Chapter 39

“Junior Brother!”

Er Yun, who had been waiting outside the cave, hurriedly stepped forward as she saw Chong Zhao emerge from the mountain cave.

She paused, her face lighting up with joy.

“Congratulations, Junior Brother, for successfully advancing from the early stage of Immortal Lord to the middle stage.”

Since the formation of the Three Realms, the immortals and demons have established a strict hierarchy in their cultivation realms. Half immortals are not true immortals; they merely live longer than mortals. Only by becoming an Immortal Lord can one be considered immortal. Immortal Lord is divided into early, middle, and peak stages. Above Immortal Lord is Supreme Immortal Lord, which also has three levels. Once one surpasses the peak of the Supreme Immortal Lord, they become a demigod. Only after crossing the threshold of godhood can one glimpse the way of the gods.

The demon clan is the same.

Ful Ling, who had been cultivating in the Heavenly Palace since childhood, received the true teachings of Jinyao. Although she had her immortal bones removed, she inherited her mother’s Cloudfire Bow and was guided by Zhen Yu. Now, she is a mid-level upper demon, a whole major realm above Chong Zhao. As for Piaomiao Sect, it has been declining for a long time. Even its sect master, despite cultivating bitterly for hundreds of years, is merely at the early stage of Supreme Immortal Lord.

(T/N: huhu.. after so many chapters, I finally realized that I previously mistranslated the name of the Cold Spring palace lord as Yan Yu..the correct name is Zhen Yu..huhu, please forgive this lazy translator for not checking it properly because the Cold Spring palace lord is seldom mentioned..huhu.)

Chong Zhao achieving the middle stage of Immortal Lord within three years of becoming an immortal is considered extraordinarily talented.

Chong Zhao remained humble and calm, nodding towards Er Yun, “Thank you, Senior Sister, for guarding me.”

Er Yun blushed.

Although she had been guarding outside the cave these past few days, she couldn’t enter the stone cave and was merely worried from the outside. Today was the day of the sect disciples’ competition, and she hurriedly told Chong Zhao about Zhe Sang’s return to the island, his advancement to Immortal Lord, and his challenge to him.

“Since Senior Brother has also advanced to Immortal Lord, we should compete to ensure fairness,” Chong Zhao said calmly, taking a step towards the main hall. However, Er Yun suddenly spoke up.

“Junior Brother…” Er Yun hesitated but finally spoke, “Bai Shuo stole the Mountain-Guarding Jade Slip and is now imprisoned in the Xuan Ice Cave by Second Uncle. But don’t worry; Second Uncle said that if she can endure three days in the Xuan Ice Cave, she will be released. Today is the third day.”

She thought Chong Zhao would rush to the Xuan Ice Cave upon hearing the news, but he remained expressionless and merely said, “Thank you, Senior Sister, for informing me.”

Seeing that Chong Zhao had no intention of going to the Xuan Ice Cave, Er Yun breathed a sigh of relief but couldn’t hide her surprise, “Aren’t you going to save her?”

The entire island had been gossiping that Bai Shuo’s theft of the Mountain Guarding Jade Slip was likely for Chong Zhao’s sake, as there was no other reason for such a foolish act.

“The sect master’s order is fair. Senior Sister, let’s go.”

Chong Zhao said no more and transformed into a stream of light heading straight for the main hall.

At this moment, outside the Piaomiao Sect’s main hall, Songfeng stood on the stone steps with Zhe Sang beside him.

On a cloud platform below the stone steps, sword lights flashed as inner disciples were competing.

One disciple disarmed another’s immortal sword and stood with his sword, receiving cheers from the crowd.

The defeated disciple wasn’t annoyed.

He put away his immortal sword, and both looked towards Songfeng.

“Not bad. Both of you have improved. This round is a victory for the first one,” Songfeng said with satisfaction.

“Yes, Sect Master.”

The two saluted Songfeng and flew off the cloud platform.

It was nearing noon, and the inner disciples’ competition had concluded. However, there was still no movement from the back mountain. The disciples glanced at Zhe Sang on the stone steps, whispering among themselves.

Tomorrow, the sect master would lead the Piaomiao Sect to Wutong Island. If Junior Brother Chong Zhao hadn’t emerged from seclusion, the task of representing Piaomiao would fall to the senior disciple.

Zhe Sang, however, was patient and said to Songfeng, “Master, Junior Sister has been guarding the back mountain and hasn’t returned yet. I fear Junior Brother hasn’t come out of seclusion. Today’s competition…”

Just then, a stream of light came from the back mountain.

“Junior Brother Chong Zhao is out of seclusion!” someone among the disciples exclaimed excitedly, and everyone’s curiosity was piqued.

Zhe Sang paused, smiling slightly, “It seems our battle is inevitable.”

Without waiting for Songfeng to speak, Zhe Sang leapt onto the cloud platform.

As Zhe Sang landed, Chong Zhao appeared on the cloud platform. Born noble in the mortal world, he now exuded immortal energy, his immortal robes fluttering, truly transcendent. Many female disciples looked at Chong Zhao with admiration.

Er Yun landed beside Songfeng, her gaze fixed on Chong Zhao.

Chong Zhao’s presence drew everyone’s attention, making Zhe Sang even more envious. He hid it well, but his words were sharp, “It’s been years since we last met. Junior Brother’s demeanor surpasses the past. No wonder you are Piaomiao’s number one.”

“Chong Zhao greets Senior Brother.”

Chong Zhao bowed to Zhe Sang, “It’s good that Senior Brother is back. The sect master and fellow disciples have missed you. Now that you’re back, I’m willing to assist you in revitalizing the sect.”

Zhe Sang was Songfeng’s direct disciple, like father and son. If Zhe Sang didn’t push aggressively, Chong Zhao didn’t want to disturb the sect’s harmony.

“Junior Brother, there’s no need for pleasantries between us. You know well how I lost to you two years ago. Today, I return to reclaim my rightful position, without your feigned concession.”

Zhe Sang snorted, summoning his immortal sword and pointing it at Chong Zhao, “Let’s see how much you’ve improved without that medicine cultivator’s help this time!”

As soon as his voice fell, Zhe Sang’s immortal sword aimed at Chong Zhao’s forehead. Chong Zhao, without saying a word, summoned his immortal sword to counter.

The two immortal swords clashed in mid-air, emitting fierce sword light. Both were from the same sect and equally matched in immortal power, making it hard to determine the victor initially. However, Zhe Sang’s swordsmanship was more practiced and ruthless, while Chong Zhao only defended, soon falling behind.

Seeing Zhe Sang’s sword targeting Chong Zhao’s vital points, Er Yun’s voice trembled as she grabbed Songfeng’s sleeve, “Second Uncle, stop them…”

Songfeng shook his head, “Today’s battle must have a result, or Piaomiao will be in chaos.”

Er Yun was stunned, just as Zhe Sang’s sword pierced Chong Zhao’s shoulder, staining his shoulder with blood.

The disciples gasped.

“Junior Brother!”

Zhe Sang hadn’t expected to win so easily and was somewhat smug, “Junior Brother, if you’re so weak, how can you bear Piaomiao’s responsibilities?”

“In the battle two years ago, Chong Zhao felt ashamed towards Senior Brother, and today I will return the sword to Senior Brother.”

Chong Zhao raised his head, his expression suddenly stern. His immortal sword shone brightly, deflecting Zhe Sang’s sword, “Senior Brother, please!”

Zhe Sang was pushed back three steps, the disciples below exchanging glances. His face turned red, “Chong Zhao, how dare you humiliate me! Fine, very well!”

The two immortal swords clashed again. This time, Chong Zhao’s attacks were relentless, no longer holding back. Soon, Zhe Sang was forced to retreat, barely able to defend.

“Good!”

The disciples, rarely witnessing an immortal duel, couldn’t help but cheer for Chong Zhao’s skillful swordsmanship. Despite Zhe Sang’s arrogance, they preferred the humble Chong Zhao.

Zhe Sang was forced to the edge of the cloud platform by Chong Zhao’s sword. Hearing the disciples’ cheers, memories of his defeat two years ago flashed before his eyes.

His face was filled with unwillingness. Clearly, both he and Chong Zhao were Immortal Lords, yet despite practicing the Piaomiao sword technique for a hundred years, he was still inferior to a disciple who had just joined three years ago.

How unfair heaven was!

No, he couldn’t lose this time!

A strange red light appeared in Zhe Sang’s eyes.

With a tremor of his long sword, a red bead full of spiritual energy appeared on the hilt. As soon as the red bead appeared, his spiritual energy surged, and he swung his sword fiercely. This strike, containing power equal to his own spiritual strength, heavily struck Chong Zhao, causing him to spit blood and half-kneel on the cloud platform.

“Junior Brother!” Er Yun was about to fly onto the cloud platform, but Songfeng stopped her.

“Second Uncle, what kind of spiritual weapon is that?” Er Yun asked anxiously. She had noticed the strange red bead, sensing its abundant spiritual energy and realizing it was no ordinary object, possibly rivaling the Mountain-Guarding Jade Slip of Piaomiao.

Songfeng’s face changed, his body unstable as he coughed heavily. Er Yun quickly supported him. “Second Uncle, what’s wrong?”

Songfeng shook his head, his eyes fixed on the cloud platform.

Everyone had expected Zhe Sang to be defeated by Chong Zhao again, but the situation had reversed in an instant. Chong Zhao couldn’t withstand a single strike from Zhe Sang, leaving the disciples below silent and in shock.

Zhe Sang’s expression was grim as he slowly approached the half-kneeling Chong Zhao.

“Junior Brother, I wasn’t using my full strength just now. Don’t think you can defeat me this time. If you kneel and admit defeat, repenting for the battle two years ago, I can spare you and let you remain as an outer disciple!”

“I already repaid the battle from two years ago,” Chong Zhao said, looking up resolutely.

“Senior Brother, I haven’t lost yet.”

“Courting death!” Zhe Sang’s face darkened as he swung his immortal sword at Chong Zhao once more. This strike was even more powerful than the last.

“Senior Brother, no!”

Er Yun’s face changed dramatically, crying out from the stone steps.

In the Xuan Ice Cave, Fan Yue awoke after two days of slumber, still holding Bai Shuo, who remained unconscious.

“Master…” Fan Yue called out to Bai Shuo, still a dull boy. It seemed Bai Shuo’s blood could only temporarily restore his mind and strength.

Bai Shuo lay curled in Fan Yue’s arms, unaware. Her cheeks were rosy, with a faint smile on her lips, and her breathing was very weak.

Although Fu Ling had left, the “Drunken Life, Dreaming Death” curse on Bai Shuo hadn’t been lifted. She had been trapped in a dream for two days. If she didn’t wake up soon, she would exhaust her spiritual energy and die.

Fan Yue didn’t know what had happened to Bai Shuo, but he sensed her spiritual energy was very weak. He vaguely realized that if he didn’t wake her up soon, she would never wake up again.

“Wake… wake… up…” Fan Yue spoke each word with difficulty, bewildered and terrified.

In Fan Yue’s simple world, there was only Bai Shuo.

He couldn’t be without her.

Fan Yue didn’t know what else to do but hold her tightly, struggling to call out to her repeatedly.

In the dream, Bai Shuo was resting her chin on her hand, staring at someone.

That person was dressed in a purple robe, with hair casually tied up, lazily leaning against a bookshelf and reading. He had a small wine gourd tied to his waist.

Bai Shuo sat quietly at a wooden table, staring at the figure.

This was a library, outside of which was a grand hall. She had never seen such a splendid and luxurious palace. Since waking from the bone-chilling ice, she appeared in this place. She tried to walk out of the palace, but this place seemed to be isolated by a barrier. Whenever she reached the door, she would find herself back behind that person again.

She knew who this figure was. She had been searching for him for ten years. She couldn’t remember his face or call out his name, but she knew he was the one who had saved her from the imperial tomb in the mortal world ten years ago.

Seeing this figure for the first time had made Bai Shuo ecstatic, thinking heaven had answered her prayers and brought her to him. But soon, she learned the true meaning of bittersweet.

Not only could she not leave this place, but she also couldn’t reach that person, and he couldn’t see or hear her.

Am I dead? Did heaven take pity on me only after my death, fulfilling my wish?

Bai Shuo, ever the optimist, couldn’t understand her predicament with her limited knowledge. However, her obsession for ten years made her happily follow that figure for two days.

The man would sleep when he had nothing to do and drink when he woke up, living a carefree life.

Accompanying him in this isolated place wasn’t so bad, Bai Shuo thought, feeling drowsy.

As she slowly closed her eyes, she didn’t notice her body gradually fading or the hall collapsing.

Bai Shuo didn’t know she was trapped in the “Drunken Life, Dreaming Death” curse, where this was just her dream. She couldn’t remember that person’s face, so she could never see his appearance or reach him.

“Master! Master!” The anxious voice of a young man echoed in her ears, jolting Bai Shuo awake just as she was about to fall asleep.

Who?

“Wake up, wake up, wake up…”

What do you mean ‘wake up’?

“Please, please…”

Beg me? I am just a floating duckweed in the Three Realms, a poor little half-immortal; who would ask me for help?

Bai Shuo was puzzled.

Suddenly she saw the palace collapsing above her, about to crush her. Her pupils contracted, but she couldn’t move.

Why can’t she move? What the hell!  What the hell is this place!

“Bai Shuo! Wake up for me!”

Finally, the young man shouted a complete sentence, his voice hoarse and terrified.

Bai Shuo’s mind shook, and she opened her eyes.