,
“With the Shang Court left without a master, the remaining Nascent Soul cultivators had all sorts of ambitions.
Some tried to seize the sect’s resources to attempt breaking through to God Transformation.
Some wished to take a share of the resources and travel overseas, living freely.
And some sought to seize the position of Sect Lord and unify the world again.
In short, every kind of desire arose—and so began an era of internal strife. The battles became so fierce that in the end, dozens of Nascent Soul cultivators fought an all-out war, shattering even the Nine Nether Grotto-Heaven to pieces.”
“With the Shang Court gone, the entire Cangluo Continent plunged into chaos—righteous and demonic paths rose together, constant bloodshed, endless war.”
“The founders of our Six Immortal Sects of Shangdong—including, of course, my own ancestor of the Li Family—rose amid that chaos and ultimately founded our Water Dragon Sect.”
Ji Yuan was hearing all this for the first time. None of these past events of the Shang Court were recorded even in the ancient texts he had read.
“Then how did the righteous and demonic paths come to occupy the east and west sides?”
“Ah, that matter.”
Real Person Duocai chuckled. “That one I do know, because my ancestor also took part in it.”
You sure like mentioning your ancestor every three sentences… Ji Yuan leaned forward slightly, making a show of attentive listening.
“At that time, our Six Immortal Sects of Shangdong and the Three Demonic Sects of Western Shang had already been established. In fact, the Six Immortal Sects weren’t all located in the east initially. For instance, Corpse Herding Mountain and Joy Palace were both originally in the west, while the White Bone Sect was originally in the east.”
“There were actually more Nascent Soul forces back then than there are now—some were wiped out later.”
“There were?”
Ji Yuan was quite astonished.
“Indeed. Later, all our ancestors realized that continuing to fight was meaningless. After countless battles, the Nascent Soul ancestors were enraged, and the lands suffered yet another calamity of slaughter.”
Real Person Duocai’s tone grew somewhat sorrowful.
But would Nascent Soul cultivators truly fear the suffering of mortals?
They only feared their own deaths, surely.
Ji Yuan naturally understood the implication behind his words, but did not speak it aloud.
Real Person Duocai continued, “Eventually, the Nascent Soul cultivators of all the great sects gathered atop Shang Mountain and held a grand meeting. It is said the meeting lasted for a full year. At its end, an alliance treaty was signed—using Shang Mountain as the boundary—to divide the righteous and demonic paths. It became known in history as ‘The Shang Mountain Alliance.’”
“So that’s how it was…”
Ji Yuan suddenly understood.
“But in truth,” Real Person Duocai stroked the beard on his chin, “the western lands of Shang are far poorer in spiritual veins and resources than our eastern side.”
“Then why did they agree to that division?”
Ji Yuan couldn’t help asking—it wasn’t in the demonic nature to compromise.
“They had no choice. The demonic forces were weaker then—both in numbers and in Nascent Soul cultivators—so they could only retreat to the west.”
“Then how come they now have the upper hand over us?”
At that question, Real Person Duocai’s tone turned meaningful. “Because… they are demonic cultivators.”
He raised a finger, pointing toward the Ancestral Hall. “Take our Water Dragon Sect for instance—our most powerful First Elder and Third Elder. If they were demonic cultivators, would we still have any say in anything?”
Ji Yuan smiled awkwardly. Some things Li Gang could say, but he could not.
“Don’t trouble yourself with these matters,” Real Person Duocai said with a laugh. “With the treasures the sect has rewarded you this time, your safety is assured. As for those scales—if you use them and need more, come to us again; we’ll provide them. You’ve earned them, after all. But the book pages—those are truly gone.”
Ji Yuan was about to speak,
But Real Person Duocai waved his hand. “No need to say more. Just focus on cultivating. That’s all that matters.”
“I told the same to Changhe before, and now I tell you the same—break through as soon as possible. Strive to form your Core before the demonic invasion begins. Only after Core Formation will you have even a slim chance of survival.”
“Yes, thank you, Martial Uncle.”
Ji Yuan rose from his seat and bowed deeply.
“If your cultivation ever requires assistance,” Real Person Duocai said as he too stood, “and you think the Li Family can help, feel free to come find me—or Changhe.”
“Say, when you condense your Canglan Sword Embryo—if you intend to go to Ice-Fire Island or Thunder Marsh—come to our Li Family before departing.
Though our Li Family has declined, we still have friends near those places suitable for condensing sword embryos. With our recommendation, your journey will be far smoother.”
These words… were indeed considerate. Not only had they shared Li Family cultivation arts with him, but they even offered their connections.
They truly treated him like one of their own juniors.
Ji Yuan bowed once again—
This time, however, he did not speak thanks.
Real Person Duocai stepped forward and helped him up. “The world will ultimately belong to your generation. When these old bones of mine are gone, Changhe may trouble you for care.”
Ji Yuan quickly replied,
“Martial Uncle, what are you saying? I’ll still be relying on Brother Li to look after me.”
Real Person Duocai looked at him, then pointed to his own eyes.
“I, Old Li, lack courage, lack strength, and failed to make the Li Family flourish. But these eyes of mine are sharp—they’ve never judged wrong.”
“You, Ji Yuan, are his destined benefactor.”
“In the future, if—and I mean if—Changhe ever faces a life-and-death crisis, and by chance you have the ability to save him, I hope you’ll do so. Can you promise that?”
Ji Yuan fell silent for a long moment, then nodded.
Real Person Duocai visibly relaxed and laughed heartily. “Good, good! With you, virtuous nephew, I’m at ease.”
Ji Yuan didn’t know what the old man saw in him that made him believe Ji Yuan would one day possess the power to save Li Changhe. But since fate had brought them together—and Li Changhe himself was a good man—
Then he would save him if the chance arose.
After all, just as Real Person Duocai had said—one must have strength first. If he could not even protect his own life, how could he talk about saving others?
Real Person Duocai departed.
Ji Yuan first returned to Wuyou Island. Not even a day had passed before a cultivator from Four Directions Island came to visit.
Indeed, during his previous meeting with Real Person Xuan Shui, Ji Yuan had mentioned that he wished to draw upon the earth fire on Wuyou Island to refine an artifact.
Such a minor matter was naturally not something Real Person Xuan Shui would refuse; he simply said he would make the arrangements and told Ji Yuan to return and wait.
Ji Yuan had originally thought it would be troublesome. He had gone to Four Directions Island before and seen the procedures—if one wished to channel earth fire on a private island, one had to first undergo an “examination” on Four Directions Island, obtain a Second-Tier Artifact Refiner’s certificate, then submit an application and so on.
The entire process could take half a year, perhaps even a full year.
Ji Yuan had only hoped that Real Person Xuan Shui could put in a word for him to speed things up.
He never expected it to be this fast—without needing to say another word, a Foundation Establishment cultivator from Four Directions Island arrived with several Qi Refining disciples from the Artifact Hall. After a bit of tinkering and setup, everything was completed successfully.
Ji Yuan, well aware of proper etiquette, prepared a small gift for each of them.
Once this matter was settled, he did not rush to activate the [Weapon Refining Room].
Just as Real Person Duocai had said—ultimately, everything depended on one’s cultivation base. Rather than upgrading the [Weapon Refining Room], it was better to first condense his third sword embryo.
Soon after, Ji Yuan returned to Misty Island.
This journey to Tianzhu Peak was not troublesome nor far—it was practically like going on an outing.
Even so, Ji Yuan was fully equipped. Not only did he bring along his righteous-path artifacts, but even his demonic items such as the Yin Ghost Flag and the Thousand Souls Banner.
As for spiritual beasts, both the Ice Flood Dragon and the bee swarm came along.
Just in case.
After preparing everything, he reminded Tu Yue a few more times—not to forget feeding the fish and the Spirit-Devouring Bees. If any Corpse Servants crawled out of the [Grave Mound], she was to have them dig and reshape the ground first.
The specific tasks would wait until Ji Yuan’s return.
Before long—
The Sky-Slicer Boat rose from Misty Island, vanished into the clouds, and headed straight southeast. When he exited the boundaries of Yunyu Marshlands and arrived above Pear Blossom River, Ji Yuan looked down at the water.
Now, it was calm and tranquil.
No anomalies remained.
There, Ji Yuan pasted an Shapeshifting Talisman on himself—not using his own appearance, nor that of “Qiu Qianhai”, but the face of an ordinary middle-aged man.
Utterly unremarkable.
This journey southward to Tianzhu Peak, he estimated, would take around twenty days if there were no delays.
He would probably stay atop Tianzhu Peak for about ten days, and then another twenty to return.
All in all, not too bad.
And after a trip out and back, Misty Island would once again have produced a batch of “basic yield.”
‘Tianzhu Peak isn’t too far from Maple Leaf City… should I drop by to see Senior Sister Dong?’
The thought flashed through his mind but was quickly dismissed.
If it had been years since they’d met, perhaps he should. But it had only been a short while—not worth the detour.
So he continued south, traveling and cultivating as he went.
Unlike before, this trip wasn’t a mission nor any urgent errand—it was simply a spontaneous journey.
Hence, Ji Yuan’s mood along the way was excellent. Whenever he came across a beautiful scene, he would descend from the flying boat to appreciate it.
If he encountered a large city, he would enter and stroll around—perhaps he could find some rare treasures by chance.
He would also buy local specialty wines from each region. Once enhanced by the [Wine Cellar], they would make perfect gifts—whether for guests or his master.
Nearly a month passed in the blink of an eye.
When Ji Yuan saw the towering mountain rising above the sea of clouds, he knew he had reached his destination—Tianzhu Peak.
He immediately increased his speed, and within an hour—
Ji Yuan arrived before the peak.
Though already above the clouds, he still had to crane his neck upward to see the summit—nearly a thousand meters higher still.
Ordinarily, mountains of such height should have snow-capped peaks.
Yet what Ji Yuan saw was lush and green all the way to the top—not even a gravel slope, let alone snow.
It was completely unlike anything he had known in his past life—another marvel of the cultivation world.
Occasionally, streaks of Stream of Light could be seen flying by—mostly Qi Refining or Foundation Establishment cultivators.
Ji Yuan piloted his boat upward, and within moments, he reached the summit.
‘Heh, quite a few people here.’
Ji Yuan didn’t dare to extend his Divine Sense, merely swept his gaze around. There were probably several dozen people here, most of them Qi Refining cultivators, with around ten at Foundation Establishment.
Fortunately, the summit was vast; even with so many people, it did not feel crowded.
At the very center—the highest point of Tianzhu Peak—stood a pavilion built by some benevolent immortal.
The sign above read: “Pavilion of Abiding Immortals.”
A fine name indeed.
Ji Yuan landed, storing the flying boat back into his Storage Pouch.
A few nearby Qi Refining cultivators who had been chatting stood and saluted upon sensing his cultivation level.
Dressed in a plain blue robe, Ji Yuan smiled and nodded in greeting, then walked toward the Pavilion of Abiding Immortals.
The stone path beneath his feet was paved with green slabs. Walking atop this grassy summit, with a vast sea of clouds beneath, was truly a rare and magnificent sight.
Ji Yuan walked leisurely.
He saw a pair of cultivators—immortal companions—professing love to each other. Two late-stage Qi Refining cultivators swearing oaths of eternal devotion atop Tianzhu Peak.
The man vowed that they would form their Foundation together; the woman vowed to establish her own Foundation-Building clan.
Then the man whispered something in her ear, making her earlobes flush red as she burrowed into his chest, lightly pounding his chest with her fist in feigned anger.
Others without Divine Sense might not have heard it clearly—
But Ji Yuan, whose physique was tempered by Foundation Establishment, had hearing far sharper than ordinary people.
Though the man whispered, it was almost as clear as if he were speaking right beside Ji Yuan’s ear.
He said, “Then we’ll have to make children first. Why don’t we go back and create some people? It’ll be preparation for our Foundation-Building clan.”
Watching the departing immortal couple, Ji Yuan judged from their attire and the fact they could freely travel here that they were likely of respectable origin—probably from a Foundation Establishment family.
Not of the lower ranks in the cultivation world.
Ji Yuan continued upward. When he reached the Pavilion of Abiding Immortals, he found three people sitting inside—all Foundation Establishment cultivators—apparently acquaintances, chatting and laughing merrily.
Upon noticing Ji Yuan’s approach, one of them—a young man in a dark robe—stood and cupped his hands. “A fated encounter, indeed. Fellow Daoist, why not join us for a talk?”
“I am Xue Nanshan of the Xue Family from Lin’an City. Pleased to meet you.”
Feigning surprise, Ji Yuan quickly returned the courtesy.
“I am the rogue cultivator Qiu Qianhai. Greetings, Fellow Daoist Xue, and to you both as well.”
Xue Nanshan was at early Foundation Establishment; the other two—a man and a woman—were at mid Foundation Establishment and seemed to be Daoist partners. Ji Yuan glanced over—no late-stage cultivators—feeling somewhat relieved before entering the pavilion.
Xue Nanshan then introduced the couple.
The man’s name was He Tianming, and the woman was Mu Lulu.
Both were cultivators from Jiangxin Island—rogue cultivators as well. Though both had reached mid Foundation Establishment, they had not formed any sect or clan, simply cultivating together on their island.
They were known around Tianzhu Peak as an exemplary immortal couple.
Ji Yuan exchanged polite greetings. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed that the woman seemed somewhat fearful of the man and did not dare look him in the eye…
Clearly, there was some story between them.
Understanding this, Ji Yuan only chatted briefly before finding an excuse to leave.
He had no desire to invite trouble—avoiding it entirely was always the best policy.
Leaving the Pavilion of Abiding Immortals, Ji Yuan rode his flying boat downward into the sea of clouds. But he didn’t go far, instead flying close along the mountain’s surface.
The summit of Tianzhu Peak had no cave dwellings, but beneath the clouds there were many left behind by previous cultivators.
Some were occupied; some lay open and empty.
Ji Yuan found an unoccupied cave nearby, inspected it carefully, and, after confirming nothing was amiss, activated the [Cave Dwelling] function, expanding the Stellar Whirl Cloud Barrier Formation.
Thus began his secluded cultivation life upon Tianzhu Peak.