Chapter Seventy-Six: Secrets—The Legend of the Celestial Beings

Elder Evergreen’s words were nothing short of severe. The elders and disciples in the great hall had witnessed the young man not only withstand Evergreen’s furious strike but even force him several steps back. Their skepticism began to waver, yet their gazes toward the youth grew increasingly unfriendly.

Suddenly, a clear and spirited female voice rang out, “What talk of an evil sect? Evergreen, you simply cannot bear to see true talent arise from another lineage, so you seize on trifles to hound them mercilessly—where is your compassion?”

It was, of course, Xiaoyue who spoke. Her tongue was sharp to begin with, and as a woman, her fellow disciples tended to give her some leeway. Now, she showed no mercy, denouncing Evergreen as a petty and contemptible man.

Evergreen retorted furiously, “I am simply acting on principle! Unlike some who blindly shield anyone claiming to be a disciple of Wuyafeng, without so much as probing their background, risking disaster for the Tai Xu Sect!”

Before Xiaoyue could answer, Freewalker angrily interjected, “Evergreen, are you accusing me of taking in an improper disciple and bringing spies into Tai Xu Sect?”

Evergreen snorted coldly. “This boy’s cultivation seems to be at the liquefied true essence stage, yet he withstood my full-strength palm unharmed. Clearly, his power is on par with ours. Do you truly believe you could train such a disciple in just a few short years?”

At this, many in the hall nodded, already swayed by Evergreen’s reasoning. After all, cultivation was a matter of years, if not decades, of perseverance. For someone so young to possess such strength was simply unnatural—surely he was a spy sent by some sinister sect to topple Tai Xu.

The youth himself felt a chill of unease. If this elder pressed him on this point, he’d have no easy explanation.

The sect leader, Zhengyi, wore an expression of deep suspicion as he studied the youth. After a long moment, he said, “This young man is clearly not of our generation, yet he can take a blow from Elder Evergreen. How remarkable!”

Evergreen added, “Dark sects are ever scheming, perhaps they have devised some new art unknown to us.”

Xiaoyue replied coldly, “So, Brother Evergreen, you cast doubt on the sect leader’s judgment? Or perhaps you simply cannot stomach seeing a true prodigy emerge?”

Sect Leader Zhengyi cut in, “Enough, no more arguing. Let Freewalker speak. He knows his own disciple best.”

“Respected leader, my disciple’s origins are pure. He is certainly no spy!” Freewalker said, then leaned in and whispered a few words.

At this, the sect leader’s expression changed to one of astonishment. “Is this true?”

Freewalker stepped back and bowed. “That is the main reason I accepted him as my personal disciple. Please rest assured, elder brother.”

Now, the sect leader’s gaze toward the youth softened, and he said kindly, “If that’s so, then this is a rare stroke of fate indeed. Elders, brothers, Freewalker has explained everything. And this young man—” Freewalker quickly supplied, “Chen Mu.”

“Very well! Chen Mu is no more than twenty years old. There is no way he could be a spy from the evil sects, hiding among us. You may all set your minds at ease.”

Although no one voiced further dissent, suspicion lingered on their faces. Only Evergreen was still dissatisfied. “How can we take Freewalker’s word alone? Perhaps even he has been deceived!”

Sect Leader Zhengyi smiled faintly. “This is not a matter for public discussion. Rest assured, all of you. But the Grand Tournament of Chaotian Peak is at hand—this is not the time to hold an initiation ceremony for Chen Mu. Let us first select the disciples who will represent us in the contest!”

The selection of contestants had nothing directly to do with Chen Mu, so he simply stood quietly by Freewalker’s side. However, after much deliberation among the elders and branch leaders, Chen Mu was ultimately chosen as one of the four disciples to compete. This surprised him, though it was not wholly unexpected—after all, he had just bested Shu Yu, who had originally been slated to participate. Given that he could stand toe to toe with Evergreen, there was no one among the junior disciples who could rival him, not only within Tai Xu Sect, but possibly in the entire cultivation world.

Each branch also chose four promising disciples to observe the tournament at Chaotian Peak: to broaden their horizons, forge connections, and, importantly, attend the customary gathering held two days prior. At this traditional assembly, all the sects and even some independent cultivators would display their prized pills, flying swords, or magical artifacts, seeking to trade for items they desired. It was not only a rare chance to learn, but also an opportunity to stumble upon hidden treasures. Many Tai Xu disciples had prepared their finest pills and artifacts in hopes of making favorable trades.

With all decided, the branch leaders departed with their disciples, leaving only Zhengyi, Freewalker, and Chen Mu.

Zhengyi said, “Freewalker has told me everything. Forming a contract with a divine beast and drawing upon its power is a rare fortune indeed, but the heart of cultivation lies in personal effort. Do not neglect your own progress, or you will only harm yourself in the long run!”

Only now did Chen Mu realize that Freewalker had told a half-truth to the sect leader. He bowed deeply. “Your disciple understands.”

Zhengyi continued, “I see that, though your cultivation is strong, your techniques are simple. Clearly, your master has not taught you diligently. Here are three scrolls of the Shangqing Method for you to study closely. If you have questions, ask your master, or come to me.” With that, he handed Chen Mu a jade bead.

Freewalker beamed. “Quick, thank the sect leader! The Jade Purity Method I taught you is the foundation; the Shangqing Method is the essence of higher techniques!”

Zhengyi stopped Chen Mu from kneeling. “In this sect, disciples must reach the eighth layer of the Jade Purity Method and attain the Core Formation stage before learning the Shangqing Method. But since you can draw power from a divine beast, you are permitted to study it now.” He added, “I am giving you this in hopes that you may shine at the Chaotian Peak tournament. But remember, act within your limits—never force yourself beyond your means!”

Chen Mu was briefly stunned, but Freewalker replied, “Elder brother, with Ah Mu’s cultivation, no junior disciple can match him. Why the caution?”

Zhengyi shook his head. “A few years ago, while visiting Lingyun Sect, I met a youth who had already reached the peak of Core Formation. In these intervening years, he likely has already shattered his core and formed a Nascent Soul.”

“What?” Freewalker was astonished. “A youth, at peak Core Formation?”

“At the time, I was just as surprised. I inquired and learned he had cultivated for just over twenty years. But his name, Lingyun Sect refused to disclose.”

Freewalker mused, “Many advanced techniques have been lost in this generation. Most sects only possess methods to reach peak Core Formation, while breaking through to Nascent Soul depends on individual talent and fate. Perhaps that boy remains stuck at Core Formation.”

Zhengyi replied calmly, “With the perception to reach peak Core Formation in twenty years, how could he fail to advance further? Do not place your hopes on others, brother.”

Freewalker nodded immediately. Zhengyi went on, “I have also heard that among the disciples of the Water Moon Sect, a young prodigy has emerged—a woman of heavenly beauty, whose seven-stringed zither is said to be peerless.”

“What?” Freewalker was incredulous. “Unmatched by anyone?”

Zhengyi nodded. “Not that no one can best her in all things, but no one can match her playing. As for the reason, I am unsure. In any case, Ah Mu, should you meet either of these two in the tournament, be cautious. If you feel outmatched, concede at once—do not stubbornly fight and risk your foundation.”

He sighed, “It is said in the cultivation world that these two are reincarnations of celestial beings, blessed with the fortunes of their past lives, and thus progress swiftly along the path. Their future achievements will far surpass ours. Even if you lose, it will not bring shame on Tai Xu Sect.”

Chen Mu was unmoved by these words, but said nothing more. He bowed in thanks.

Soon after, Freewalker took Chen Mu and departed, flying by sword toward Wuyafeng. On this second flight, Chen Mu felt much calmer, able to appreciate the beauty of the mountains and the thrill of gliding through the clouds.

This time, Freewalker did not return to the previous peak, but flew toward another platform. From afar, smoke curled above several houses—clearly the abode of Wuyafeng’s disciples.

Sure enough, as they landed, several people emerged from the houses, led by none other than Xiao Zhu.

“Greetings, Uncle!” The disciples all bowed. Freewalker waved his hand. “Enough of that! Ah Mu, come greet your senior brothers.”

Chen Mu hurried forward, preparing to bow as custom dictated, but Xiao Zhu strode up and lifted him with a grin. “Today, thanks to Brother Mu, our Wuyafeng branch can hold its head high. Everyone’s been looking forward to your arrival. Come, let’s greet the master first.”

It seemed that, though Chen Mu had made enemies by injuring Shu Yu, he had also won many friends. At least, the often-disdained disciples of Wuyafeng now regarded him as a hero. Though senior in rank, they greeted their new junior brother with true warmth and respect.

Wuyafeng was not a thriving branch, counting barely a dozen disciples, so the houses were few. In the center of the platform stood a large building, resembling a smaller version of the Tai Xu main hall—clearly the residence of the branch master.

As they entered, Xiaoyue’s voice rang out, “Well, Freewalker, you finally remembered to come back! You’re always meditating in that corner, no matter how many times we send disciples to fetch you!”

Freewalker replied sheepishly, “Heh, Sister Xiaoyue, I just didn’t want to intrude on your time alone with Brother Wandering!”