Volume 2 (Refining Immortal): Chapter 22

In the main hall of Piaomiao Island, Chong Zhao stood in a blue robe, marking him as an inner disciple, with three flowing cloud patterns embroidered on his waist, a symbol of the chief disciple of Piaomiao. Er Yun, in a white dress, looked pure and beautiful, with an unhidden arrogance in her expression, but she only had two flowing clouds on her waist.

The sect leader, Daoist Songfeng, had a white beard and wore a Daoist robe. His eyes were kind and benevolent, clearly indicating he was a good-natured and gentle elder. At this moment, he looked at his most prized disciple in the hall, walking down with undisguised excitement.

“Who would have thought that in just half a year, Zhao’er would be promoted to Immortal Lord? Wonderful!” Songfeng walked up to Chong Zhao with a face full of emotion. “If your father knew you were so promising, his soul would rest in peace.”

Hearing this, Chong Zhao was slightly moved, and Er Yun’s eyes also reddened.

“Chong Zhao has achieved today only because of the support of Master and Uncle Sect Master.” Chong Zhao knelt heavily.

“I will always remember the kindness Piaomiao has shown me!”

“Zhao’er! What are you doing? Get up quickly!” Songfeng hurriedly helped Chong Zhao up, feeling both emotional and proud.

“Zhao’er, you are the first young disciple in a hundred years from Piaomiao to be promoted to Immortal Lord. This year, at the ‘Wutong Martial Banquet’ between the immortals and demons on Wutong Phoenix Island, we finally have the qualification to participate.” Songfeng’s face showed excitement.

“I will immediately report this to the Heavenly Palace to obtain our qualification to enter Wutong Phoenix Island.”

“Second Uncle, what is the ‘Wutong Martial Banquet’? I’ve never heard of it before.”

Er Yun looked curious.

Songfeng sighed at this. “Our sect has been declining, and it has been a long time since any disciple was promoted to Immortal Lord, so it’s natural you haven’t heard of it. This matter dates back to the great war between the immortal and demon clans two hundred years ago. Back then, Lord Yuanqi sacrificed himself to destroy the demons, re-sealing them in the Nine Hell Purgatory. Since then, the immortal and demon clans have ceased fighting. The Phoenix Emperor, Feng Ran, ascended to the god realm, leaving the immortal clan under the control of Immortal Jinyao. The Phoenix Emperor and the then Demon Emperor Hongyi were close friends from a young age. Worried that the hard-won peace between the immortal and demon clans would be hard to maintain after their ascension, they established the ‘Wutong Martial Banquet’ every ten years for both clans.”

Songfeng looked at Chong Zhao.

“Every ten years, the two clans hold a spiritual energy contest on Wutong Phoenix Island. Young immortals and demons who have reached the rank of Immortal Lord or Demon Lord can participate. The winning clan gains control of the blessed land at the border of both clans for ten years, thus avoiding renewed conflicts and ensuring peace. If the immortal clan wins, the top disciple not only receives a Wutong sword forged by the Phoenix Emperor herself but also gets to apprentice under the four supreme immortal lords in the Heavenly Palace.”

Songfeng gave Chong Zhao a heavy pat on the shoulder.

“The ‘Wutong Martial Banquet’ every ten years is a grand event for both the immortal and demon clans… Our sect has not had the chance to participate for a hundred years. Zhao’er, if you can win the top honor and bring glory to our immortal clan, our Piaomiao will surely re-enter the ranks of the ‘Three Mountains and Six Palaces’ of the immortal clan!”

“Rest assured, Uncle Sect Master, I will train hard and bring glory to our sect at the ‘Wutong Martial Banquet’!” Chong Zhao spoke in a deep voice.

“Good, good!” Songfeng’s face showed relief as he waved his hand.

“You’ve had a hard journey slaying the octopus monster, so go back and rest.”

“Yes.”

Chong Zhao bowed again and turned to leave. Er Yun quickly followed but was stopped by Songfeng.

“Er Yun, stay behind.”

Er Yun was stunned.

Seeing Chong Zhao already at the hall’s exit, she pouted, “Second Uncle, Junior Brother has just been promoted to Immortal Lord; I need to properly celebrate with him. What do you need to say? hurry up.”

Songfeng’s expression turned serious. “Er Yun, Zhao’er, is the hope of our Piaomiao. I promised your father to nurture him well and bring glory to our sect. Do not let personal feelings hinder his training.”

“Second Uncle, what nonsense are you talking about!” Er Yun blushed and hurriedly argued, “There is nothing between me and Junior Brother! He has been in the immortal realm for a short time, and I accompany him in everything only out of camaraderie.”

“Good if there isn’t.” Songfeng’s expression softened slightly.

“That outer disciple from the medicine hut is an old acquaintance of Zhao’er from the mortal realm. She has been very dutiful over the years, taking care of the herb garden without overstepping. For Zhao’er’s sake, do not trouble her anymore.”

“I never…” Er Yun’s face stiffened, about to retort, when Songfeng waved his hand.

“Good if you haven’t. Now, go on.”

“Yes, Second Uncle.”

Er Yun pouted but, worried about Chong Zhao, quickly chased after him.

“Junior Brother! Ah Zhao, Junior Brother!” Er Yun called as she chased outside the main hall, where many junior female disciples had already surrounded Chong Zhao, looking at him excitedly.

“What are you all doing around Junior Brother Ah Zhao?” Er Yun frowned.

Seeing Er Yun appear, disciples like Er Li and Er Lan quickly stepped aside. Er Li hurriedly approached her to please her. “Senior Sister, we heard that Senior Brother Ah Zhao and you defeated the octopus monster, and that Senior Brother was promoted to Immortal Lord. We wanted to celebrate with Senior Brother and Senior Sister tonight, so we and the junior brothers are waiting here.”

“That’s right, Senior Sister! You and Senior Brother have worked hard all the way, and Senior Brother has been promoted to Immortal Lord. This is a joyous occasion, and we should celebrate properly!” The disciples cheered loudly.

Seeing her fellow disciples always associate her with Chong Zhao, Er Yun smiled. “You all are so considerate. Well then, Junior Brother Zhao, how about we…”

“Senior Sister,” Chong Zhao interrupted gently, looking somewhat helpless.

“The Sect Master Uncle just instructed me to focus on my cultivation and prepare well for the ‘Wutong Martial Banquet.’ There’s no need for a celebratory banquet.”

“But the fellow disciples…” Er Yun hesitated, looking at the eager faces of the disciples, then glanced at Chong Zhao’s tightly furrowed brows, knowing he preferred tranquility. She cleared her throat and said, “The Sect Master just ordered that Junior Brother needs to focus on his cultivation, and no one should disturb him. Junior Brother Zhao will soon go to Wutong Phoenix Island to participate in the ‘Wutong Martial Banquet.’ We can celebrate after he wins the top honor!”

Chong Zhao paused.

He wasn’t one to enjoy the spotlight, but he said nothing and thanked Er Yun before turning to leave.

Chong Zhao was always a cold and aloof person, which everyone was used to. Instead, they surrounded Er Yun, curiously asking about the ‘Wutong Martial Banquet.’

Er Yun, surrounded by the crowd, could only watch helplessly as Chong Zhao walked away alone.

Once outside the main hall, Chong Zhao transformed into a streak of blue light, heading south of the island. When he arrived at the medicine hut, he saw Bai Shuo carrying a bucket and watering the garden.

Bai Shuo, dressed as an herb apprentice, had a slightly disheveled bun, and a thin layer of sweat covered her forehead. She was watering the plants while pushing the hair off her face, smiling contentedly at the herbs.

“I take care of you diligently every day, so you must grow well and hopefully produce some top-grade immortal herbs for me, understood?”

Bai Shuo squatted in front of the herbs, a bamboo flute hanging from her chest swaying as she spoke softly, fussing over the plants.

Seeing the bamboo flute, Chong Zhao’s face softened with a smile. He was about to step into the medicine hut, but then remembered what he needed to do and stepped back.

Forget it. He had waited so long already; there was no need to rush. Once he completed his task tonight, he could openly protect Bai Shuo without leaving her again.

“Ah Shuo, wait for my return,” Chong Zhao whispered, reluctantly tearing his gaze away before transforming into a stream of light and flying off Piaomiao.

In the medicine hut, Bai Shuo seemed to sense something. She suddenly looked back to where Chong Zhao had stood but saw nothing.

Feeling a bit disappointed, Bai Shuo patted the herbs. “No rush, no rush. Once he’s done meeting with the Sect Master, he’ll come to see me, right?”

Bai Shuo looked toward the main hall, touching the bamboo flute hanging from her chest, filled with anticipation.

The full moon hung high in the sky, and even the imperial city of the human realm was quiet in the deep night.

Chong Zhao hovered outside the palace, gazing intensely at a brightly lit area within, his eyes filled with deep hatred.

Now that he was an immortal, what fear did he have of a mere human emperor?

After a long while, Chong Zhao finally moved. An immortal sword appeared in his palm as he flew towards the center of the palace. Just as he approached, a strong immortal light suddenly shone over the entire palace, forming a coiling dragon array that firmly protected it. The dragon’s phantom in the array roared, warning Chong Zhao.

Chong Zhao’s expression changed, but he did not retreat. Immortal energy surged in his hand. Seeing his persistence, the dragon in the array finally lost patience, leaping out with a roar and flying toward Chong Zhao.

The dragon’s tail snapped Chong Zhao’s immortal sword and struck his chest heavily. Chong Zhao spat blood, and just as he was about to be swallowed by the dragon, a fiery red demon arrow shot from afar, forcing the dragon back. A figure swooped in, catching the injured Chong Zhao and disappearing into the moonlight.

The dragon roared at the sky, and several beams of immortal light flew from the Heavenly Palace toward the human realm.

In the medicine hut on Piaomiao island, Bai Shuo had been sitting by the door since evening, reading an herb book by the light from the hut while occasionally glancing at the garden gate.

In a dilapidated temple outside the human imperial city, Chong Zhao lay pale. Fu Ling fed him a pill, infusing spiritual energy into him. After a moment, Chong Zhao’s face regained color, and he awoke.

Demonic energy?!

Upon waking, Chong Zhao’s expression changed abruptly. He conjured a immortal sword in his palm and swung it behind him, but the sword was effortlessly blocked by the person behind him.

A cold, mocking voice rang out.

“After so many years, is this how Young Master Chong treats his savior?”

Chong Zhao slowly turned and saw Fu Ling. A faint memory of a delicate, pitiable face surfaced in his mind, and he hesitated.

“You are… Fu Ling?” His expression suddenly shifted, and he reformed his immortal sword, pointing it at Fu Ling.

“You’re a demon?!”

Fu Ling remained unperturbed, gently pushing the sword tip aside and waving the intricate Cloudfire Arrow in her hand. She raised an eyebrow. “So what if I’m a demon? If it weren’t for me, you’d already be a ghost under the dragon guarding the emperor!”

Chong Zhao’s face stiffened, and the veins on his hand holding the immortal sword bulged. Fu Ling chuckled.

“Originally, I came to the mortal realm today for another matter, but I happened to pass by the imperial city and ran into an old friend. Young Master Chong, I didn’t expect that in just three years, you, a mere mortal, could become an Immortal Lord. It’s a rare fortune in the immortal realm. But as an immortal, don’t you know that the human emperor is protected by a divine dragon? An ordinary immortal wouldn’t dare intrude into the palace.”

Fu Ling moved a bit closer to Zhong Zhao, her beautiful eyes showing a hint of playfulness. She whispered, “If I wasn’t mistaken just now, you intended to kill the human emperor, right? You are from the immortal clan. If the Heavenly Palace finds out, you’ll be subject to heavenly punishment.”

“Demoness! Get lost!”

Chong Zhao’s face darkened, and he struck out with a heavy palm, speaking gravely.

“So what if he is the emperor? He committed heinous crimes and slaughtered my entire family. Why shouldn’t I kill him? Don’t think you can threaten me. Since I dared to break into the palace, I’m ready to face all consequences!”

Fu Ling stared at Chong Zhao and suddenly laughed.

“This is a matter for the immortal clan; what does it have to do with us demons?”

She turned to leave, but Chong Zhao called after her.

“Wait! Demoness! What really happened at Mount Muxiao back then? Did you deliberately lead me there?”

Both his and Bai Shuo’s memories had been erased. His last recollection was rescuing Fu Ling on Mount Muxiao, then leading the Chong family’s private soldiers into Mount Muxiao to save Bai Shuo. When he woke up, he was already in the sky prison.

“You don’t remember?” Fu Ling looked surprised, then her eyes deepened, and she frowned.

“Back then, you begged me to tell you where that girl named Bai Shuo was. I only fulfilled your request. My good intentions were met with bad outcomes.”

Chong Zhao frowned, half-believing her.

Fu Ling was slightly angry.

“Believe it or not, if I wanted to harm you, would you have survived back then? Why would I save you today?”

“I…” Chong Zhao paused, unable to refute. If Fu Ling had wanted to harm him, with her demonic energy, he, a mere mortal, would indeed have died long ago.

“Why did you save me?” Chong Zhao’s expression softened, and he asked in a low voice.

Fu Ling turned back, her eyes showing a rare hint of warmth. “You saved me on Mount Muxiao back then. Today, I saved you, considering its repayment. I saw nothing of what happened today.”

Chong Zhao was taken aback and nodded.

“Very well. In that case, we owe each other nothing. Demons and immortals are different. Next time we meet, you need not show me any mercy!”

Chong Zhao turned and left, transforming into a beam of immortal light heading east.

As he vanished, a masked man in purple appeared behind Fu Ling, speaking with confusion, “Second Palace Master, this young man managed to become an Immortal Lord in just three years. He’s a once-in-a-millennium genius among the immortals. By saving him today, he could become a great threat to our demon clan in the future!”

Fu Ling looked in the direction where Chong Zhao had disappeared and smiled slightly. “Why are you in such a hurry? The future is uncertain.”

“You mean…?”

“He is filled with hatred and resentment. Even if he becomes immortal, he will be like I was back then…”

Fu Ling’s voice grew softer as she looked in the direction Chong Zhao had vanished, a rare trace of warmth in her otherwise cold smile.

Several beams of immortal light descended outside the imperial city. At the forefront was Qingyi. Standing above the imperial city, he waved his hand, and the Emperor-Protecting Dragon Array flickered into view. A corner of the array had been pierced, and the dragon lay weakly within it. Qingyi moved his palm, channeling immortal energy into the array, reviving the dragon, which then leapt back into the array to rest.

“Lord, who dares intrude into the Emperor-Protecting Dragon Array to assassinate the human emperor?” one immortal soldier asked.

Qingyi frowned deeply and did not respond.

“Leave ten men to guard the array. The rest, follow me to the Heavenly Palace.”

“Yes.”

Several beams of immortal light ascended toward the Heavenly Palace.

In the Ninth Heavenly Palace, surrounded by celestial clouds, the moon hung at the level of the Milky Way. Inside the Nine Heavenly Hall, Jinyao looked at the broken Cloudfire Arrow in Qingyi’s hand, barely able to contain his anger.

“That rebellious girl! She intruded into the Emperor-Protecting Dragon Array. Is she trying to disrupt human destiny?”

“My Lord, please calm down.”

It was not a secret that Fu Ling of Cold Spring Palace was Jin Yao’s daughter, but only a few high immortals knew. Qingyi spoke solemnly, “This matter is probably not so simple.”

“What do you mean?”

“Within the Emperor-Protecting Dragon Array, I detected not only the presence of the Cloudfire Arrow but also a trace of immortal energy intertwined with it.”

Jinyao stood up abruptly. “Are you saying there is collusion between an immortal and a demon? Do they intend to kill the Ziwei star and disrupt human destiny?”

(T/N: Ziwei, translated as “purple rose”, is referred to as the North Star in ancient China. Being the most prominent and brightest star in the sky, together with the noble color “purple,”  Ziwei is also regarded as the Emperor star in Imperial Astrology)

“We cannot draw hasty conclusions yet, but there is indeed an immortal involved.”

Jinyao’s expression darkened. “The rebellion of the Peacock Clan severely weakened our immortal clan two hundred years ago. We cannot afford a repeat of such events. Although the immortal and demon clans have been at peace for a long time, Cold Spring Palace acts unpredictably and rebelliously. If Yan Yu becomes the demon emperor, the peace between the immortal and demon clans might be jeopardized.”

Jinyao ordered gravely, “Qingyi, investigate this matter secretly. You must find those who are colluding with Cold Spring Palace!”

“Yes, My Lord!”