Chapter 411: Lian Cangqing, the Immortal of Martial Arts
In the midst of the void, Jiu Mie's countenance was filled with vigilance.
On the Cliff of Dao, Lu Heng laughed heartily and exclaimed, "Dear friend, what is this talk of yours? Could we possibly harm you? Please hurry up, for both I and Candle Dragon have been eagerly awaiting your arrival."
"If you don't come, this discourse will be devoid of any joy," he exclaimed.
Candle Dragon also chimed in, "Indeed, indeed! Without the discourse of Friend Jiu Mie, it would be akin to sugarcane without its succulence, as tasteless as chewing wax. Friend Jiu Mie, you must not be absent."
Lu Heng and the other person wore radiant smiles, their demeanor warm and cordial.
However, the more they behaved like this, Jiu Mie became increasingly reluctant to approach them. The weathered monk, dressed in tattered robes, stood in the midst of the clouds, gazing intently at Lu Heng and the Candle Dragon on the Cliff of Dao, uttering words.
"Since it is a discussion, it's fine for me to sit here. You all can sit on the stone, and I'll be here. We won't bother each other, which is also great."
Jiu Mie's words made Lu Heng's face light up with a brilliant smile as he responded, "Oh, oh! Friend Jiu Mie, it seems you regard us as thieves… There's no need for such caution, my dear friends Candle Dragon and Jiu Mie. We three share an unbreakable bond, weathering storms and advancing together. Why should we estrange ourselves like this?"
"Friend, you can boldly step forward and join us, for we are close friends. Do you think we would conspire against you? Friend, this is a case of paranoid delusion."
With sincere persuasion from Lu Heng, Jiu Mie simply chuckled and said, "Indeed, Friend Lu Heng would never conspire against me… Isn't that right? With the command of heavenly thunder to eliminate all wickedness and the legendary ancient sword at your side?"
Lu Heng shrugged helplessly and said, "If my friend speaks this way, then it's settled… I have nothing more to say."
Upon seeing this, Candle Dragon beside them chuckled and said, "Since Friend Jiu Mie doesn't trust Friend Lu Heng, would it be alright to trust me then? I have never conspired against you, Friend Jiu Mie… If you come over here now, I promise not to cause any harm to you. How about it?"
Jiu Mie sat cross-legged in the void, smiling as he said, "In the past, you may not have conspired against me, but it doesn't mean you won't do so now… Everything has a first time, after all. Before Friend Lu Heng conspires against me for the first time, even I couldn't have anticipated that he would betray me… Therefore, I will remain seated here, maintaining a safe distance. This way, I can feel at ease, and both dear friends can be free of worries, a perfect arrangement."
Jiu Mie's words left Lu Heng feeling helpless, "Is this how I am seen in the eyes of my dear friend, as someone so scheming and untrustworthy, lacking in integrity? Such doubts from my friend truly hurt me."
Lu Heng appeared crestfallen, seemingly truly saddened and distressed.
However, Jiu Mie remained unaffected, still smiling as he said, "Indeed, Friend Lu Heng is seen as such a terrifying figure in the eyes of the old ascetic cultivator… Sigh… There's nothing to be done. Once bitten by a wolf, one is wary of its howl for ten years. Even I, the old ascetic cultivator, don't wish to be in such a situation."
After a pause, Jiu Mie continued, "However, Friend Lu Heng, if you are willing to assure Miss Xiao Ai that you will guarantee my safety, then I will come over… How about that? A simple assurance, isn't it?"
Lu Heng looked bewildered, "What difficulty is there in that?"
Saying this, he turned to Xiao Ai beside him and said, "Xiao Ai, I assure you that when Friend Jiu Mie arrives, I will not deceive him… How about it? Friend Jiu Mie, you should come over now, shouldn't you?"
In the ethereal realm, an aged wanderer, with a cheerful countenance, gracefully traversed the drifting clouds, alighting delicately upon the hallowed precipice known as the Cliff of Dao. With a voice resonating in harmony with the winds, he declared, "I have arrived, I have arrived."
Upon stepping onto the Cliff of Dao, Jiu Mie discarded all previous caution and confidently occupied the final available seat. He deftly grasped the burning teapot placed on the coffee table, pouring himself a steaming cup of tea without any hesitation, thoroughly indulging in its warmth without an ounce of restraint.
"Hmm, this tea is delightful. It surpasses the Thousand Needles Snow that Friend Lu Heng offered me last time. It's definitely a masterstroke from the friend of Candle Dragon, isn't it? Truly exceptional, indeed."
Jiu Mie marveled at the ancient wealth of Candle Dragon, and Candle Dragon chuckled, saying, "If my friend enjoys it, please indulge. I have also brought several barrels of century-old vintage. This time, as we engage in discourse, the three of us must revel in a hearty drinking session."
Upon the Cliff of Dao, three individuals reunite after a decade, thereby engendering a jubilant ambiance.
Lu Heng and Jiu Mie are doing well, but Candle Dragon, on the other hand, is quite delighted, even somewhat excited.
That feeling is akin to a long-unburdened solitary dragon finally finding a playful companion.
Of course, neither Lu Heng nor Jiu Mie was surprised by Candle Dragon's reaction. After all, Candle Dragon, who always wore a gloomy expression and remained indifferent to everyone, didn't seem like someone with many friends.
As a result, for most of the time, Jiu Mie and Lu Heng remained silent and listened with cheerful smiles as Candle Dragon rambled on about a plethora of topics.
The rainfall in the sky has been continuous, day and night, as torrential rain shrouds the Dragon Falling Mountains. What is most peculiar is that this downpour arrives in such a peculiar manner-despite there being not a single cloud in the sky, the heavy rain mysteriously descends from thin air.
Moreover, it persisted for over a dozen days.
The continuous downpour hinders the journeys of passing merchants and traders. All those who wished to cross the Dragon Falling Mountains are now compelled to remain within the cities outside the mountains, waiting for this inexplicable torrential rain to cease.
Eventually, the wizards of the Fire God Temple specifically ventured into the mountains to investigate and determine if some sinister entity was at play.
After taking a distant look at the situation at the Cliff of Dao, these wizards immediately left, fearing that staying too long would affect the discussion of the three powerful beings.
And this scene, seemingly appeared once ten years ago…
After the wizards returned, they voluntarily sealed off the mountain paths, prohibiting anyone from entering the Dragon Falling Mountains.
And the three individuals on the Cliff of Dao, starting from the extensive discussions and conversations spanning across different regions, eventually delved into the netherworld that Lu Heng intends to establish, and subsequently, they engaged in discourse pertaining to the pursuit of spiritual cultivation… as if delving into elusive subjects.
Lu Heng, without holding back, even took out the "Demon Sutra" and the "Divine Skill" to show Candle Dragon. The three of them engaged in a lively discussion, expressing their respective viewpoints.
Lu Heng and Jiu Mie also learned from Candle Dragon some ancient anecdotes about these two top-tier cultivation methods.
However, it was evident that the "Demon Sutra" and the "Divine Skill," while formidable, failed to astonish Candle Dragon.
Later, Lu Heng also presented the "Tao Scripture," unveiling his own understanding of it to share with Candle Dragon. This time, Candle Dragon was genuinely taken aback, exhibiting a rare moment of astonishment.
And it was through the "Tao Scripture" that Candle Dragon finally confirmed Lu Heng as the divine figure who attained enlightenment back then. While marveling and exclaiming in admiration, there was also a tinge of envy.
Later, they also discussed the Netherworld that Lu Heng intended to establish, as well as the City God temples being constructed in various places. Jiu Mie and Candle Dragon earnestly assisted Lu Heng in deducing the advantages and disadvantages of the Netherworld's layout, as well as the challenges it would face once fully established, and how to resolve them.
The numerous discourses of the two individuals left Lu Heng greatly astonished, many of which were insights that Lu Heng had never conceived before.
Although Lu Heng had constructed a comprehensive cycle system based on his knowledge of the Netherworld's reincarnation stories from his past life, there were still numerous flaws present. Through an extensive discourse and conversation, Jiu Mie and Candle Dragon assisted Lu Heng in identifying many of these issues and collectively addressed and refined them.
It can be foreseen that, after the conclusion of this discussion, You Yue will once again have things to keep her busy.
Due to Lu Heng's plan to establish the Netherworld, many details within it need to be revised. Some major aspects also require modification.
As for the enlightening conversation about cultivation, the three individuals didn't engage in much discussion.
Lu Heng took out the "Tao Scripture," and Candle Dragon and Jiu Mie also brought out their own hidden treasures.
However, the three of them each walked a different path, being extraordinary anomalies in the mortal realm. The cultivation of ordinary individuals differed significantly from that of these three individuals. They could only offer a few suggestions to one another, but were unable to provide any constructive advice.
Finally, on the thirty-seventh day since the start of the discussion, the three of them, after their extensive and profound conversation, were finally approaching the end.
Having consumed nearly all the dozens of barrels of aged wine brought by Candle Dragon, and with the discussion about to conclude, it was time for the three individuals to part ways. At this moment, Lu Heng finally broke into a cheerful smile and spoke up.
"In fact, this time I have many questions that I've been wanting to ask my dear friend Candle Dragon. I wonder if my esteemed friend Candle Dragon can help enlighten me."
This sudden remark from Lu Heng caught Candle Dragon off guard, leaving him somewhat astonished.
"Oh? Friend Lu Heng still has a topic he wants to discuss?" Haven't we already covered most of the things to talk about?
Curiously, Candle Dragon looked at Lu Heng and said, "What would you like to ask, my friend? Please, go ahead."
Lu Heng smiled and said, "In that case, I won't hold back… Actually, the matter I am interested in is not overly complicated. It pertains to some ancient secrets."
"Ah, let us start with something simple for now."
Lu Heng inquired, "Candle Dragon, esteemed friend of ancient prowess, have you ever heard of the legendary Lian Cangqing, known as the Immortal of Martial Arts and the Lord of Kings?"
Lu Heng took the initiative to mention this person, and Jiu Mie, who was nearby, chuckled and said, "If we're discussing that, then I won't feel bored… Candle Dragon, esteemed friend, have you heard about the matters concerning lady Lian Cangqing? She seems to be entangled endlessly with our Friend Lu Heng."
The conversation between Lu Heng and Jiu Mie left Candle Dragon somewhat astonished.
"Oh? Lian Cangqing? I have indeed heard of her. She appeared in the Fire Pass Country a few years ago. However, this gentle and magnanimous Immortal of Martial Arts, revered and beloved among the ancient sages, has never harbored ill-will towards others. She is a woman more tender than water. How could she be entangled endlessly with Friend Lu Heng?"
Candle Dragon asked incredulously, "Have you mistreated her? If so, I shall have to have a serious conversation with you, my friend. Although Lian Cangqing, the compassionate and easily exploited one, may appear vulnerable, it is not right for you to take advantage of her with your malicious intentions. Such actions may invoke heavenly retribution… Oh, I forgot that you are the very embodiment of divine retribution, which explains your audacity and lack of scruples."
Candle Dragon couldn't help but sigh with admiration.
The statement made by Candle Dragon left Lu Heng and Jiu Mie dumbfounded.
They exchanged a peculiar glance, their expressions perplexed.
"Um… my dear friend Candle Dragon, are you certain you're referring to… Lian Cangqing?" Lu Heng said with a peculiar expression. "Gentle in temperament? Magnanimous and free-spirited? Easily exploited? Never harboring ill-will towards others? Are you… Are you certain you're describing the Lian Cangqing who is the Immortal of Martial Arts, the Lord of Kings?"
"Indeed!" Candle Dragon nodded without hesitation, "Besides her, who else could it be? She is widely recognized as the most beautiful woman of ancient times, and also the most beloved and revered among the divine beings."
"With a gentleness akin to water, a purity akin to moonlight, and a nurturing essence akin to the mother of all things, she personally established the Human Emperor Palace to safeguard all living beings. After the disappearance of Emperor Fu Xi and the supreme god Nuwa, she alone carried the weight of that desperate era following the Emperor's demise, single-handedly protecting the immortal souls in the Celestial Desolation Realm, guiding all cultivators in the world towards goodness. She treated every disciple with tenderness, even the demonic cultivators of ancient times dared not cause trouble in her presence, lest they hurt her heart."
"Otherwise, how could one be called the Immortal of Martial Arts, the Lord of Kings? It is the collective aspiration of all beings in the world."
"Even though I had achieved a certain level of cultivation, this goddess had already entered a semi-retired state, and the Human Emperor Palace had changed hands for several generations, leaving only her legends in the world."
"But in the year when I first reached the realm of Innate, I was invited to a banquet at the Human Emperor Palace, and from a distance, I caught a glimpse of this goddess. Though it was only a fleeting glance separated by a vast distance, the gentle and watery temperament had already deeply captivated my heart. Now, looking back, I can't help but marvel at how such a splendid woman could exist in this world, almost like a beautiful dream… Um… why are you all looking at me with those expressions?"
As Candle Dragon spoke, he noticed that Lu Heng and Jiu Mie were looking at him with increasingly peculiar expressions, unable to resist asking, "Could it be that there's something wrong with what I said?"
Jiu Mie and Lu Heng locked eyes once again, their expressions becoming even more peculiar.
"Friend Jiu Mie, do you think what Friend Candle Dragon said is true?"
"I believe it is true."
"Do you think the Lian Cangqing we have encountered is real?"
"I also believe it is true."
"Why is the Lian Cangqing mentioned by friend Candle Dragon completely different from the Lian Cangqing we have encountered?"
"Perhaps it is due to the long gap in time, the embellishment of memories by Friend Candle Dragon. After all, the first woman who captures one's heart becomes more beautiful the longer the time interval…"
Jiu Mie and Lu Heng, exchanging opinions in front of Candle Dragon, taking turns to speak.
Upon hearing this, Candle Dragon couldn't help but interject.
"Hey hey hey! Could you two friends please hold on for a moment?" Candle Dragon said helplessly, "I feel like there might be some misunderstanding here. First, could you tell me, what kind of person is the Lian Cangqing you both know?"
Lu Heng sighed and said, "I dare not say."
Jiu Mie also nodded and said, "I dare not say either."
Lu Heng looked at Jiu Mie and asked, "Why do you dare not say?"
Jiu Mie shrugged and said, "Same as you."
Lu Heng raised an eyebrow and said, "Oh? Do you know what I am worried about, my friend?"
Jiu Mie chuckled and said, "Not only do I know what you are worried about, but I also know that you know what I am worried about… And that is why neither of us dares to speak."
Candle Dragon had a wry expression on his face and said, "Hey! You two, that's enough… I really am not familiar with this the Immortal of Martial Arts, although I admired her elegance from afar in the past, it was purely out of respect and admiration. I've never had any romantic feelings for her, so please don't wrongly accuse me."
Lu Heng sighed and said, "I never said, my friend, that you have developed romantic feelings for Lian Cangqing…"
Jiu Mie also nodded repeatedly and said, "Exactly, exactly. Neither of us said that, my friend. Why are you so eager to distance yourself from it?"
Candle Dragon, with a wry expression on his face, responded directly, "You two scoundrels… Do you want to settle this with a fight? Shall we determine the truth with our actions?"
Lu Heng helplessly raised his hands and said, "You see, there's no need to get so worked up… We never said we didn't believe you, my friend. Why are you so agitated?"
Jiu Mie also nodded and said, "Absolutely, absolutely, we fully trust you, my friend. Why do you need to be upset?"
Candle Dragon, "……" I really feel like tearing off both of your heads!
