Chapter 279: Making a Deal, Gu Mo Enters the Island

“Devastation?” Gu Mo asked. “How exactly will it be devastating? Mr. Ji, could you elaborate?”

“That's the most I could discern,” Ji Wusuan replied. “The scene I witnessed was Penglai Island covered in corpses, drenched in blood. I couldn't see anything else.”

Zhang Daoyi immediately scoffed, “Old fool, you're useless! You're not even as good as your apprentice Shen Yao. Last year, when something happened at my Longhu Mountain, that boy saw it all clearly in advance.”

Ji Wusuan shook his head and said, “You shameless old man, what do you know? How can the two be compared? How significant is your Longhu Mountain's affair compared to the situation at Penglai Island? Not to mention Penglai Island itself is the most mysterious place in the world, filled with Qi Refiners, making it inherently a place of chaotic heavenly secrets. Just consider how many people gather for the island's opening, which happens only once every thirty years. It's a gathering of all the world's most prominent figures.

"Calculate for yourself: for your Longhu Mountain's Great Heavenly Master's Grand Ceremony, those beyond the reach of heavenly secrets were only you, Great Hero Gu, Gongsun Jue, and Ling Xiao. Even adding your senior martial brother Zhang Xisu, that's at most five people.

“But what about Penglai Island? The First Island Master, the Second Island Master, and then the Three Buddhas and Four Immortals below them – that's already nine. Add the powerhouses from various nations, like Great Hero Gu, Su Qianqiu, you, Sect Master Qi, and so on. I'm not exaggerating; there must be twenty such individuals. This means there are at least thirty people whose fates are beyond the reach of heavenly secrets. How am I supposed to see that? Am I supposed to risk my life doing it?”

Qi Tianshu, standing nearby, interjected, “Since you know this journey holds immense danger and you cannot discern its fortune, why don't you disembark, Mr. Ji?”

Ji Wusuan waved his hand, chuckling lightly. “Sect Master Qi, since you also know the dangers of this journey, why don’t you disembark?”

Qi Tianshu replied, “Last year, I already passed my position to my eldest disciple, Shang Buyu. All matters within the sect have been clearly arranged. Now, I wholeheartedly seek the Dao, fearless of life or death.”

“What a coincidence,” Ji Wusuan said, “I feel the same way. I'm a person who loves to gamble, and I couldn't possibly miss such a great opportunity. I'm betting that I can avoid this crisis.”

Zhang Daoyi chuckled lightly, “Enough of that. Everyone who comes aboard this ship is an absolute enthusiast, having reached the pinnacle in their respective fields, finding it hard to advance further. Coming to Penglai Island offers a chance for further progress. Even if it's fraught with danger, it's unlikely anyone will back down. As the saying goes, 'If one learns the truth in the morning, one may die content in the evening!'"

Qi Tianshu and Ji Wusuan both nodded, agreeing with Zhang Daoyi.

Zhang Daoyi looked at Gu Mo and said, “However, Gu Mo, you should be an exception. As far as I know, your primary goal is to find Jiang Ruoxu's whereabouts.”

Gu Mo shook his head slightly, chuckling. “As a blade-for-hire, even with a thousand kinds of interesting things in the world, what could compare to slaying Jiang Ruoxu, a wanted criminal whom all nations find helpless against? In other words, isn't this also a chance to seek a breakthrough for myself?”

Zhang Daoyi chuckled, “Such intense words, but true.”

Gu Mo added, “Additionally, I also want to seek a method to deal with inner demons from Penglai Island.”

At this point, Gu Mo looked at Ji Wusuan, cupped his hands, and asked, “May I ask, Mr. Ji, what is the fee for your divination?”

Ji Wusuan frowned slightly. “Great Hero Gu wishes for this old man to perform a divination?”

“Yes,” Gu Mo replied, “To see if the objectives of my journey can be fulfilled.”

Ji Wusuan considered for a moment. “Great Hero Gu has two objectives for this journey, so I need to perform two divinations. The first divination costs three hundred taels of silver. For the second divination, I will require Great Hero Gu to act on my behalf once in the future. Of course, I would never ask Great Hero Gu to do anything that goes against chivalry!”

Gu Mo nodded slightly. “Then that must also include Mr. Ji's guidance.”

“Naturally! For the first divination, I will specifically consult on the matter of your inner demon!”

Ji Wusuan immediately handed his cloth banner to Zhang Daoyi, then took a bronze coin from his waist. He began murmuring incantations. After a while, he tossed the coin onto the ground. His eyes became vacant for a moment before he slowly regained his senses. He then said, “Great Hero Gu, this matter may end inconclusively. However, 'where there's a will, there's a way,' and Heaven's will never completely blocks one's path. All things have exceptions. Great Hero Gu, just forge ahead, and a future will naturally unfold.”

Gu Mo cupped his hands and said, “Thank you for your guidance, Master.”

Zhang Daoyi pursed his lips and said, “I suspect this old fellow is just rambling, saying both good and bad things. Not a single useful word.”

Gu Mo smiled faintly.

Ji Wusuan picked up the bronze coin again and said, “This old man will now perform the second divination for Great Hero Gu, regarding Jiang Ruoxu!”

Ji Wusuan threw all the coins down, and in that instant, all thirteen coins stood on their edges.

Ji Wusuan's eyes widened, and his face instantly turned pale. As Gu Mo and the others looked on in confusion, Ji Wusuan began to bleed from his seven orifices and convulsed all over.

Zhang Daoyi instinctively prepared to circulate his internal energy to heal Ji Wusuan, but Ji Wusuan waved his hand to stop him. Just as Ji Wusuan waved, Gu Mo was surprised to see age spots appear on his arm, and his skin instantly wrinkled.

Ji Wusuan had originally appeared to be around sixty years old, but in that brief moment, he seemed to have aged no less than twenty years.

Gu Mo also sensed a wisp of death aura emanating from Ji Wusuan.

“Don't ask me what I saw…”

Ji Wusuan managed to suppress the blood rushing to his throat and said in a deep voice, “Great… Great Hero Gu… this old man exchanged ten years of my lifespan for your assistance once. You truly did not lose out. Of course, neither did this old man. This was predestined, the price set in the unseen. When I asked you to act on my behalf as payment for divination, it was already destined that I would spend ten years of my life.”

After speaking so much in one breath, Ji Wusuan finally could no longer hold it in. He spat out a mouthful of fresh blood and then gasped for air. After a while, he managed to say, “Great Hero Gu… your journey was originally destined to be in vain. However, this old man can help you find Jiang Ruoxu. Trust me, if you head east on this journey, as long as you remain calm, avoid arrogance and impatience, and refrain from conflicts with others, you will naturally meet Jiang Ruoxu. But if you engage in combat, this matter will not come to pass!”

“Why is that?” Gu Mo asked.

Ji Wusuan chuckled, “If I say it, it won't work.”

Gu Mo cupped his hands. “I understand. Thank you for your guidance, Master.”

As he spoke, Gu Mo prepared to take out money, but after patting his pockets, he suddenly realized he never carried money when traveling; Gu Chudong was always in charge of finances.

Gu Mo awkwardly cupped his hands and said, “Mr. Ji, I left in a hurry this time and forgot to bring money. I will give you the three hundred taels for the divination after I return to the Gan Kingdom. As for the payment for acting on your behalf, you can send someone to inform me whenever you need me.”

Ji Wusuan cupped his hands and said, “Regarding the matter I need your help with, I actually already have a good idea in my mind.”

“What is it?” Gu Mo asked.

Ji Wusuan pondered for a moment. “I'll be frank. Earlier this year, this old man dared to glimpse into heavenly secrets and discovered that a chaotic era, lasting seven hundred years, will conclude in this age. This is because… the Human Dragon Vein, which disappeared a millennium ago, is about to reappear!”

At these words, Zhang Daoyi, Qi Tianshu, and Gu Mo were all stunned.

Ji Wusuan continued, “I cannot calculate or discern whom Heaven's Mandate favors in this chaotic era. However, I know that whoever the Dragon Vein chooses will be the one with Heaven's Mandate. Therefore, I wish to ask Great Hero Gu, during the nations' struggle for the Dragon Vein, to lend a hand to the Gan Kingdom!”

Gu Mo looked at Ji Wusuan and asked, “Does Mr. Ji have a prior connection with the Gan imperial family?”

“No,” Ji Wusuan replied. “It's simply because I am a person from the Gan Kingdom. And it so happens that I believe the current Emperor of Gan is quite a good ruler, and he is in the prime of his life. If he could unify the world, the common people might live well.”

Gu Mo smiled faintly and said, “I am but a layman and do not understand the affairs of the world. However, this matter indeed does not violate chivalry. Since I promised to act once as payment for the divination, I will naturally do this. If the Dragon Vein truly appears, I will assist the Gan Kingdom in contending for it.”

Immediately, Zhang Daoyi and Qi Tianshu helped Ji Wusuan into the ship's cabin.

This ship was very large, divided into two decks. The lower deck contained rooms, while the upper deck was a spacious hall. Numerous Penglai Island disciples served as attendants. Many people were currently in the hall, gathered in small groups around tables, drinking, eating meat, and chatting. A few were even composing poems on the spot.

Zhang Daoyi initially wanted to help Ji Wusuan to his room downstairs to rest, but Ji Wusuan insisted on having a drink. Zhang Daoyi and Ji Wusuan were close friends and knew that Ji Wusuan loved both gambling and alcohol. Unable to dissuade him, Zhang Daoyi helped Ji Wusuan to a table.

Gu Mo and Qi Tianshu naturally took seats as well.

What surprised Gu Mo was that among the dozen or so people in the hall, none reacted to their presence. While it might be normal for them not to react to him, Zhang Daoyi was the State Preceptor of the Gan Kingdom and the leader of the Daoist sect, and he had been on the ship for a while, so his identity must have been known. Yet, no one came forward to greet them.

Zhang Daoyi asked a Penglai Island disciple for two pots of wine and poured a cup for Gu Mo and the others.

Gu Mo took a sip of wine and asked, “Old Heavenly Master, do these people on the ship not recognize you?”

“They do,” Zhang Daoyi seemed to understand Gu Mo's confusion and said with a smile, “But my status means little to them. These are all top figures in their respective fields.”

Zhang Daoyi pointed to an old man slumped drunkenly by the window. “That man is Su Ran, a contemporary great Confucian and one of the leaders of the Gan Kingdom's literary circle. He used to curse the Empress Dowager in court, and now he curses the Emperor. He curses whoever displeases him. Do you think he'd care about my status?”

He then pointed to another person who was tinkering with a small object. “That's Master Gongshu Yu, a mechanical genius. The Golden Light Armor and Shocking God Crossbow currently used by the Gan Kingdom's army were created by him. Honestly, apart from my martial prowess, my contributions to the Gan Kingdom are not even a tenth of his.”

Zhang Daoyi then pointed out and introduced several other individuals, each with extraordinary backgrounds and at the pinnacle of their fields. The achievements of these people in their respective domains were not necessarily inferior to Gu Mo's and Zhang Daoyi's in the martial arts realm.

However, relatively speaking, the martial arts scene was prevalent in this world, and martial arts were considered the absolute mainstream, which was why Gu Mo and Zhang Daoyi were more famous than these individuals.

Gu Mo asked curiously, “Is Penglai Island truly that remarkable, where people from all walks of life can achieve something here?”

Zhang Daoyi nodded and said, “Thirty years ago, I also went to Penglai Island with a skeptical mindset. Later, I found that Penglai Island truly has everything. Martial arts are only a part of it. They possess various advanced concepts, such as medicine, and mechanical arts, etc. They always propose many theories and directions that are eye-opening. They have compiled various secret manuals, and they are very generous, allowing anyone to view them at will!”

The next morning, the day after Gu Mo boarded the ship, it was time for departure.

A large ship sailed into the depths of the East Sea.

The voyage lasted nearly ten days. From the third day onward, they entered a boundless expanse, seeing no islands or land, with only their ship drifting like a rootless duckweed on the sea.

Not until the tenth day did the ship suddenly stop in the sea, then began to circle, constantly swaying back and forth in one spot.

Inside the ship's cabin, Gu Mo, Zhang Daoyi, Qi Tianshu, and Ji Wusuan sat at a table by the window, watching the turbulent waves outside. Zhang Daoyi suddenly asked, “Great Hero Gu, can you sense the presence of Penglai Island?”

Gu Mo asked in confusion, “Have we arrived?”

Zhang Daoyi nodded. “I've been here once. I remember the approximate location is around here. However, it's invisible. In the past thirty years, I've sailed out several times to search, but I never saw Penglai Island.

“I suspect Penglai Island must be using a formation that relies on the ocean to create an illusion. Moreover, Penglai Island is almost entirely populated by Qi Refiners, who are never short of concealment methods, which is why we cannot see it.”

Immediately, Gu Mo activated the Dao Heart Seed Demon Grand Method. His vast spiritual power spread in all directions. After a while, he sensed faint, unique energy fluctuations directly to the west. The scenery within appeared very blurry, but he could perceive it very clearly.

He could forcefully break through it if he wished.

However, Gu Mo merely sensed it for a moment before withdrawing his spiritual power.

Soon after, as the large ship continued to circle, a thick mist suddenly appeared, enveloping the entire area. Visibility was reduced to nothing. As the ship continued to move forward, it suddenly felt as if they had crossed into another world, appearing at the edge of an island, where heavy rain was falling.

Amidst the torrential rain, the ship slowly approached the island.

The island was not very large, yet not small either; its area was comparable to a typical county town. It seemed like an ethereal illusion floating on the clear blue waves.

At the convergence of sea and sky, the silhouettes of distant green mountains were veiled by a light gauze woven from milky-white clouds. Pavilions on the mountaintops appeared and disappeared, their upturned eaves like cranes spreading their wings, scattered amidst the peaks. Glazed tiles shimmered with a faint golden luster under glimpses of sunlight through the clouds, and vermilion palace walls were partially hidden by ancient emerald trees. Occasionally, eave bells would chime softly with the wind, their fragmented sounds piercing through the mist, like celestial music from beyond the heavens.

However, in that instant, the island suddenly vanished.

Large raindrops exploded in mid-air, each droplet bursting into dazzling silver light. The torrential curtain of water shattered into raging water dragons – these water dragons transformed into monstrous whirlpools several feet in diameter, crashing into the ship with a thunderous roar. A ten-foot-high wall of waves abruptly rose.

The large ship appeared minuscule beneath these waves, pushed back very, very far by the giant waves like a mere leaf.

At that moment, the sea surface suddenly split open into a bottomless black abyss. The swirling currents, as if stirred by an invisible giant hand, formed a terrifying, funnel-shaped vortex.

At the center of the whirlpool, the water surged upwards, and a colossal figure, coalesced from deep blue seawater, rose from the depths: its torso was as majestic as a cliff, silver waves surged within its water-formed muscles, its vortex-like head opened two eerie blue water eyes, and when its arm swung, the resulting tsunami resembled a giant axe cleaving the sky, every inch of water imbued with a world-destroying might.

Inside the large ship, several Penglai Island disciples rushed onto the deck and shouted, “Sea God, it's us! We are here on the orders of the First and Second Island Masters, bringing guests to the island. Do not be so rude!”

The colossal water giant suddenly pointed at the ship, and a thin stream of water shot directly towards Gu Mo.

Gu Mo's pupils constricted.

The stream of water shattered instantly.

The water giant let out a muffled human voice, saying, “Others may go ashore, but he is not allowed to go ashore.”

A Penglai Island disciple quickly said, “He is a guest.”

The water giant ignored the Penglai Island disciple and shouted at Gu Mo, “You are not allowed to go ashore! Penglai Island does not welcome you! Leave immediately, or don't blame me for being impolite!”

The moment its voice fell, the water giant's massive palm, formed from countless streams of water, slammed down onto the sea surface.

The instant the palm touched the wave crest, the air erupted with a thunderous roar. The deep blue seawater, like a glazed mirror struck by a heavy hammer, instantly caved in around the palm print.

The next second, the sunken seabed abruptly heaved, and a towering wall of water, obscuring the sky, surged from the giant's arm – the wave crest was over thirty feet high, white foam churned on the ink-blue wave face, and the wave crest itself condensed countless swirling small whirlpools, like billions of eyes sparkling in the water. The wave was like a moving crystal giant wall, pressing down on the large ship with world-destroying momentum.

Gu Mo couldn't understand what this water giant was doing. He immediately prepared to strike, but just as he raised his hand, Zhang Daoyi suddenly pressed it down. Zhang Daoyi then waved his whisk, and in an instant, surging true qi tore through the sea waves.

“Great Hero Gu, don’t forget the old geezer Ji Wusuan’s warning! You absolutely must not strike.”

Zhang Daoyi spoke, then stomped his foot, instantly stabilizing the swaying ship. He then circulated his power and roared, “Is this how Penglai Island treats its guests?!”

Zhang Daoyi's voice thundered and boomed in the air.

The water giant, however, sank into the sea at that moment, and then, the next instant, it reappeared before the large ship. Its immense eyes, like two colossal water whirlpools, focused on Gu Mo and said, “Penglai Island does not allow any monstrous beings to land. This is the rule. You are not allowed to land. Retreat immediately. This is my final warning, retreat at once!”

Zhang Daoyi immediately flared up. “How dare you insult people?”

Gu Mo took out the Penglai Token from his embrace and said, “I was invited by your Penglai Island.”

“Even if invited, you are not allowed! I said no means no! Get lost…”

The water giant roared.

Gu Mo extended his hand, and the Great Void Sword fell into it. He said calmly, “I can choose not to go to Penglai Island today, but before I leave, I must teach you a lesson. Otherwise, the world will think I, Gu Mo, have no temper!”

Zhang Daoyi and Qi Tianshu immediately pulled Gu Mo, one on each side. Zhang Daoyi urgently advised, “Great Hero Gu, this thing isn't even a person. Don't bother getting angry with it…”

Just then, two enormous red-crowned cranes flew through the air. Standing on them were a man and a woman. The man was an old man with white hair and a white beard, possessing an ethereal, immortal demeanor. The woman wore red clothes and appeared to be around twenty years old, with breathtaking beauty that surpassed even Princess Xiao Ziyin of Chu.

Since regaining his sight, Gu Mo had traveled extensively and seen many beautiful women. Before this, the most beautiful woman he had seen was Xiao Ziyin, but today, the most beautiful woman had become this red-clad woman riding a crane.

In terms of pure appearance, Xiao Ziyin was already exquisitely beautiful to the extreme, at the peak of human beauty, so it was impossible to be more beautiful in terms of features. However, their temperaments were different. The red-clad woman possessed a transcendent and pristine aura, completely untainted by worldly concerns.

“First Island Master and Second Island Master are here!” Zhang Daoyi whispered.

Following closely, all the Penglai Island disciples hurriedly bowed, shouting, “Greetings, First Island Master! Greetings, Second Island Master!”

The two immortal cranes circled in the air and quickly descended onto the ship. The red-clad woman walked in front and said calmly, “Sea God, retreat. Do not be rude.”

The water giant grumbled, “First Island Master, that fellow is not human…”

The red-clad woman tilted her head and glanced at the water giant.

The water giant immediately sank into the seawater, and the sea surface instantly became calm and still.

The red-clad woman and the immortal-like old man walked into the ship's cabin. The red-clad woman cupped her hands towards Gu Mo and bowed. “I am the First Island Master of Penglai Island. Great Hero Gu, please forgive the earlier offense. That was a sea beast that guards Penglai Island. Its primary mission is to intercept non-human beings from landing. However, being a beast, it sometimes struggles to differentiate between changes brought by martial arts and actual non-human beings. Therefore, it was overly aggressive. Please forgive it, Great Hero Gu!”

The immortal-like old man also stepped forward, bowing and cupping his hands. “I am the Second Island Master of Penglai Island. I sincerely apologize to you, Great Hero Gu!”

Seeing the sincere attitude of the First and Second Island Masters, Gu Mo sheathed his sword, cupped his hands, and returned the bow. “It was I who took the liberty of disturbing you.”

The First Island Master said, “How can you call it a disturbance? It was Penglai Island that invited you. It is Great Hero Gu who honors us with your presence.”

As she spoke, the First Island Master gestured, and the large ship once again moved forward and docked.

As they moved, Gu Mo inquired, “May I ask, what did the First Island Master mean by 'non-human beings' just now?”

The First Island Master explained, “It refers to demons, monsters, ghosts, and spirits. For instance, the 'taboo' beings rumored in your outside martial world, like the Fire Kirin, the Black Tortoise, and also inner demons.”

Zhang Daoyi on the side asked in surprise, “These really exist?”

“Of course.”

The First Island Master continued, “For example, our Penglai Island's White Jade City is a very special existence in this world. From our Qi Refiners' perspective, they are beings whose life levels are higher than those in the human realm.

“And that sea beast just now is the guardian beast of White Jade City. Since White Jade City appeared on Penglai Island, that sea beast has always been there, constantly intercepting beings that could potentially harm White Jade City. The Black Tortoise and the Seven-Colored Peacock have both visited Penglai Island before, but they were intercepted by the sea beast. Over a hundred years ago, a strange person came. They looked human, but their body concealed a terrifying, superhuman energy. They were also intercepted by the sea beast.”

Zhang Daoyi puzzled, “Then why did this sea beast intercept Gu Mo?”

The First Island Master replied, “Because Great Hero Gu has cultivated a martial art that has transcended. His body contains power beyond the human realm. Therefore, you fall within the sea beast's interception range.”

Gu Mo asked, “If that's the case, why did the two of you still allow me to come to the island?”

“It was White Jade City's command,” the First Island Master said very candidly. “It said that you are the only truly ascended individual in this era, and it is very curious how you bypassed the inner demons and achieved the Ascension Realm without knocking on the Heavenly Gate. Therefore, it very much wishes to meet you.”

Gu Mo asked, “How did White Jade City know that I didn't knock on the Heavenly Gate?”

The First Island Master explained, “Because after knocking on the Heavenly Gate, even if one doesn't enter, they will be tainted with a trace of immortal aura. But you bear no immortal aura, which indicates you haven't knocked on the Heavenly Gate. Yet, you are currently in the Ascension Realm, which is a very strange phenomenon.”

Gu Mo asked, “Then do you have a way to deal with inner demons?”

“No,” the First Island Master said. “Inner demons are neither human, nor demon, nor beast. They are formless, insubstantial, and traceless. Their life level far surpasses the human realm. Theoretically, they are immortal and indestructible. Our Penglai Island has no way to deal with inner demons. However, White Jade City might have a solution. When you meet White Jade City, you can ask it.”

Gu Mo was puzzled. “Then how do the Qi Refiners of Penglai Island ascend?”

This question touched on the confusion in Zhang Daoyi and the others’ minds, and they all focused intently.

However, the First Island Master shook her head slightly. “No one on Penglai Island has ascended. Therefore, we don't need to face inner demons or knock on the Heavenly Gate. After our islanders cultivate to the Ascension Realm, White Jade City will naturally guide us to the Heavenly Realm.”

Gu Mo said, “As far as I know, the two of you have lived for hundreds of years, surely surpassing the Ascension Realm by now? Why haven't you gone to the Heavenly Realm?”

The First Island Master replied, “No, the cultivation of the Second Island Master and I is indeed far beyond the Ascension Realm. However, our realm has always been suppressed at the Half-Step Ascension Realm. This is because we need to assist White Jade City in its tasks, which include opening the island once every thirty years and inviting the world's elites to discuss the Dao.”

“What is its purpose?” Gu Mo asked.

“We don't know,” the First Island Master said. “White Jade City is not human, so we cannot fathom its thoughts with human minds. However, simply looking at its actions, its purpose should be to create a truly perfect, flawless, and the strongest martial art in the world, both above and below the heavens!”

Gu Mo was perplexed. “It's not human, why would it need martial arts?”

The First Island Master said, “That's why I said I can't fathom its thoughts with a human mind. I can only speculate based on what it has done over these past few hundred years.”

Gu Mo then asked, “By the way, could you explain how you managed to live for hundreds of years? Even though I've now broken through to the Ascension Realm, my lifespan hasn't increased. How did you manage it? Is it something you can disclose?”

“Of course, we can,” the First Island Master replied. “Penglai Island has no secrets. Any questions posed by those invited to the island, if we know the answer, we will provide it.”

Zhang Daoyi and Qi Tianshu both looked surprised.

Gu Mo looked at the two of them and said, “So, last time you came to the island, you only discussed martial arts and didn't ask anything else?”

Zhang Daoyi said awkwardly, “Well, we thought they were just being polite, and it wasn't appropriate to ask questions concerning secrets. So, we just kept quiet to avoid awkwardness!”

The First Island Master explained, “I just said, White Jade City is not human, so don't try to fathom its thoughts with a human mind. What might seem extraordinary to us humans might hold no value in its eyes at all.”

After speaking, the First Island Master paused for a moment, then continued, “The reason we can live so long is that White Jade City found us the essence blood of the Seven-Colored Peacock. The Seven-Colored Peacock possesses the Phoenix bloodline, so the Seven-Colored Peacock's blood is Phoenix Blood. After consuming it, we can undergo Nirvana rebirth.

“However, there are restrictions. Each time we undergo Nirvana rebirth, the Phoenix Blood becomes diluted. Initially, we could undergo Nirvana every three to five decades. Later, it required a hundred years, and even later, a hundred and several decades, or even two hundred years, to accumulate enough energy for one Nirvana opportunity. Therefore, our lifespans are still limited.

“Lifespan is unrelated to cultivation realm. White Jade City once said that our world is incomplete, and the most direct manifestation of this is in terms of lifespan. No matter how high one's cultivation, it cannot increase lifespan. One can only experience fewer illnesses and disasters, which isn't much different from ordinary people. To extend one's life, one must either ascend to the Heavenly Realm or obtain rare treasures like Phoenix Blood.”

“I see. Thank you for the guidance.” Gu Mo cupped his hands.

Zhang Daoyi and the others exchanged glances, feeling greatly impacted. It wasn't the First Island Master's words that shocked them, but rather the realization that they could have asked any question all along.

“Do you gentlemen have any other questions?” the First Island Master asked. “It's fine if you don't have any for now. Once we're on the island, if anything comes to mind later, you can always come and ask me or the Second Island Master.”

Gu Mo asked, “I have two more questions. First, do you know the locations of other taboo beings?”

The First Island Master said, “Theoretically, those taboo beings are on the same level as White Jade City. Even White Jade City can only rely on luck to encounter them; it cannot pinpoint their locations.”

Gu Mo then asked, “Has Jiang Ruoxu arrived on the island?”

The First Island Master shook her head slightly. “That, I cannot say. Our Penglai Island prohibits fighting, and we do not disclose information about other guests to any visitors.”

“All right, I have no further questions for now.”

Zhang Daoyi and the others also couldn't think of anything to ask for the time being.

Subsequently, the First Island Master and Second Island Master summoned their immortal cranes and departed. At this point, the ship had also docked, and Gu Mo and his party began to disembark.

The island scenery was beautiful, with interconnected paths and fertile land where various crops grew. All kinds of fruits and vegetables appeared simultaneously, regardless of the season. The Penglai Island disciples on the island all exuded a pure and simple aura at first glance.

Gu Mo and his group were arranged to stay and rest in a separate, independent small courtyard.

Just as Gu Mo entered his own courtyard, he heard a knock on the door and a familiar voice calling out, “Amitābha, this humble monk Liaosheng wishes to see Great Hero Gu!”

Gu Mo opened the door and saw Master Liaosheng, whom he had met two years ago in Southern Jin. He smiled and asked, “Master, when did you arrive?”

“Yesterday.”

Master Liaosheng pressed his palms together in a bow and said, “This humble monk came uninvited to disturb you because I wanted to ask Great Hero Gu if you have any martial arts you wish to deduce. I have thought of a way to become invincible and specifically came to share it with Great Hero Gu.”

Gu Mo asked, “What method?”

Master Liaosheng grinned and said, “Allow this humble monk to give an example. The martial art I created is called the Thirty-Two Lotus Heaven Sutra, as its name suggests, it has thirty-two layers. White Jade City possesses a remarkable ability to continue deducing more layers based on existing martial arts.

“And as it happens, this humble monk also has an ability to deduce the future. So, if I meet White Jade City, before it deduces techniques for me, I first deduce the future and bring out the techniques White Jade City would have deduced. By repeating this cycle, couldn't one theoretically create unlimited martial arts? Wouldn't that make one absolutely invincible?”

Gu Mo: “??”