Chapter 542: Vertical and Horizontal Alliance
Translator: Transn Editor: Transn
ng Qi’s back straightened when he heard this.
Annual etings were held in the Azure Palace each year for official mbers to et. The eting was ant for the mbers to tighten their friendship and deepen their sense of belongingness to the Immortals. In such etings, the identities of the mbers were not a secret. This would be ng Qi’s first eting as he was just recently initiated. He was unaware of the identities of the other mbers besides ‘Progenitor Doumu’ Ye Yuqi, ‘Bluecloud Progenitor’ Qu Jiuniang, and ‘Primogenitor Guangcheng’ Yuan Lihuo. Perhaps he knew of their true identities but not their corresponding nicknas like Drunk Xie and Ren Pingsheng. Thus, he was excitedly making speculations of Primogenitor Lingbao’s true identity.
“There are only a handful of powerful warriors in the Celestial Rankings, so who would it be?”
The Primogenitor belonged to one of the earliest groups of Samsara travelers. Thus, he was safely assud to possess great seniority.
The Primogenitor took off his mask, revealing no reaction to ng Qi’s flurry of thoughts, and revealed a pair of white eyebrows and baby-smooth skin.
Like a wise, yet common Taoist, his benevolent features and gaze obscured a hidden strength. He was utterly mysterious.
“My na is Chong He.” Primogenitor Lingbao introduced himself with just placidness it was as if his na held no notable reputation.
“It really is him...” ng Qi was not as calm as he thought he would despite having long suspected Primogenitor Lingbao’s identity. Being the oldest living Dharmakaya master, ‘Immortal Chuyang’ Taoist Chonghe was a na that no one in this world would be ignorant of. Several tis when chaos engulfed the world, he was the one who pacified the crises. For example, he had joined forces with Master Lu to fend off the grassland invaders. He had also forced Monster King into retreat several tis. His final great achievent was defending Cloudsky Mountain against the assault of Peacock Demon King and two other pri demons with Master Lu until reinforcents arrived.
Thus, he was a highly respected person who had gained the reverence of the world.
More importantly, he was a genuine Dharmakaya. This allowed ng Qi, who had felt uneasy ever since witnessing the might of Heaven Sovereign of the Myths, to finally relax.
There was a slight change in Primogenitor Lingbao’s breath, his Yang. He turned mild and gentle without even the slightest hint of nefariousness. He gave off no feelings of deterrence and fright at all. However, from the concealed changes in the Dharma and Logos in all directions, his Dharmakaya montum was blatantly obvious.
Primogenitor Lingbao put on his mask again once ng Qi nodded at him in acknowledgnt. He then gestured for Immortal Taiyi to introduce himself.
For so reason, ng Qi suddenly recalled the words of his sworn older brother, Gao Lan. “Chong He remains a useless old man who had yet to make a breakthrough. He’s nearing the end of his lifespan and waiting to enter his grave.”
“Immortal Chonghe has the Dominator of Six Samsara and Azure Palace backing him up. He’s collecting Buddha’s Palm to boot. It looks like Big Brother’s prediction would turn out to be false...”
The key point was that there was no shortage of elixirs up for exchange in Samsara. The changes that swept through the world had resulted in the efficacy of elixirs greatly diminishing. For example, a user of the Immortality Elixir of East Pole would only see their lifespan extend by 60 years instead of the previous 1,000 years. Furthermore, one had to undertake special missions to obtain Dharmakaya-level elixirs. The advantage, however, was that there was a wide variety of similar elixirs. Even if one did not exchange for elixirs or the sa elixir, it would lose its efficacy upon second consumption. One could consu it repeatedly in different Samsara worlds. Through such accumulation, a tiny bit at a ti, it would not be a problem to extend one’s life for several hundred years. It was not a stretch to make a breakthrough that way!
Immortal Taiyi removed his mask, revealing an expressionless face with a hidden touch of golden steeliness. There was no beard under his chin. His skin was an ashy grey hue that was glowing with a deep red underneath. His eyes were set apart further than that of most people. It was a face that had left a deep impression in ng Qi and his head whirled to put a na to the face.
“Yan Wuwo.” Immortal Taiyi’s self-introduction was a concise one without emotion.
“Yan Wuwo? ‘Flying Yaksha’ Yan Wuwo? The leader of Zombie Fist Sect in the regions to the left of Yangtze River, Yan Wuwo? A fad master ranked in the top 30 of the Terrestrial Rankings!”
“Though he’s not in the Half-step to Dharmakaya realm, it’s impressive enough that he managed to squeeze into the top 30 filled with so many big shots in the peak of Exterior realm!”
However, what sent ng Qi’s mind spinning was not this. “Senior, you’ve once fought a great battle against Doumu?” he blurted out in confusion.
“It’s just a show we put on for the benefit of others. The particular mission required us to join forces but, out of worry that we might leave clues behind, we decided to split up and get into a fight. Otherwise, who could we mollify if Dharmakaya are no-shows?”
The way he spoke showed absolute confidence in his strength.
This was in line with ng Qi’s perception of him as a mighty, proud person who was prone to covering up his mistakes.
“Is his Dharma form Drought Demon, Red Dragon, or Nine Dragons of Divine Fire? Or is he like Doumu, who uses one form as a foundation that is compatible with the rest, without overlapping with its predecessors...?” ng Qi’s mind began spinning with inexplicable ideas.
Yan Wuwo said little and fastened the mask of Immortal Taiyi over his face again. ng Qi suspected that he was the strongest person in the Immortals, with the exception of Primogenitor Lingbao and Progenitor Doumu.
Matriarch Lishan also followed suit in removing her mask and wig, revealing an elegant, beautiful face with a smooth, bald head.
“Nun?” Surprise found ng Qi first, though he soon found the revelation to be sowhat funny. He could not find in himself to laugh when he realized a phony monk like him had joined the Immortals as well.
“Avalokitesvara. I’m Mingfa of Shui Yue Nunnery,” Matriarch Lishan said, putting her palms together.
“Abbess Mingfa?” This person before him was no stranger even if he was unfamiliar with the masters of North Zhou Dynasty. She’s the Aunt Master to the current Abbess of Shui Yue Nunnery and the Junior Sister to the previous Abbess, who had passed away after failing to achieve Dharmakaya. She was in the realm of Eight-fold Heaven of the Exterior and the 89th master on the Terrestrial Rankings with the nickna of 1,000-handed Bodhisattva.
Primogenitor Nanhua took off his mask as well. He had a handso face that exuded elegance. His smile was as pure as a child’s despite looking like he was in his forties. He gave others a feeling of carefreeness. “Cui Qingliu of Cui family,” he said, grinning.
Yet another grandmaster in their ranks!
Cui Qingliu was a fad figure in the sa generation as Cui Jiaqing, his strength second only to Cui Qinghe and Cui Qingyu. He was nicknad Maniac of River East. He managed to force his way into the top 120 of the Terrestrial Rankings with his realm of Seven-fold Heaven of the Exterior, surpassing many masters in the Eight-fold Heaven realm.
Like the rest, Longevity Immortal Venerable also removed his mask to reveal a cold, handso face that was striking enough to compel observers to ignore his appearance and age.
Upon closer look, ng Qi noticed that he had straight, sword-like eyebrows and a tall nose. His looks could not be described as outstanding or ugly either. When it ca to his age, that was anyone’s guess.
“He Xiu of Eastsea Sword Village,” Longevity Immortal Venerable said, introducing himself emotionlessly.
“The senior of ‘Soul Usurper’ He Jiu and a master in the Seven-fold Heaven of the Exterior realm. 148th on the Terrestrial Rankings...” Relevant information crossed ng Qi’s mind.
When he looked at He Xiu, Cui Mingliu, Mingfa, Yan Wuwo, and Taoist Chonghe, a stray through erged in his head: “Our comrades are scattered all over the world.”
He watched as they put on their masks and resud their guises as mysterious, lofty Immortals and then removed his own. “Su ng,” he said.
His true identity was an open secret among the Immortals. Thus, everyone nodded and indicated for him to skip the self-introduction.
ng Qi secured the mask over his face and said frantically, “Primogenitor, Drunk Xie and Qu Jiuniang are in trouble!”
Primogenitor Lingbao nodded. “I’m aware. It was Xi of the Myths who ambushed and severely injured Chun Yangzi, who had barely escaped and hid in a secret location in the Imnsity Sea. Unable to make it back due to a blockade by Snow Mountain Sect, Jin Gang Temple, and Ashura Temple, he could only relay the ssage to .”
“It seed that the Myths had long suspected his identity but had been lying in the wait.”
ng Qi had secretly made his own decision not to try and contact Drunk Xie in Fish Sea or investigate Old Cao’s Restaurant. That would make him an easy target of suspicion for the Myths.
However, to think that the lazy drunkard Drunk Xie would turn out to be Chun Yangzi! What a waste of his nickna!
He deliberately prevented himself from thinking about a certain incident about a monster chasing Heavenly Primogenitor down eight whole streets when he first stepped into the Exterior realm.
“Speaking of true identities, this junior found out that Zhou Qiushan of Zhou family in River East is Blessing-endowed Heavenly Official. He has a close friendship with Slivery-badge Arrester Qian Kai. Furthermore, he’s showing signs of trying to recruit ‘Hermit Yusheng’ Lu Jiang...” ng Qi said without trying to conceal this matter.
Yan Wuwo and the rest glanced at his Heavenly Primogenitor mask and said simultaneously, “You don’t have to address yourself as a junior.”
Primogenitor Lingbao nodded with a chuckle. “This situation is very useful to us.”
He continued, after a short pause, “Bluecloud Progenitor is currently missing but her attacker doesn’t seem to be soone from the Myths. When trying to determine her location using the soul lamp, we note that her soul lamp is still burning. That ans she’s still alive.”
ng Qi instantly notified him about Life-changing Sect hiding under Quicksand Town.
“You’re more well-inford than we are,” ‘Primogenitor Nanhua’ Cui Qingliu, comnted. He could not help chuckling, looking rather rueful.
“It’s not like I want to be! I just happen to co across it! Is the sign of shouldering the fate of the Seed of All Karma?” ng Qi’s mind was a jumbled ss.
“The attacker doesn’t seem to be soone from Life-changing Sect either.” Primogenitor Lingbao said, having evidently obtained certain clues. Then, he added doubtfully, “What exactly is Life-changing Sect planning to do? They even took out Netherworld’s bones...”
He did not ponder on this issue for long and looked at Immortal Taiyi and the rest. “What news do you all have?”
‘Immortal Taiyi’ Yan Wuwo, replied, “I’ve co here directly without entering Imnsity Sea. But it’s true that the Wang family is acting strangely. They didn’t dispatch any Exterior experts to the West Regions but they did so qutie frankly without concealing the matter. Everything appeared very normal.”
Since they were both in River East, he had a good understanding of the affairs of the Wang family.
‘Primogenitor Nanhua’ Cui Qingliu laughed. “My brother had arrived in the vicinity of Jade Gate Pass. That was why I was able to enter Imnsity Sea.”
“‘Noble Purple Spirit’ Cui Qinghe, 5th on the Terrestrial rankings, has co as well? This is such an impactful piece of news!” Right then, ng Qi was keenly aware of the benefits of being well-inford.
“Uncle is sipping tea in Evil Ridge,” comnted ‘Longevity Immortal Venerable’ He Xiu.
His uncle was naturally the other Dharmakaya master who claid Formless Sword Qi of ‘Sword Maniac’ He Qi with his genuine body. He was eighth on the Celestial Rankings.
“In addition to Chong He, ng Nan, Kong Wen, and the mysterious Heaven Sovereign who might be here, his arrival truly made this a gathering of Dharmakayas!” ng Qi inwardly sighed with emotion.
‘Matriarch Lishan’ Abbess Mingfa said quietly, “I t Brother Shou Jing in the vicinity of Cloudsky Mountain. He seems to be interested in Heaven Sovereign of the Myths.”
“Shou Jing, 2nd on the Terrestrial Rankings, in the Half-step to Dharmakaya realm! The leader of Xuan Tian Sect!”
Primogenitor Lingbao’s tone turned solemn. “Taoist Shou Jing? If he’s interested in Heavenly Sovereign, he’ll definitely carry his Blade of Tishadow... This might be a trip by the Myths to entrap him. To Heaven Sovereign, how can Blade of Tishadow compare to Buddha’s Palm?”
Blade of Tishadow was a Peerless Godly Weapon. Ordinary Godly Weapons were no match for it at all.
Following a mont of silence, Primogenitor Lingbao said, “I need to et Shou Jing and convince him not to make reckless moves and secretly cooperate with us, lest we give the Myths any advantage to exploit.”
This was, naturally, to be done in accordance with the highly-revered Senior Chong He.
“I’ll show you the way,” Abbess Mingfa said, placing her palms together.
Primogenitor Lingbao turned to look at ‘Primogenitor Nanhua’ Cui Qingliu and ‘Longevity Immortal Venerable’ He Xiu.
“Please pass on the ssage that Chong He wants to cooperate with them to obtain the Primary Instruction of Buddha’s Palm. Once it’s done, I and the mber of the Immortals undertaking this task will comprehend it at once. We’ll let the two of them decide who should keep the accompanying Buddha treasure. If Buddha’s Palm can only be comprehended once, I implore that they join in compensating the mber undertaking this task...”
He went over the specific details, though further discussion would be required.
ng Qi was stunned. Was Primogenitor Lingbao trying to unite Sword Manic and Noble Purple Spirit?
“If the three Dharmakaya covertly team up, Buddha’s Palm is as good as theirs!”
“It’s really nice to have mbers in there...” ng Qi quietly sighed. He then heard Cui Qingliu said with a grin, “Rest assured, Primogenitor.”
“Honestly, I was struggling before this. If the will of the Immortals and Cui family contradicts each other, I can only consider the interests of my family.”
The Immortals imposed few restrictions on its mbers. Furthermore, for mbers who were capable of becoming grandmasters, their sense of belonging to their families and sects were inevitably strong. They would not beco traitors.
He Xiu nodded as well, showing his acceptance of the task.
Primogenitor Lingbao glanced at Yan Wuwo and ng Qi and sighed. “This mission is a dangerous one. All the families and sects had imposed restrictions on Exterior experts. Furthermore, the purge in Fish Sea makes it impossible for you two to disguise as ordinary citizens. You can only use your true identities, which is why many of our friends cannot make it. We’re clearly shorthanded, so I’ll have to ask you two work a little harder in our stead.”
‘Progenitor Doumu’ Ye Yuqi was an example of mber who could not co.
ng Qi and Yan Wuwo exchanged salutes and indicated for Primogenitor Lingbao to assign them their tasks.
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