Chapter 490: Mountain Gate

“Hmm…”

The white bone spirit, in the form of Wu Ming, accepted the gesture casually before waving his bony hand. “You must be a descendant from the lineage of Bai Yulian? How has Maoshan Dao been lately?”

He indeed shared a connection with this sect, albeit a bitter one.

“Ancestor…”

Upon hearing this, the black-crowned Taoist immediately began sobbing uncontrollably. “So tragic! Words cannot describe our plight…”

Choking with tears, he went on, “Although our sect produced a rare prodigy during the late Shang dynasty who cultivated to the rank of Celestial Master, known as the Three Mao Immortals, our descendants have been unworthy. None have managed to break through to the Immortal level, and we seem to have been drawn into the struggle for imperial favor, constantly pursued and hunted by the current dynasty. Now, only this old Taoist remains…”

As the black-crowned elder wept, he kept glancing at Wu Ming, clearly testing him.

Perhaps in his mind, he had already linked this strange yet powerful white bone spirit with the legendary Three Mao Immortals.

After all, there were only a few outstanding figures in the entire Maoshan Dao sect, making it easy to guess.

“Enough… You don’t need to show off your little tricks before me. However, if you are indeed from Maoshan Dao, we do share a certain connection…”

With a point of his finger, the white bone spirit summoned a Taoist scripture. “The original foundation of Maoshan Dao had flaws, making it extremely difficult to break through to the Immortal level. I have revised the cultivation method, ensuring a smooth path to the rank of Celestial Master. I have also completed and improved the remaining techniques, totaling eighty-one. Each of these techniques holds the potential to reach the Immortal level. Today, I shall pass them on to you!”

“This…”

As the black-crowned Taoist unrolled the scroll, he found every word precious. More importantly, it was perfectly aligned with his own teachings, requiring no need to abandon his previous cultivation. His last doubts vanished. “Ancestor, please accept this humble disciple, so that I may receive your guidance daily!”

With his sect in ruins, it was only natural to cling tightly to such a powerful figure.

“Hehe… My connection with Maoshan Dao ends here… Do your best!”

Wu Ming, however, had no intention of getting further involved. The white bone spirit flew away instantly, leaving behind only the sorrowful black-crowned Taoist.

His connection with Maoshan Dao was nothing more than this scroll of scripture, sufficient to settle all karmic debts.

“Previously, Maoshan Dao seemed to be in a terrible state. When I first asked, the old Taoist denied it immediately. Probably a lingering effect from the ancient wars, fearing further investigation by powerful cultivators?”

“Now that I have become a Celestial Immortal, my fortune not only protects myself but also blesses the surroundings and descendants… Even though I only met him once, it was enough to alter his fate. As long as he is cautious in the future, there is still hope for development…”

The white bone spirit cackled eerily, suddenly transforming into a white bone pill near its destination and disappearing underground.

…

A flash of white light.

With a flick of his sleeve, Wu Ming directly retrieved the pill. The two Immortals in front of him remained completely unaware, still showing utmost respect. “Senior wishes to visit our Dongji Xuanzhen Sect’s mountain gate?”

“Indeed, I have heard that Dongji Zhenming is one of the Daoist Thirty-six Cavern Heavens. This humble Taoist would like to have a look…”

Wu Ming replied with a smile.

“This senior… ‘Nameless Taoist,’ could he be a wandering cultivator?”

Feixingzi and Yuxue Nu’guan exchanged glances. “But for a wandering cultivator to reach the Earth Immortal level is truly remarkable… Could he be here to join our sect?”

Among Earth Immortals, the difference between those with and without a blessed land is immense.

Although cultivators at the fifth domain level can theoretically create their own semi-dimensions, known as blessed lands in Daoism, very few succeed.

Considering the current resources of the Immortal Sect, including the Yushen Daoist, there were only seventy-two blessed lands, which illustrates the difficulty.

This is partly due to insufficient fortune and partly because of the heavy burden on the world.

The Thirty-six Cavern Heavens and Seventy-two Blessed Lands are already major consumers. If their numbers were to double, the foundation of the Zhou world might become overburdened, triggering a cataclysm to actively eliminate cultivators.

These two Immortals immediately regarded Wu Ming as a wandering cultivator who had somehow obtained a rare technique, joined the Daoist sect, and cultivated to the Earth Immortal level.

“How difficult is it for an Earth Immortal to establish a blessed land? Several of my senior uncles are stuck at this stage, even with guidance from the Patriarch. Another senior uncle was too impulsive and entered the mortal world to vie for imperial power, ending up reduced to ashes, his soul irretrievably lost…”

Feixingzi quickly calculated in his mind, glancing at Wu Ming again. “This person is a wandering cultivator, so his advancement must be even harder, forcing him to seek support from a major sect to gain sustenance… If I can bring in an Earth Immortal for our sect, it would be a great achievement!”

Although his thoughts raced, on the surface, he merely paused for a moment before his face lit up with joy. “It is a great honor for our sect to have you visit!”

“Oh?”

Wu Ming was genuinely surprised. “To be honest, I have circled this place several times but could not find a way in!”

“Hehe!”

Yuxue Nu’guan giggled, her demeanor still respectful but with a hint of arrogance in her eyes, typical of someone from a prestigious sect. “Even we are unaware of the exact location of the Cavern Heaven entrance. However, we carry the Great Teleportation Talisman. Once lit, it will instantly notify our Patriarch and grant us guidance into the Cavern Heaven!”

“So that’s the mechanism!”

Wu Ming nodded slightly. This Great Teleportation Talisman acted as a catalyst. As long as it was ignited within a certain range of the Cavern Heaven entrance, it would immediately alert the sect and use the Cavern Heaven’s power to guide the bearer in. Although cumbersome, this method also served as a security measure without the need to enter through the node.

“Thank you both!”

He inwardly chuckled but maintained a sincere expression on his face.

“Follow me then!”

Having a Celestial Immortal speak to her so politely greatly satisfied Yuxue Nu’guan’s pride, and she smiled sweetly.

Although Feixingzi felt something was off, he thought about how vast their Cavern Heaven was and how powerful their Patriarch was. Once inside the sect, there was no need to fear any villains, so he did not object.

The three of them immediately set off to a cliff.

Wu Ming had previously scanned this area with his divine sense, finding nothing unusual.

“Hmm… It seems the Cavern Heaven is indeed within this area. The celestial signs did not deceive me. However, that Celestial Immortal is hiding very well…”

Wu Ming’s mind raced with thoughts, his eyes gleaming with an unusual light. “Unfortunately… No matter how tight the mechanism, it cannot prevent letting a wolf inside the door!”

Whoosh!

At this moment, Yuxue Nu’guan had already lit a golden talisman. A wisp of blue smoke pierced through the void and vanished in an instant.

Buzz!

Then, a force from the Cavern Heaven enveloped them, carrying the power of spatial displacement, wrapping around Wu Ming and the other two.

Normally, Wu Ming could easily dispel this spell with a mere thought. However, he now allowed it to take effect, quickly gathering information.

In an instant, the stars shifted.

Wu Ming’s eyes brightened as the surroundings changed. Mountains surrounded them, mist formed clouds, and wisps of spiritual energy freely spread through the void. Indeed, it was an excellent Cavern Heaven.

At this moment, he stood outside a grand and magnificent mountain gate, on a vast white marble plaza, surrounded by a circle of powerful warriors with solemn faces.

[Ding! Spatial coordinates have been analyzed and confirmed. Recording… Saving…]

“Good…”

Wu Ming inwardly chuckled. “Originally, I couldn’t find out the details, but by teleporting me here, you’ve inadvertently revealed your secrets!”

For an ordinary Celestial Immortal, being entangled by this mechanism would make it difficult to find the entrance. However, what is the Main God Hall? It is the ultimate artifact for plundering all realms! Displaying oneself before it is akin to inviting a thief into your home.

“Feixing! Yuxue!”

In a flash of light, an old Taoist emerged from the mountain gate, his face showing a reprimanding expression. “You two have just entered the world for cultivation, and within ten years, why are you returning now? And you used one of the Great Teleportation Talismans. Don’t you know how precious they are? Only the Patriarch can create them, and each chosen disciple is allocated just one in their lifetime!”

“Master… I know I was wrong!”

Yuxue Nu’guan stuck out her tongue, appearing quite mischievous, and then tugged at the Taoist’s sleeve. “But your disciple really had an important matter!”

“Hmph, I naturally know that!”

The sect leader of Dongji Xuanzhen inwardly shook his head. “These two disciples were born within the Cavern Heaven. Although they have excellent talents and broke through to the Immortal level with the help of spiritual herbs and the Cavern Heaven, their temperaments still haven’t kept up…”

He shook his head and turned his gaze to Wu Ming, showing some surprise. “This Taoist friend…”

“Master…”

Yuxue Nu’guan, in a coquettish tone, said, “This is the wandering cultivator, Nameless Taoist, who came to join… Oh, I mean visit our sect!”

“Oh, so you are the Nameless Taoist!”

The old Taoist bowed slightly, his expression even more peculiar.

According to his disciple’s words, this was a wandering cultivator seeking to join their sect. But how could a wandering cultivator give him a feeling of being unfathomable?

Moreover, the spiritual beast on his shoulder seemed to be at the Earth Immortal level?

Could such a person really be a wandering cultivator?

He immediately gave Feixingzi and Yuxue Nu’guan a stern look, knowing these two young ones didn’t know their limits and might offend someone important.

He clasped his hands and said, “My two disciples are mischievous, I hope the Taoist friend won’t mind. May I ask what brings you here?”

Even though the visitor was mysterious, the old Taoist felt no fear within the Cavern Heaven.

“I specially came to visit Yunshan Immortal!”

Wu Ming naturally didn’t care and directly stated his purpose.

“Dare you!”

“You actually dare to call our Patriarch by his name directly?”

Feixingzi and Yuxue Nu’guan were both shocked. Yunshan, the Celestial Immortal, was the founding Patriarch of their Dongji Xuanzhen Sect, holding an extremely revered position. Even these two chosen disciples of the sect leader had only seen him once.

For a random Earth Immortal from outside to request a visit was naturally infuriating.

“Our Patriarch is currently in deep cultivation and may not be able to meet with the Taoist friend!”

The sect leader’s eyes also showed a hint of anger. Before he could say more, his expression suddenly changed.

Boom!

The white jade plaza trembled, the mountain gate flashed with five-colored lights, and the entire Cavern Heaven seemed to come alive, welcoming its master.

A Taoist figure with white hair and white eyebrows, yet with the face of a young boy, appeared, slightly bowing to Wu Ming. “Yunshan greets you, honored guest. I was unable to properly receive you earlier due to my cultivation, please forgive my neglect!”