Chapter 75: The Immortal Mountain

The outcome of the battle was exactly as Chen Hongxu had anticipated, yet it took the natives of this fourth-layer world by surprise.

Not a single one of the thirty or so members of the Shangguan clan had joined the fight. Even the young girl who had been standing silently beside the three elders remained rooted in place, as if the lives of those three clansmen were of no concern to her.

Chen Hongxu hadn’t even had time to make a move before the three elders fell beneath Jia Jia’s massive pincers. Given the clear intent of the battle, Chen Hongxu showed no mercy; thus, three more souls were added beneath Jia Jia’s claws.

The Shangguan clan was visibly shaken by this outcome. Their reluctance to intervene was not only because they knew that even if they helped the Qi clan this time and escaped this calamity, the Qi clan would soon find an excuse to annihilate their own. Another practical reason was that the three Qi elders had fallen far too quickly—like a flash of lightning—leaving no time for consideration.

Ignoring the Shangguan clan’s horrified gazes, Chen Hongxu glanced at the little girl whose expression was oddly peculiar and asked, “You’re not on the same side?”

The girl hesitated for a moment, then shook her head firmly.

Chen Hongxu didn’t press further. Turning his attention back to the Shangguan clan, he asked, “Is there anyone else willing to try?”

For a moment, there was complete silence.

After waiting a moment, Chen Hongxu, standing firmly, pointed at the eldest-looking elder of the Shangguan clan and said, “You will answer my question. Of course, you may refuse.”

“Master Immortal, please ask,” the elder dared not refuse. This so-called immortal master before him was clearly a ruthless killer; he wouldn’t dare defy Chen Hongxu’s wishes, especially now. As for resistance, that was out of the question—didn’t they see that even his pets were beyond formidable?

“What is the Immortal Mountain?” Chen Hongxu began his inquiry.

“My lord, the Immortal Mountain is a vast mountain where immortals reside. According to records, immortals are ageless and undying. Our Shangguan clan once had an ancestor who lived on the Immortal Mountain for eight hundred years without a single change in appearance. Eventually, he shattered the void and ascended to the Immortal Realm.”

“Ageless and undying?” Chen Hongxu was momentarily stunned. After all, without reaching the rank of King of Men, immortality was just a myth. Listening to the elder, Chen realized this likely referred only to the longevity realm, not true immortality. As for shattering the void, that probably meant entering the third layer of the world, which had no connection to ascension.

Chen Hongxu chose not to reveal his doubts, replying calmly, “Then explain to me the origin of the Immortal Mountain and what it currently consists of.”

“Yes, Master Immortal!” The elder nodded. “In the past fifty years, no new immortal masters have descended. Thus, the composition of the Immortal Mountain is no longer so complicated. First, any outstanding talent in each clan who cultivates into an immortal master can ascend the mountain freely.

“Second, every ten years, the Immortal Mountain sends emissaries down to the world to scout gifted youths and select them as the sacred sons and daughters of the mountain.

“As for servants and other personnel, they are all dispatched by the great clans of the world. In return, the Immortal Mountain stays with these great clans for several extra days each time.

“The lord of the Immortal Mountain, the Supreme Immortal, remains elusive—said to be supremely powerful. Even those who have ascended face death if they encounter him.

“As for the origin of the Immortal Mountain, this humble one truly does not know. Perhaps only the ancient clans have records of that.”

Chen Hongxu nodded, puzzled. “Why do you think I am an immortal master?”

“Well…” The elder hesitated before replying, “It starts with your attire. Only immortal masters wear such clothing. The material of the garments is an important marker of strength. If anyone dares to overstep, the Immortal Mountain would dispatch someone to punish them. And if those who overstep are killed by their clans before the mountain reacts, then the Immortal Mountain nurtures that clan for ten years afterward. This is why the Qi clan reacted so strongly upon seeing you.”

Chen Hongxu glanced down at his plain clothes. They looked very ordinary. But considering that outsiders absorbed by the Demon Refining Tower might be assigned to this fourth layer with distinct attire, it made sense.

As for the Supreme Immortal, he was probably the boss of this layer. Yet some questions remained unclear. These clans, with relatively modest strength, seemed to have lived here for a long time. If the Supreme Immortal could slay those who reached the third layer, why did he not ascend himself? Could it be, like Jia Jia, he suffered from amnesia?

These matters were unlikely to be resolved by this group of only about thirty clan members. Chen Hongxu scooped up Jia Jia and prepared to leave, intending to seek clearer answers from a larger clan.

“Master, please stay. We invite you to lodge with our small clan for a few nights so that my people may behold your great presence,” the elder urged anxiously as Chen Hongxu moved to depart.

“Lodge a few nights? Show my presence?” Chen Hongxu smiled thoughtfully, stopping and turning back. “Very well. Since you’ve helped clarify some things, I will stay a few nights.”

Chen Hongxu understood perfectly. The Shangguan elder feared that if he left, the Qi clan would cause trouble again, and the Shangguan clan would be powerless to resist. Having Chen Hongxu remain was at least a form of defense.

The Shangguan clan members rejoiced at Chen Hongxu’s agreement. Protecting their clan was paramount in their eyes. As for rewards for killing a false immortal master, when lives were at stake, such matters were meaningless.

The group marched out toward the forest’s edge. Chen Hongxu suddenly paused, turning to look back. “How long do you intend to follow us? In this situation, shouldn’t you be returning to report?”

The little girl from the Qi clan stepped out from behind a tree, bowing her head. “They are who they are. I am who I am. I wish to offer myself to you.”

Chen Hongxu was taken aback but naturally did not believe that a few kills by Jia Jia would somehow reveal his royal aura and cause legions of maidens to prostrate themselves at his feet. He stared at the girl and said, “You’re still young. Offering yourself doesn’t hold much appeal.”

“I will grow up,” the girl said, her expression suddenly bearing a maturity beyond her years.

“A reason?” Chen Hongxu wasn’t interested in continuing this thread.

“You are strong, I know. If the future allows, I hope you can help me destroy the Immortal Mountain.”

Hearing the girl’s gritted teeth, Chen Hongxu was stunned once more. There seemed to be more to her story.

He gestured for her to follow, not because he coveted her offer, but because the Qi clan had mentioned having a sacred daughter who had ascended the Immortal Mountain. Since there was already someone who had been there, Chen Hongxu wanted clear answers.

…

Night fell, resembling day so closely that even the stars above shimmered green. Only the sky’s hue darkened slightly; otherwise, there was little difference.

Chen Hongxu held Jia Jia, gazing at the stars, thoughts drifting to Xue Xi and the others.

Meanwhile, Fan Caobao crouched atop a sheer cliff, clutching a half-dead crane. He looked furtively at Xue Xi and whispered, “You don’t know—this immortal crane is the most arrogant creature. I’ve suffered much, but today I finally have a chance. Want some roasted crane?”

“That’s hardly appropriate. After all, this is the mountain gate of Kunlun. Others would object to this,” Xue Xi replied, eyes gleaming with sharp light. Though his words were polite, his gaze was fierce, silently urging Fan Caobao to act and not just talk.

Fan Caobao grinned mischievously, lowering his head as if about to unleash a triple-flavor true fire to roast the crane. Suddenly, an elder with white hair, eyebrows, and beard, hair standing on end, flew in from the air, shouting, “Fan Caobao, are you stealing my immortal cranes from the courtyard again?”

Fan Caobao’s expression stiffened. He tossed the crane aside and vanished using illusion.

Xue Xi was left both amused and exasperated, watching the chaotic scene of the Kunlun world, thinking quietly, “Xu Xu has been gone for almost two days.”