Chapter 233: Chapter 25 Thunderbolts Split the Mountain Tops, Hills Collapse in Landslides
 

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A thousand-zhang deep valley, twelve hundred demons, all slain.

Even for an old Taoist who had spent his life exorcising demons, such ruthless methods practiced by the disciples of the Shushan Sect sent a chill down his spine… although it lasted only for a moment.

More so, there was a feeling of relief: It was about time they were eradicated!

Kuaiji County in Yangzhou is considered a large county, hence the public order is relatively stable. In contrast, in the Minyue lands abundant with southern mountain ranges, tens of thousands of people are killed by demons yearly, to whom can they turn to lament?

Complaining about the Shushan Sword Immortal’s methods being too ruthless, why not blame the demons for their cruelty in devouring humans?

All the demons in the world are born from serpents, insects, rats, ants, tigers, leopards, jackals, and wolves that absorb the Sun Essence and Moon Splendor. Since they can never be utterly eradicated, nor can their nature to eat humans be reversed,

the only solution is to slay them!

I, the old Taoist, wholeheartedly endorse and support this with both hands!

In the face of the old Taoist’s flattery, both parties remained indifferent, showing no signs of complacency.

An Zhisu didn’t care about such things, and Ling Yunpo had heard enough of it when he was the senior brother in autumn, which in the eyes of the old Taoist proved the disposition of a great sect’s disciple.

Since this old Taoist had no Flying Sword (only a self-made Peach Wood Sword), the two left the valley on foot. Looking at the dead bodies of demons along the way, the old Taoist couldn’t help but marvel.

“…However, it would be best to burn those demon corpses,” he said cautiously. “The dirty Qi in the demons’ flesh is heavy. If consumed by wild birds and beasts, in a few years, they could transform into new demons.”

“You speak the truth,” An Zhisu said, shooting out his Flying Smoke Sword with a graceful sweep through the air, showering sparks that ignited the demon corpses, causing them to burn fiercely without wind.

“This act of yours is indeed a great kindness,” continued the old Taoist with flattery. “With the evil of Mount Tianmu cleansed, Kuaiji County will have no concerns for the future. It can be said to ‘save the lives of the people’, accruing great merit indeed.”

“Fellow Taoist,” Ling Yunpo, seeing him continuing to talk non-stop, interrupted, “I have come here entrusted by another, and I wish to inquire about the Daoist lineage of Chonghe True Person.”

“Chonghe True Person?” The old Taoist pondered for a moment, “That is indeed an ancestral master’s Taoist title in our sect.”

“However…” The ancestor said that this Daoist Magic stems from Kunlun, and I beg your forgiveness as I cannot disclose it.”

“I see,” Ling Yunpo nodded with a smile, “it’s no problem; I was just asking.”

If it’s only transmitted in Kunlun, then I’ll just use Qiu Changtian’s title next time I come. I am confident I will obtain the Shenxiao Thunder eventually.

His easygoing response made the old Taoist feel somewhat embarrassed.

The visitor had come from afar and saved him from a dire situation. It was not too much to ask for the Thunder Method as compensation.

After all, Shenxiao Thunder belongs to Daoist Magic, not Qi Refining Technique, and with its rank being low, it’s not worth being the foundation of a sect’s Daoist lineage; there is therefore no need to be secretive.

Unfortunately, the ancestor emphasized that this method must not be divulged.

As a result, I have no way to repay the debt and am instead beholden to them…

Musing upon this, the old Taoist’s thoughts sank.

Spells are easy to give, but debts of gratitude are hard to owe! Especially since the other party is from the great Shushan lineage – when it comes time to return the favor, it may involve going through fire and water…

With this in mind, he finally made up his mind and said:

“Do both of you know why the demons captured me and brought me here?”

“Oh?” Ling Yunpo instinctively asked, “Why?”

“It seems that they have somehow learned that there are Immortal Sect relics within Mount Tianmu,” the old Taoist said gravely.

Immortal Sect relics? Ling Yunpo’s expression showed surprise as he exchanged a glance with An Zhisu.

If it truly were relics of an Immortal, the first group to explore would be the most rewarded — unless limited by the strength of their Cultivation Realm and unable to explore completely.

“Why do you reveal this to us?” Ling Yunpo asked with a smile.

“Unable to repay the debt of saving my life,” the old Taoist said earnestly, “My own Cultivation Realm is low, and naturally, I am not destined for such a fortuitous encounter.”

“However… the Daoist lineage of our sect was originally inherited from Kunlun. The descendants have not lived up to the legacy, and it has increasingly declined, lacking the ability to uphold it. If trading this information could allow me and my disciple to return to the Kunlun gate, it would also be a good thing.”

“So, Fellow Taoist wishes to return to Kunlun,” Ling Yunpo immediately understood, and laughed freely, “you really do trust us.”

This old Taoist was originally kidnapped by demons under duress but happened upon the information about the Immortal Sect relics.

Now he wanted to use it to return to Kunlun, which could also be considered a blessing in disguise for him and his disciple.

“`

However, to repay the two for saving his life, the old Daoist made a decision to offer them the opportunity to explore the ancient ruins for the first time.

“You trust that we won’t betray you after getting the information, eliminate the Daoist, and then return to Shushan to claim credit, right?”

“What do you mean by ‘trustworthy’?” asked the Daoist in confusion, “That immortal’s relic is a secret realm, and it doesn’t matter if the two of you explore it a few times.”

Ling Yunpo: ………

Turns out the other party hadn’t even considered the possibility of “killing to silence.” Cough cough, it appears I’m the one with impure thoughts.

However, since it is a secret realm of the Immortal Sect, it must contain many treasures or be a place of fateful encounters; otherwise, it would not make sense.

With this thought, Ling Yunpo found himself tempted.

Turning to look at An Zhisu, his senior sister’s eyes were also shining, and she sent him an inquiring glance:

To accept or not?

Accept!

Ling Yunpo made up his mind and, with a cupped fist salute, said:

“In that case, I thank the Daoist friend for his generosity.”

“Not at all, it is I who should thank the two of you for saving my life,” the Daoist responded with a deep bow.

As the three walked along the mountainous stone steps, they could hear the Daoist saying:

“Speaking of the immortal’s relics, there are actually verses recorded about them, only forgotten by later generations.”

“The poem goes: ‘With Xie Gong’s wooden clogs on my feet, I climb the ladder to the azure clouds. Halfway up the cliff, I see the ocean sun, high in the sky I hear the heavenly rooster.’ This means ‘To visit the cave abode, one must climb up high first.'”

Continuing to ascend the mountain path and after covering some distance, they saw a gurgling brook in front, its flowing water producing a pleasant sound, creating an aesthetic charm.

The Daoist pointed to the water and said:

“The poem says: ‘A thousand rocks and myriad turns, where the path is not steady; lost among flowers leaning against the stones, suddenly it is dusk. Bear roars and dragon groans echo in the rock springs, in the deep forest shocks rise to the peak.’ This means ‘The mountain path is rugged, beyond the stream and forests.'”

Crossing the stream and passing through the woods, the trio arrived in front of a cave.

“This is the entrance to the Immortal Sect’s legacy,” the Daoist sighed, “The poem says ‘Gaps flashing with lightning, hills and mounts crumble away. Cave Heaven’s stone gate, thunderously unlocks itself’; it means that one must use Thunder Method to activate the restrictions and open the gate.”

“However, as my Cultivation Realm is too low and my mastery over the Shenxiao Thunder is too superficial, I have a treasure mountain yet cannot enter it. If the two of you possess the corresponding Divine Skills, you could give it a try.”

Ling Yunpo could not help but chuckle; so, there was a catch after all!

Indeed, even though the Immortal’s legacy was being offered as repayment, if my senior sister and I couldn’t open the entrance to the legacy, there would be no blaming the Daoist, and he would have an explanation for Kunlun.

“Senior sister, do you know any Thunder Methods?” Ling Yunpo casually asked.

“I do not,” An Zhisu shook her head honestly.

She had always followed Su Jian’s instructions, focusing on cultivating her swordsmanship, showing no interest in other spells.

“I’m not versed in Thunder Methods either,” said Ling Yunpo as he formed a Sword technique, summoning the Thunder Punishment Sword from the Sword Box, “but I have this sword.”

“Could it be a Metal System Flying Sword?” the Daoist asked in surprise, “Thunder Method is known for its immense power. Even if the sword carries Daoist Magic of the thunder attribute, it cannot compare to the power of the Five Thunder True Law, and it may be difficult to open the relic.”

“Let’s try first before we conclude,” Ling Yunpo said with a slight smile, stepping forward and leaving the other two behind.

With the Thunder Punishment Sword in his right hand and caressing the blade with his left, he quietly formed the Jade Pivot Thunder, using the “True Spirit Seal Sword Technique” to enhance it further.

This “True Spirit Seal Sword Technique,” originally taught by Qing Ping, was used to tame the resentful spirits on the Myriad Demons Evil Spirit Sword with the Shangyang Sword Qi.

Now, Ling Yunpo put it to another use, channeling Jade Pivot Thunder into the sword. Suddenly, the Thunder Punishment Sword let out a startling cry:

“What kind of Thunder Method is this? Ah… wait a moment, ah! Sword Master, stop! It’s too much, Thunderbane is going to break…”

Initially, its voice carried a mix of anger and fright, but it later became whiny.

As a Thunder Attribute Flying Sword, being tempered by Heavenly Thunder is all benefits and no drawbacks, so while it was saying “don’t,” the tone suggested “bring on more.”

Ling Yunpo, stony-hearted, was unmoved by its clamoring and simply channeled all of the Jade Pivot Thunder onto the blade before propelling the sword forward with Sword Control.

The Thunder Punishment Sword, together with the Jade Pivot Thunder on it, struck the depths of the cave wall, setting off an earth-shattering boom!