Chapter 87: Azure Waters Stretch to the Horizon, Startling the Gathering of Demons (First Update!)

Firecloud Ganoderma was not a rare treasure; there were a few in the Nether Sect as well. However, their maturity was lacking, and since they were in the hands of the Qingmai lineage, Master Heichi could not easily obtain them. Now that the opportunity had arisen, it was not to be missed.

Lingzhi and other immortal herbs possessed extraordinary spiritual efficacy and could be consumed by immortals, demons, spirits, and ghosts alike. They could regenerate flesh and bones, invigorate vitality, and were a crucial ingredient for stimulating life force in the “Xuanming Seven Aperture Pill.”

The four quietly slipped toward Firecloud Cliff. Nearby, several cultivators from the Mystic Gate were attempting to unravel the array left by their predecessors as a trial.

“I’ll go with Senior Brother Zheng Qiong to check things out. We’ll signal you when it’s time,” said Ling Feng, heading out with Zheng Qiong, while Ji Feichen quickly flicked a Cloudscape talisman from his sleeve.

The Nine Heavens Cloud Talismans each held their own mysteries. Among them, the Cloudscape talisman was an art of faceless transformation, able to shift to eight landscapes at will, rivaling the Thousand Illusions of the Heavenly Fox. Ji Feichen was not yet adept but could manage a few talismans for concealment.

He attached the talisman to a green stone before him, and through Ji Feichen’s shadow, a hazy white light appeared.

“Senior Brother, in a moment, pretend to be severely wounded by the apparition,” Ji Feichen instructed Tian Chengzi softly.

Tian Chengzi, holding the Netherworld Conch, nodded silently. The Demon Dragon Mace was his backbone and could not be used recklessly; the only artifact he could rely on now was the conch lent to him by Ji Feichen.

The conch, when blown, produced the wailing of ghosts from the Yellow Springs, capable of manipulating the Netherworld sludge—an impressive magical tool.

Ji Feichen crossed his fingers and chanted. His shadow merged with the talisman, transforming into the likeness of “Free Immortal Qinghong.”

“Go!” With a flick of his finger, a wisp of mist-like magic power infused the phantom. The apparition came alive, moving with uncanny realism before Ji Feichen.

“You hide secretly, and later hand me the treasure orb,” Xun Yi transferred the twenty-four Azure Tide Orbs onto the apparition. Instantly, the ethereal mists condensed into tangible form. After a moment’s hesitation, Ji Feichen also placed a vial of pills and the Azure Cloud Subduing Banner upon the apparition.

The Azure Cloud wrapped around the apparition, and “Free Immortal Qinghong” transformed into a blue rainbow, vanishing.

Whoosh—

In the distance, Ling Feng unleashed a Thunderclap from his palm.

“Now!” Ji Feichen and Tian Chengzi sprang into action.

One hurled the Demon Dragon Mace, the other raised the Netherworld Conch, scattering sludge.

The black mace transformed into a black dragon, roaring at the heavens, while the sluggish waters of the Nether River encircled several Mystic Gate cultivators. Dark clouds surged, killing intent filled the air; within the weak waters, the grand magic of the Dao was hidden, the river of the Nine Netherworlds flowed endlessly, and the soul-devouring demonic winds howled from all directions. Tian Chengzi amplified the river’s power with his sludge, and the Mystic Gate cultivators, caught off guard, were trapped by the two.

“Excellent work, junior brothers!” Zheng Qiong laughed, stepping forward to suppress several cultivators, while Ling Feng went to harvest the spiritual herbs from Firecloud Cliff.

The four divided their tasks clearly and worked in harmony. As Ling Feng acquired the herbs and the cultivators in the Nether River were perilously attacked by Zheng Qiong, Ji Feichen released the apparition in secret. “I cannot let these people die.”

The apparition, attuned to Ji Feichen’s will, summoned the twenty-four Azure Tide Divine Orbs.

The radiant treasure light shot skyward, illuminating sun and moon. A vast stretch of azure sea unfolded, and as mana surged within, waves roared and soared to the heavens. The grand, magnificent aura pressed down upon the demon cultivators.

“Careful! It’s Free Immortal Qinghong.” Zheng Qiong was startled, abandoning the slaughter of Mystic Gate disciples to prepare for defense.

The reputation of Free Immortal Qinghong was enough to rival the heirs of sacred lands; his attacks were by no means simple.

Yet the figure in the sky did not attack Zheng Qiong but targeted Tian Chengzi. The twenty-four orbs appeared, white light gathered in the Three Lights Divine Water and plunged downward.

“Ah—” Tian Chengzi, as planned, feigned an inability to withstand the attack and was knocked flying, opening a gap in the encirclement against the Mystic Gate cultivators.

Ji Feichen then pretended to rescue him, stepping forward to attack the apparition, but was similarly repelled by the twenty-four orbs.

Boom—

A thunderous crash sounded as the Three Lights Divine Water struck Ji Feichen. He spat blood, fluttering like a kite with a broken string, nearly collapsing.

Ji Feichen, gravely wounded by Qinghong, face pale as paper, hurriedly wiped his mouth, grabbed Tian Chengzi, and fled as a demonic wind: “Senior Brother, retreat!”

“Ji Feichen’s strength surpasses mine, yet he cannot withstand even a single blow?” Ling Feng, less versed in cultivation, could not discern illusion from reality. He mused, “Since the Firecloud Ganoderma is in hand, there’s no need for further entanglements. Best to leave now!” He too followed the pair in retreat.

Zheng Qiong had hoped to spar with Qinghong, to probe his cultivation, but as his three companions vanished, he found himself alone against a group of Mystic Gate cultivators.

At that moment, the orbs in the sky flashed with mysterious yellow light, again descending upon him. The apparition was still wreathed in Azure Clouds, wary of a sneak attack.

“The Azure Tide Orbs are imbued with merit and mysterious yellow energy. And those Azure Clouds... If I’m not mistaken, it’s the Azure Cloud Bright Subduing Banner? Unexpectedly, he has already obtained one of its pieces.” Thoughts raced in Zheng Qiong’s mind. “Forget it, the Subduing Banner’s defense is unmatched, and even Du Yue dared not challenge the Azure Tide Orbs head-on. Though I pride myself on being no less than heirs of sacred lands, the Mystic Gate has many, and I may be beset by them all. Better to withdraw for now.”

So he too departed.

The apparition thus freed the Mystic Gate cultivators from peril. They escaped the demonic encirclement, and one by one, survivors thanked the light in the sky. At that moment, the apparition tossed down a vial of pills and then pursued the demon cultivators.

“Is Qinghong going after the enemy? Alone, I wonder if he can succeed?”

Another said, “Should we go help him?”

Their companions shook their heads. “Forget it, Zheng the Demon injured us. If we go, we’ll only cause more trouble. The pills are surely meant for us to heal.”

After deliberation, they stayed behind to tend their wounds.

Elsewhere, Ji Feichen led Tian Chengzi in flight, soon joined by the other two. As the watery light in the sky faded and the brilliance dimmed—

“He’s not pursuing?” Ji Feichen wiped the blood from his lips. “Just for ambushing him a while back, he’s so quick to retaliate!”

“What, you two have met before?”

“Yes, I tricked him not long ago,” Ji Feichen replied, settling down to recover. The four waited for some time, but Qinghong did not appear. Ji Feichen went to investigate. “I’ll check. Be ready to assist if needed.” Since Ji Feichen was willing to scout, the others did not object. If it was a trap, Ji Feichen would suffer.

Ji Feichen stayed vigilant, noticing Zheng Qiong and the others were not using soul sense to spy, and quietly retrieved the shattered talisman fragments left along the way.

“Return!” With a gesture, the Azure Tide Orbs, bound to his life, rejoined his body.

After a while, he returned to his companions. “No sign of him; I suppose he’s gone?”

After meeting Qinghong, Zheng Qiong’s mind filled with doubt, and he scrutinized Ji Feichen’s face carefully. “When I faced him, he seemed to resemble you, junior brother.”

Last year in Golden Turtle City, Qinghong had scarcely shown his face, so Zheng Qiong did not know his features. Messages between immortals and demons were obscure, and only now had the two “met” for the first time.

Yet the fame of “Free Immortal Qinghong” was great, and the twenty-four orbs were renowned, so he was recognized at a glance.

“Is that so? I hadn’t noticed,” Ji Feichen replied, feigning confusion. Beside him, Tian Chengzi laughed, “It’s said that the person who knows himself least is himself. Junior brother probably doesn’t look in the mirror often.” As he spoke, he waved his hand, and a mirror appeared before Ji Feichen.

Looking at his reflection, Ji Feichen adopted a puzzled expression.

Comparing himself in the mirror, he secretly gave himself a thumbs-up: Good, very good! First, he exaggerated his confusion, then gradually revealed an expression of sudden realization.

Finally, Ji Feichen exclaimed, “He does look somewhat like me.” (To be continued.) Mobile readers, please continue for an even better reading experience.