Immortal Venerable of the Beast Race
Chapter 152 - 152 96 Clue_1

152: 96 Clue_1 152: 96 Clue_1 “It’s possible,” said Shen Long.

“Maybe by the time Master Uncle Qin returns, he’ll have advanced to the Nascent Soul Stage.

Right, which Foundation Establishment Cultivator will lead the team for this Xuanyang Ceremony?”

Chen Jin asked curiously.

For grand events like the Xuanyang Ceremony, Spirit Control Sect would send a Core Formation Cultivator to lead the team, which was also an opportunity for them to interact with other Core Formation Cultivators.

“I heard that Master Uncle Lin will lead the team, but I’m not sure who else will be going,” said Qin Shuangshuang.

After chatting for more than two hours, Xu Lin said, “It’s getting late.

Let’s end our conversation here for today!”

Shen Long and the other four nodded, some summoned Spirit Birds, others summoned Spirit Insects, and they all returned to their homes.

No sooner had they flown out ten miles than a thunderous roar echoed through the sky, followed by raging winds.

“Someone is attempting Core Formation!

Senior Brother Xu?”

Qin Shuangshuang exclaimed in surprise.

“That’s possible!”

Chen Jin said with a face full of envy.

A team of Spirit Control Sect disciples flew in from a distance; they were responsible for maintaining order to prevent anyone from interfering.

Shen Long, unable to get a closer look, gave up the idea.

In the Scripture Pavilion, there were many Echo Pearls that contained records and images of the experiences of predecessors who tried to break through major cultivation barriers; one could view them with the Flower Kindness Technique.

This was the advantage of being in a sect.

If you were a Loose Cultivator, you could only rely on yourself to explore.

If unprepared, you could be killed by the Heavenly Tribulation.

Foundation Establishment Cultivators attempting to reach Core Formation would face Heavenly Tribulation, and if they were not well-prepared, they could be killed by it.

Since ancient times, many Foundation Establishment Cultivators have been struck dead by Heavenly Tribulation while trying to reach Core Formation.

After returning to his residence, Shen Long entered the Qinglian Pavilion and began cultivating.

In the blink of an eye, half a year passed.

One early morning, Shen Long left Qinglian Garden and summoned a Snow Wind Sparrow as transportation, as he arrived at an expansive Azure Stone Plaza where over a hundred Foundation Establishment Cultivators had gathered.

These were all people planning to attend the Xuanyang Ceremony.

They could head to the destination on their own or go with the elders from their sect.

Shen Long spotted some acquaintances, but most were strangers.

He saw Lin Sisi, who was currently at the Middle Stage of Foundation Establishment.

“I wonder what kind of experts the Xuanyang Sect will send to this Xuanyang Ceremony.

I’ve heard that Xuanyang Sect has accepted a disciple with a Heavenly Spirit Root; I wonder if he will show up.”

“Badao Villa will also send experts.

In the last Xuanyang Ceremony, the fifth place was taken by a disciple from Badao Villa.”

“Hmph, that was last time.

This time will be different.

Senior Sister Yang and Senior Brother Zhao will join the Xuanyang Ceremony, and they are certain to achieve a good ranking.”

The disciples chatted idly, abuzz with various topics.

Shen Long’s gaze fell on a graceful figure in a white dress and a slender man in a yellow shirt.

Both possessed the cultivation of the Late Stage of Foundation Establishment and emitted a faint murderous aura, indicating they were no strangers to life and death battles.

“That must be Senior Sister Yang Xue, right?”

Shen Long asked curiously.

Qian Dafu nodded and said, “Yes, that’s him.

Next to her is Senior Brother Zhao Lei.

By the way, now that Senior Brother Xu has advanced to Core Formation, we should call him Master Uncle Xu.”

Xu Yang had advanced to Core Formation, becoming a newly promoted Core Formation Cultivator of Spirit Control Sect.

Disciples from the same peak as him received a portion of cultivation resources, which was a benefit of their connection to him—shared honor among the peak.

“Our sect has gained another Core Formation Cultivator.

It’s too bad that Master Uncle Xu isn’t from the same peak as us,” Ye Yutang remarked with a tone of regret.

“If our sect had another Nascent Soul Cultivator, that would truly be cause for universal celebration, and we would also gain some benefits,” said Ye Yuqing.

“That is too far off for us.

If we can achieve a good result in this Xuanyang Ceremony, it will help us on our cultivation journey,” said Qin Bao.

According to the rules of Spirit Control Sect, disciples who perform outstandingly at the Xuanyang Ceremony would be given priority for a spot among the seventy-two chosen talents if a vacancy existed.

Accomplishments being equal, selection would favor those with notable achievements.

After chatting for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, someone suddenly shouted, “Master Uncle Lin and the others have arrived!”

The conversation ceased as everyone looked up to the sky where a Snow Winged Ice Centipede, over thirty feet long, floated above the plaza with two men and a woman standing on its back.

The person leading them was a tall, white-robed elder.

The white-robed elder’s face was fair, his eyes bright and full of life, and his presence was as vast as the open sea.

“We pay our respects to Master Uncle Lin, Master Aunt Li, and Master Uncle Xu,” they said in unison.

The white-robed elder was none other than Ice Silkworm True Person, and the handsome young man in green standing to his left was Xu Yang.

“Is this everyone?

Aren’t there others?”

A voluptuous woman in white robes asked.

The Ice Centipede Fairy, in the Middle Stage of Core Formation.

“To answer Master Aunt Li, some fellow disciples left earlier.

Everyone who wanted to participate in the Xuanyang Ceremony has been notified in advance and will arrive here beforehand,” reported Yang Xue.

“Since there are no others, let’s set out!”

The Ice Silkworm True Person declared.

“Come aboard all of you!”

The Ice Centipede Fairy instructed as the Snow Winged Ice Centipede slowly descended to the ground.

Yang Xue, along with the hundred plus Foundation Establishment Cultivators, made their way onto the back of the Snow Winged Ice Centipede.

The Ice Centipede Fairy gave a soft command, “Let’s depart!”

As soon as the words fell, the Snow Winged Ice Centipede’s wings gently flapped, and they flew off into the distance, quickly disappearing into the sky.

…

The Purple Maple Mountain Range stretched tens of thousands of miles and was the ancestral home of the Chu Family.

Deep within the Purple Maple Mountain Range, one could see a massive city with the words “Purple Maple Fortress” written in golden letters above the city gate.

Around the fortress were many purple maple trees.

Purple Maple Garden, a vital area of the Chu Family.

A scholarly man in a blue robe was reporting to a ruddy-faced elder in yellow robes.

The elder had a broad face and large eyes that commanded presence without anger, his aura vast as the sea.

“Chu Changshan, the arrangements have been made.

A total of fifty Foundation Establishment members from our clan will accompany you to the Xuanyang Marketplace to attend the Xuanyang Ceremony,” said the man in the blue robe.

“Wenxian, is Yannan among them?” asked Chu Changshan after taking a sip of Spiritual Tea.

“Of course, Yanying and Yanxiong are also there.

Both of them are at the Late Stage of Foundation Establishment and not weak in strength,” replied Chu Wenxian.

Chu Wenxian was the head of the Chu Family, and Chu Changshan leading the team to the Xuanyang Ceremony meant that Chu Wenxian was in charge of selecting the best.

“I hope they can secure a good ranking.

You can go back to your tasks now.

Tell them to gather at my residence at dawn tomorrow,” Chu Changshan instructed.

“Yes, Chu Changshan,” replied Chu Wenxian as he bowed and retreated.

…

Qianyang Mountain Range is located in the central part of Qin Country, stretching over tens of thousands of miles, with a vast valley that connects in all directions at its southwest corner.

Outside the valley stands a golden stela over ten zhang high, engraved with four silver characters: “Xuanyang Marketplace.”

Xuanyang Marketplace is the largest marketplace in Qin Country and is controlled by the Xuanyang Sect.

With its advantageous geographical location and abundant cultivation resources, it attracts a multitude of merchants and travelers.

Each Xuanyang Ceremony is held in the Xuanyang Marketplace, which is also a reflection of the Xuanyang Sect’s comprehensive strength.

As the Xuanyang Ceremony approaches, a large number of Foundation Establishment Cultivators arrive from various places, boosting the prosperity of the Xuanyang Marketplace.

The merchants in the marketplace offer many excellent items, and some shops even arrange for the shop assistants to shout at the doorway, attracting customers.

The streets are spacious and clean, thronged with people, as bustling as a flowing river of horses and carriages, presenting a scene of prosperity.

A white light appeared in the distant sky and quickly flew towards the Xuanyang Marketplace.

As the white light approached within ten miles of the Xuanyang Marketplace, it slowed down and revealed a Snow Winged Ice Centipede over ten zhang in length with Shen Long and others standing on it.

“Finally, we have arrived!”

Qian Dafu’s face showed delight.

“Someone’s coming.”

Ice Silkworm True Person looked towards the northwest.

A golden light appeared in the distant sky, paused with a flash, and revealed a shining golden Flying Boat with a group of cultivators from the Badao Villa standing on it, the leader being a burly man clad in golden robes, who had striking features and emitted an astonishing Spirit Pressure.

“Golden Blade True Person!”

Ye Yutang recognized the identity of the man in golden robes.

“Taoist Friend Li!

You’re leading the team this time.”

Ice Silkworm True Person called out in greeting.

“Master Uncle Lin, Madam Li, may I ask who this fellow daoist is?”

Golden Blade True Person’s gaze fell upon Xu Yang, his face full of confusion.

“This is Junior Brother Xu, he’s here to see the world.”

Ice Silkworm True Person introduced him.

“I am Xu Yang!

I have seen Taoist Friend Li.”

Xu Yang bowed with clasped hands and said.

“So it’s Taoist Friend Xu!

Looks like the juniors will have one less formidable opponent in this Xuanyang Ceremony,” Golden Blade True Person joked.

Xu Yang was renowned as the foremost among the seventy-two talents, and Golden Blade True Person had naturally heard of Xu Yang, although he had not met him before.

“This is not a place for a long talk, let’s move inside for a chat.”

Ice Silkworm True Person suggested.

Ice Centipede Fairy pinched a spell, and the Snow Winged Ice Centipede flew towards the Xuanyang Marketplace; Golden Blade True Person did the same, and the golden Flying Boat followed suit.

Upon entering the marketplace, they split up.

Shen Long and over a hundred Foundation Establishment Cultivators followed the three Ice Silkworm True Persons to the entrance of a vast manor with the sign “Spirt Control Garden” hanging above.

A medium-built man in golden robes strode in.

“Master, Master Aunt Li, Master Uncle Xu, you have finally arrived.”

The man in golden robes greeted them with a smile.

“Not too long ago, Master Nephew Xu has advanced to the Foundation Establishment Late Stage, not bad at all!”

Ice Centipede Fairy commended.

“Good, it seems your cultivation has been diligent.”

Ice Silkworm True Person nodded in approval, striding into the Spirt Control Garden with Ice Centipede Fairy and the others following behind.

Inside the garden, there were pavilions, towers, waterside pavilions, and long corridors amidst strange flowers and rocks.

“During the Xuanyang Ceremony, you all will stay here.

Feel free to roam around!

Xu You, arrange their accommodations.”

Ice Silkworm True Person ordered.

“Yes, Master.

Senior Sister Yang, Junior Brother Zhao, follow me.”

Xu You said enthusiastically, leading Yang Xue and others away to arrange their accommodations.

Shen Long, Qian Dafu, and Qin Bao stayed in Qingchan Courtyard, where a three-story green tower contained multiple rooms.

“Senior Brother Shen, Senior Brother Qin, shall we go out for a walk together?”

Qian Dafu proposed.

“No need, I have some matters to attend to, so I won’t join you.”

Qin Bao declined tactfully.

Shen Long, on the other hand, did not decline and left the Spirt Control Garden with Qian Dafu, strolling the streets casually.

It was Shen Long’s first time at the Xuanyang Marketplace, while Qian Dafu had visited before and was very familiar with the ins and outs of the marketplace.

When they crossed an intersection, Shen Long saw Chu Yannan and a tall, handsome man in golden robes walking towards them.

After many years, Chu Yannan had advanced to the Foundation Establishment Stage and had attained the Cultivation of the Foundation Establishment Middle Stage.

The man in golden robes was much stronger than Chu Yannan, possessing the Cultivation of the Foundation Establishment Late Stage.

“Eh, Taoist Friend Chu, what a coincidence!”

Qian Dafu said upon seeing the man in golden robes, emitting a light exclamation before greeting him.

“I am Chu Yanying, this is my clan sister Yannan.

Taoist Friend Qian, it’s been some time since we last met.”

The man smiled as he spoke.

“I am Shen Long, I have met both of you.”

Shen Long greeted them with clasped hands.

“Last time we met you were a Foundation Establishment Middle Stage cultivator, and now you’ve advanced to the Foundation Establishment Late Stage.

Congratulations!

It seems you can achieve a decent ranking in this Xuanyang Ceremony.”

Qian Dafu spoke warmly.

“We thank you for your kind words, we have some matters to tend to; let’s chat later.”

Chu Yanying said, walking away with Chu Yannan down another street.

“Junior Brother Qian, do you know Taoist Friend Chu well?”

Shen Long asked casually.

“Not really, but I met him during an event when I was on an external assignment.”

Qian Dafu explained, then something seemed to strike him as he added, “By the way, he also cultivates beast control.”

Shen Long nodded and continued walking forward with Qian Dafu.

Along the way, they encountered many Foundation Establishment Cultivators; Qian Dafu knew most of them, greeted them, and received warm responses in return, which indicated Qian Dafu’s wide network of acquaintances.

Half an hour later, Shen Long and Qian Dafu arrived at an Azure Stone Plaza, where many stalls were set up by Foundation Establishment Cultivators, each stall displaying a medley of items including Magic Artifacts, ores, Spiritual Medicine, and Monster Beasts Materials, dazzling to the onlookers.

Shen Long and Qian Dafu browsed around; if one had keen eyesight and good luck, they might find a bargain.

Shen Long’s eyes brightened, and he quickened his pace to a stall.

The stall owner was a scholarly-looking young man in white robes, with various items on display, including Magic Artifacts, ores, Spiritual Medicine, and Monster Beasts Materials.

Shen Long picked up a green Jade Pendant with a lotus pattern engraved on it and observed the spiritual energy fluctuations; it was a mid-grade Magic Artifact.

Upon closer examination, he asked, “Taoist friend, how do you sell this Magic Artifact?”

It was the Qinglian Ornament his father used to carry with him; he could not be wrong.

It seemed that his parents had met with foul play.