Demon Sword Sect’s Undercover
Chapter 309 - 309 308 First Visit to Mirage

309: Chapter 308: First Visit to Mirage 309: Chapter 308: First Visit to Mirage The gathering was a failure, yet from another perspective, it was also a success.

Hou Niao had not approached to offer his congratulations from start to finish, instead observing from the sidelines amidst the crowd.

Even though the two sisters had made their feelings clear, and there was no longer any risk of misunderstanding were he to strike up a conversation.

He still watched with a cold detachment, earning the admiration of Wang Daoist who was standing beside him.

This was a person of exceedingly firm will, whose attitude could not be swayed by anything, no matter what happened.

Everyone began to leave gradually, yet there was no one to accept returned congratulatory gifts.

“That’s why I say, attending such events is really boring.

In the end, you come away with nothing and become the subject of jokes,” he said.

Wang Daoist sighed, “These two women possess a heart inclined towards the Dao, but it would be difficult to explain to their family, especially Xiao Qiang.”

Hou Niao spoke meaningfully, “If she had done this quietly, indeed, she would find it impossible to explain to her family.

But now, in this setting, with so many Jin City cultivators as witnesses, what can her family do but tacitly consent?

This woman knows how to use the situation to her advantage, using her cousin’s troubles to resolve her own, killing two birds with one stone.

She’s really crafty.”

Wang Daoist shook his head silently.

Indeed, as an Upper Cultivator of Tongxuan, each and everyone’s thoughts are profound, beyond his comparison.

But he still held his own views, “If she truly can continue on this path, that would be a wonderful story.

If not, her later years might not be so pleasant.”

Hou Niao disagreed, “Cultivators shouldn’t think about their later years.

One should live as if this year is their last; the same applies to all of us.

Mortals have their later years, cultivators do not.

When a cultivator starts preparing for his later years, he is no longer competent,” he said.

His words were pointed, actually aimed at Wang Daoist.

He could only give such veiled advice, whether it was understood or not was not his concern.

You can’t awaken someone who is pretending to be asleep.

Hou Niao made another trip to the Sword Storage Tower, hoping to prepare more skills for himself, but after hesitating for a day within, he left empty-handed.

The issue here was one of philosophy, to learn broadly or to specialize narrowly?

He opted decisively for the latter.

Seven years is not a short time, but for his lifespan of 150 years, it also didn’t seem long.

He was merely in the prime of his life, akin to a rising sun in the cultivation world.

There was still plenty of time ahead.

During the Floating Cups contest, he realized that his foundation was still not solid.

His conversations with Wang Daoist weren’t self-deprecation but stark reality.

His control of mana, his fine control over flying swords, he still had a long way to go.

Could he even solidify his basics in seven years?

Why amass so many sword techniques?

Without a solid foundation, additional skills would only be superficial.

That settled it.

He had seen everyone he needed to see, there was nothing to linger for.

Carrying all his belongings, on a misty rainy morning, he embarked on his journey.

High above, hundreds of feet in the air, a sword shadow swiftly crossed the sky.

After two years of cultivation, he had made decent progress in the Sword Control Technique, finally embodying a semblance of a Tongxuan Cultivator’s grace.

From Jin City to Linhai, he first had to traverse half of Anhe, then pass through Gaochang Kingdom, and finally arrive at Linhai.

The entire journey spanned over ten thousand miles, a difficult trek if one could not fly.

He had no plans to land along the way, with dangers lurking within Anhe and unfamiliarity in Gaochang Buddha Country, there was no need to stop.

Without conversation, twenty days later, Mirage City came into view, the salty scent of the sea growing stronger; it was in this area that the presence of cultivators notably increased.

Various attire and styles, diverse Escape Techniques and Magical Treasures, his first impression was that it resembled a lively spiritual gathering.

Everyone hurried, anxious and bustling, the closer to Mirage City, the more apparent this was.

Cultivators continuously rushed back from the direction of the sea and just as many set off from Mirage City towards the sea.

With Mirage City as a radiating point, it seemed a large wheel spreading its influence around.

Mostly were cultivators of the Tongtian Realm, particularly abundant in the Tongxuan Realm.

This phase, foundational to the entire Jinxiu cultivation system, formally initiated the entrance to cultivation, lifespan enhancement began, application of mana, free flight, exposure to Divine Skills, the colorful world of cultivation unfolded before them, making them the most vibrant stage.

They were also the most impulsive, hasty, most likely to stir up trouble; once they moved beyond this stage, their disposition fully settled, comprehending the meaning of cultivation, the hardships of life, then embarking on a new journey of life.

The Tongtian three realms—this was the best and most chaotic phase; the most vigorously ascendant, yet also with the highest death rate; the timid might not survive the fierce selection, and not all survivors were pearls.

Unlike Jin City’s strict prohibition against cultivators flying within the city, here, the restrictions on cultivators’ behaviors were evidently less severe, perhaps a reluctant compromise, given that the southwestern thirteen countries gathered heroes, to unify behavioral norms was exceedingly difficult.

Hou Niao circled Mirage City at low altitude, getting a good sense of the city’s general layout before landing his Escape Technique in a slightly less crowded area.

The Jiedu Mansion of Lihai was quite conspicuous from the air, located at the city center, easy to recognize.

He wasn’t in the mood to appreciate exotic local customs.

Being a seaside city, the scent of the sea permeated everywhere, causing a slight confusion in his senses.

But he knew he had to familiarize himself with this scent, as it would underpin the air around him for the next seven years.

He needed to make sure of his destination to feel at ease.

Upon arriving at Lihai Jiedu Mansion, the place was bustling with cultivators coming and going.

After a brief inquiry at the gate and a wait, he was led to a hall where an older cultivator was fervently writing with a jade scroll.

After a moment, he set down the jade scroll, took the Token, letters of appointment, and a small gift Hospar handed over.

Hou Niao, who had his share of experience in official circles, might disdain these practices, but he understood the intricacies of interpersonal relationships well; he wasn’t after a resource-rich, perfectly safe island, but within the possible range, he still hoped for some choice.

The older cultivator frowned, the gift was somewhat hefty; the cultivators who came to Mirage were from the southwestern thirteen countries, mostly quite sensible, especially those from the Daoist Sect.

The least cultured among them were Quanzhen and the Buddhist Sect, so he was surprised by the sword cultivator’s awareness.

“How reckless!

A youngster engaging in such tactics, how did your master teach you?

The Jiedu Mansion of Lihai, a dignified official, would not bend for trivial gains.

This must not happen again,” he remarked.

Hou Niao nodded submissively as the official changed the topic, “My Wo Sect and Quanzhen are both part of the Demon Sect, allies in relationship, how could his sect compare?

I will take care of you where I can, junior brother need not worry.”