Immortal Venerable of the Beast Race
Chapter 481 - 389 Generous Wang Xiu_1

Chapter 481: 389 Generous Wang Xiu_1

Five Sage Mountains, the headquarters of the Five Sage Sect.

A large number of cultivators gathered on an expansive Azure Stone Plaza; a tall, thin man in a green shirt sat in the main seat, with Xu Tong sitting beside him, casually chatting with other Nascent Soul Cultivators.

"Taoist Friend Lin, Madam Xu, didn’t you say that Taoist Friend Shen from the Spirit Control Sect would attend Taoist Friend Lin’s Nascent Soul ceremony? Why has the ceremony started, and Taoist Friend Shen still hasn’t arrived?"

A portly man clad in golden robes voiced his confusion.

"Indeed! Taoist Friend Lin, Madam Xu, there’s no need for you to lie, right?"

"Exactly, inviting us to Taoist Friend Lin’s Nascent Soul ceremony didn’t require any deception!"

Several Nascent Soul Cultivators expressed their agreement.

The Nascent Soul ceremony hadn’t even commenced yet, but the Five Sage Sect had already spread the news of Shen Long’s attendance, attracting many Nascent Soul Cultivators. Now that the ceremony was underway without Shen Long appearing, they suspected the Five Sage Sect of spreading false information.

"We indeed invited Taoist Friend Shen; perhaps he was delayed by matters," the man in green explained.

Lin Dong, a newly-inducted Nascent Soul Cultivator of the Five Sage Sect.

According to intelligence the Five Sage Sect possessed, Shen Long, accompanied by a group of disciples, had come to the Southern Border Cultivation World, but his whereabouts were currently unknown.

"Not being able to meet Taoist Friend Shen is indeed a great regret. Nevertheless, gathering here for Taoist Friend Lin’s ceremony is also a good thing," the man in golden robes said with a smile.

"Yes! I’ve heard that the Ziyang Cauldron once used by Ziyang Monarch has appeared in the world, is that true or false?" Xu Tong deftly changed the subject.

"Absolutely true. It seems that Taoist Friend Han from the Nether Corpse Sect has acquired this treasure," replied the man in golden robes.

Lin Dong and other Nascent Soul Cultivators engaged in light-hearted conversation, toasting and laughing together.

Qin Ming walked briskly over, bowed respectfully, and relayed a message to Lin Dong and Xu Tong via voice transmission, "Master Uncle Lin, Aunt Master Xu, Senior Shen from the Spirit Control Sect has arrived."

Lin Dong’s eyes brightened as he quickly instructed, "Taoist Friend Shen has come? Please invite him in."

"Yes, Master Uncle Lin."

Qin Ming complied and transformed into a streak of Escape Light, leaving the area.

"Taoist Friend Shen has arrived! I just knew Taoist Friend Shen wouldn’t break his promise," Xu Tong said with a laugh.

"Looks like we misunderstood Madam Xu and Taoist Friend Lin. Taoist Friend Shen has indeed come," the man in golden robes said, also laughing.

"Yes! We’re sorry, Taoist Friend Lin, Madam Xu."

The other Nascent Soul Cultivators voiced their agreement.

A loud beastly roar echoed from the sky; a Red Escape Light appeared in the distant horizon, then stopped in a flash, revealing a massive Fire Qilin Beast. The Fire Qilin’s body was covered in red scales, flames surrounded its limbs, and it breathed fire from its mouth, exuding a powerful oppressive aura.

Shen Long, Su Changfeng, and dozens of cultivators stood atop the Fire Qilin’s back, their expressions varied.

Shen Long had explored the Fire Qilin Mountain Range for three years, finding numerous Fire Attribute Spiritual Medicines and discovering an ancient Cultivator’s cave dwelling. He acquired two Spiritual Treasures, eliminated a few fourth-order Monster Beasts, but did not find any major opportunities.

Considering that Lin Dong’s Nascent Soul ceremony was imminent, Shen Long had no choice but to leave the Fire Qilin Mountain Range and traveled day and night to make it in time.

The Fire Qilin landed on the Azure Stone Plaza, and Shen Long and the others jumped down to the ground.

"Is this Senior Shen? He looks very young!"

"I had long heard of Senior Shen’s renown and hadn’t thought I would see him in person."

"Hehe, Senior Shen who defeated Lihuo True Monarch, coming to the Southern Border Cultivation World this time, are you planning to exchange pointers with the Three Sages of the Southern Border?"

······

The eyes of the vast number of cultivators settled on Shen Long, buzzing with discussions.

News of Shen Long’s victory over Lihuo True Monarch had spread throughout the Southern Border Cultivation World, and the Five Sage Sect did not skimp on secretly adding fuel to the fire to boost Shen Long’s reputation.

"Taoist Friend Shen, you’ve finally arrived," said Xu Tong warmly.

"I’m really sorry, Madam Xu, Taoist Friend Lin; I was slightly held up by some matters," Shen Long replied with an apologetic tone.

"No matter, as long as Taoist Friend Shen has arrived, please take a seat," Lin Dong urged enthusiastically.

Being a recently elevated Nascent Soul Cultivator himself, Lin Dong felt tremendously honored to have the illustrious Shen Long personally attend his ceremony—a fact that would certainly enhance his prestige when spoken of.

Shen Long nodded and took a seat close to Lin Dong.

Su Changfeng approached the podium, produced a golden Storage Bag, and said, "My master sends one bottle of Blood Mushroom Pills, one bottle of Seven Stars Nourishing Spirit Pills, one bottle of Purple Ginseng Pills, ten thousand-year-old Spiritual Medicines, and ten fourth-order Demon Cores as gifts to congratulate Senior Lin on advancing to the Nascent Soul Stage."

"Taoist Friend Shen, you are too generous," Lin Dong said, his smile so wide it could hardly be contained as he had the gift taken by a disciple.

He did not have much acquaintance with Shen Long, yet Shen Long’s substantial congratulatory gift was a great honor for him.

The Nascent Soul Cultivators present were somewhat surprised; none of them had given such lavish gifts. Shen Long’s relationship with Lin Dong appeared to be exceptionally close.

"This must be Taoist Friend Shen’s disciple! Truly a talented individual," Xu Tong commented as her gaze fell on Su Changfeng, her tone warm.

"Indeed! This is my eldest disciple, Su Changfeng. I brought him here to broaden his horizons," Shen Long introduced.

"Junior Su Changfeng, greetings to all the seniors," Su Changfeng bowed, speaking courteously.

"Young Friend Su is also an alchemist, aren’t you? You can refine high-quality Elixirs already, can’t you?" Lin Dong inquired with a pleasant smile.

"Thanks to my master’s meticulous guidance, I am capable of refining high-quality Elixirs; however, the success rate is not very high. I still need much practice. This visit to the Southern Border Cultivation World with my master is also an opportunity for me to exchange knowledge and improve alongside fellow cultivators," Su Changfeng replied modestly.

"Master Nephew Qin, please take good care of Young Friend Su," Lin Dong added.

Xu Tong instructed.

Qin Ming acknowledged with a response, inviting Su Changfeng to sit down for a tea and leisurely chat.

Shen Long chatted idly with Lin Dong and other Nascent Soul Cultivators, discussing everything under the sun.

Two hours later, the Nascent Soul Ceremony ended, and the guests gradually left.

"Taoist Friend Shen, it’s rare for you to visit us; please stay at our Five Sage Sect for a while longer, so we can fulfill our duties as hosts,"

Xu Tong said warmly.

Shen Long smiled and nodded, "Then I will impose, Madam Xu."

"It’s no imposition. We’re more than happy to have Taoist Friend Shen stay with us at the Five Sage Sect! Master Nephew Qin, please take Taoist Friend Shen and the others to rest,"

Xu Tong said.

Qin Ming acknowledged and led Shen Long and the others away.

Xu Tong and Lin Dong arrived at a vast estate. Wang Xiu was sitting beside an azure stone table, already informed about the occurrences at the Nascent Soul Ceremony.

"Junior Sister Xu, where is Taoist Friend Shen?"

Wang Xiu asked.

"I’ve arranged accommodation for Taoist Friend Shen. Master Nephew Qin personally took them there. It’s strange, Taoist Friend Shen doesn’t have deep ties with our Five Sage Sect, yet he offered such generous congratulatory gifts. It seems he must be seeking something,"

Xu Tong said.

Without a request, Shen Long wouldn’t need to give such a generous gift.

"Our Five Sage Sect is not what it once was. In terms of strength, the three of us together are no match for him. What could Taoist Friend Shen possibly not solve on his own that he needs to ask for our help?"

Lin Dong said with a puzzled face.

The power of the Five Sage Sect had declined, now only ranking as a mid-sized sect within the Southern Border Cultivation World. United, the three of them were no match for Shen Long, and they couldn’t think of what help they could possibly provide him.

Wang Xiu nodded, "I also can’t comprehend. Since he has done so, he will definitely speak up. Let’s fulfill his requests to the best of our ability! This man is god-like, befriending him is beneficial for us personally and for the development of the Five Sage Sect."

Xu Tong and Lin Dong strongly agreed. After some idle chat, they each returned to their quarters to rest.

······

At the Celestial Witch Mountain Range, within a secluded estate, Wu Xian sat beside an azure stone table, frowning deeply.

A tall man in golden clothing was reporting to Wu Xian respectfully.

"Shen Long has come to the Southern Border Cultivation World!"

Wu Xian said with a frown.

"Yes! He first appeared at the Golden Toad Mountain, then disappeared for several years, and now he is at the Five Sage Sect,"

the man in golden clothing reported.

"Keep an eye on his whereabouts,"

Wu Xian instructed.

Wu Xian initially thought that capturing Shen Long was a minor issue. Even when Shen Long advanced to the Nascent Soul Stage, Wu Xian didn’t pay much attention. However, as Shen Long’s strength increased rapidly, capable of killing the Profound Yin Ghost Mother on his own and defeating Lihuo True Monarch with Nascent Soul Late Stage battle power, Wu Xian no longer dared to take him lightly.

"Yes, Elder Wu,"

the man in golden clothing complied and then withdrew.

······

In the Five Sage Sect, within a tranquil estate.

Wang Xiu, Shen Long, Xu Tong, and Lin Dong were sitting around an azure stone table, enjoying tea and idle conversation.

Shen Long had been staying at the Five Sage Sect for half a month, during which he assisted Xu Tong in crafting a batch of elixirs.

"Taoist Friend Shen, our Five Sage Sect holds some influence in the Southern Border Cultivation World. If you need anything from us, just let us know,"

Wang Xiu said solemnly.

Since Shen Long was not forthcoming with his intentions, Wang Xiu decided to address the matter directly.

"To be truthful, there is indeed something I hope to request,"

Shen Long said politely.

"There’s no harm in speaking, Taoist Friend Shen. We will not refuse if it is within our ability to help,"

Wang Xiu promised.

"I wish to know where there are volcanoes in the Southern Border, including extinct ones. I would like to know the location of every volcano. I also want to consult in your Scripture Pavilion regarding significant events that have transpired in the Southern Border Cultivation World and the lives of high-ranking cultivators. Would that be possible?"

Shen Long stated his purpose. Without more clues, he could only resort to the most straightforward method and check each one by one.

"Is that all?"

Wang Xiu was taken aback, thinking Shen Long would ask for some rare treasure but it was, in fact, such a trivial matter.

"Yes, if it’s too much trouble, then never mind,"

Shen Long said.

"Taoist Friend Shen, you must be jesting. This is hardly an issue. Junior Sister Xu, take Taoist Friend Shen to the Scripture Pavilion. He may look at any text he wishes, except for the core secrets of our Five Sage Sect,"

Wang Xiu instructed.

Shen Long’s request was not excessive at all. Wang Xiu, being genial, was willing to accommodate fully.

"Then, I thank you, Taoist Friend Wang. If ever there is something you need from me, do not hesitate to ask,"

Shen Long promised.

"Certainly,"

Wang Xiu said warmly, as Xu Tong led Shen Long to the Scripture Pavilion.

"Why is Taoist Friend Shen interested in volcanoes? Is he searching for the cave dwelling of an ancient cultivator?"

Lin Dong wondered aloud.

"Junior Brother Lin, whatever Taoist Friend Shen is up to is none of our concern. Let’s not pry into his affairs to avoid any misunderstandings,"

Wang Xiu warned.

He was curious too, but as Shen Long had gone through such lengths just for this, it was clear how important it was to him. It was better for them not to get involved, knowing they couldn’t compete with Shen Long should there be any treasures.

Lin Dong nodded, saying nothing more.