Chapter 971: The Cultivators' Grand Assembly

Yesterday, I mistakenly wrote a specific name when discussing the Yuhua Divine Dynasty's repairs. Please disregard it; I quickly edited it, but I'm sure some of you saw it.

Maoshan. The mention of its name often conjures images of Maoshan Taoists, known for ghost-busting and demon-hunting, as these legends are deeply ingrained in popular culture. Consequently, many perceive Maoshan as less sacred, viewing its Taoists primarily as figures wielding peach wood swords, black dog blood, and yellow talismans.

However, this perception is far from the truth.

Maoshan, with its winding terrain resembling the Chinese character '已', was originally named Juqu Mountain, and also known as Jinling Difei Mountain. Taoists describe 'Juqu of Jinling' as "a blessed land for cultivating truth, a spiritual sanctuary for attaining godhood..." It is the birthplace of the Taoist Shangqing School, revered as the Shangqing Patriarchal Altar. Crucially, it has been known since ancient times as the "Foremost Blessed Land Under Heaven."

Taoist sects are numerous, numbering in the dozens, even hundreds, yet they can be broadly categorized into two main branches: Quanzhen in the North and Zhengyi in the South. The Shangqing, Lingbao, and Heavenly Master schools collectively constitute the Zhengyi lineage.

The Shangqing School reveres Yuanshi Tianzun. Having pursued immortality through cultivation since ancient times, it is an ancient Taoist gate renowned for its prestige, considered the "Foremost Blessed Land Under Heaven," with few rivals.

Ye Fan traveled from the North. Eschewing all forms of transport, he covered thousands of miles in an instant using the "Shrinking Land into an Inch" technique, arriving in Jiangsu Province.

Maoshan is not particularly tall, yet its forests are lush, boasting nine peaks, twenty-six caves, and nineteen springs. Its continuous ridges and peaks are captivating, imbued with the spiritual essence of heaven and earth.

"This is the place, revered as a Taoist holy land," Ye Fan murmured to himself.

As a revered Taoist holy land, it carries a solemn and sacred significance, naturally unparalleled. All Taoist schools protect it, ensuring it remains un-desecrated. This lineage boasts a long history, with records indicating that individuals practiced cultivation here as far back as the ancient Gaoxin era. Ancient texts describe Lord Zhan Shang having performed 'qigong' in the Furlong Ground.

Upon entering the mountain, Ye Fan did not walk quickly. Instead, he carefully observed the terrain and every scenic spot, hoping to discover extraordinary locations, particularly since the sect's primary reverence was for Yuanshi Tianzun.

Suddenly, he halted before a mountain stream. Observing a low peak nearby, he faintly perceived a Taoist resonance, one that hinted at a return to simplicity and purity. He instinctively walked forward. Several young men and women were already standing on the low peak, and from their conversation, Ye Fan learned the name of the place: Baopu Peak. His mind instantly stirred; this was indeed a very famous place. Ge Hong, an exceptionally brilliant Taoist leader, once secluded himself here for a period, where he authored the renowned book *Baopuzi*, which profoundly influenced later Taoist traditions.

"The ancients have faded like smoke, alas."

Standing nearby, Ye Fan overheard this remark and a faint smile touched his lips. These individuals were evidently here to pay their respects and reflect on the past.

"Our Senior Brother was born in the wrong era. Had it been before the spiritual energy of heaven and earth dwindled, he might already be a sect master. But perhaps there's still a turning point in the future."

Among the group, one man was surrounded, with others fawning over him and looking to him as their leader. He appeared to possess extraordinary divine abilities.

"We are merely disciples of a branch lineage; what significance do we hold?" The Senior Brother shook his head, his interest waning, as he spoke to the young men and women from his clan.

"I've heard that a heaven-defying prodigy, named Long Xiaoque, has indeed emerged in the main lineage. Despite his youth, he is already highly regarded by the ancestors, who are pouring all their resources into his development," a young woman remarked.

"The main lineage is truly thriving. Long Xiaoque's cultivation is now unfathomable; he's rumored to rival figures of the older generation. He is truly exceptionally brilliant and is sure to shine at this conference."

Ye Fan was surprised to realize these individuals were descendants of the Great Xia Longque clan, offspring of an ancient demon god, and part of the four major branch lineages, just like the Jiujiang clan.

"Do you think that powerful cultivator will show up? The main lineage is quite displeased with what transpired last time and has been searching for that individual. I wonder what will unfold."

"Never mind; there's no need for us to say much. Among our clan's younger generation, only Long Xiaoque of the main lineage possesses the standing to speak with such authority."

"The main lineage holds supremacy. They've conveyed that they wish to bring a few branch disciples into the ancestral gate this time, so let's not speak carelessly at this critical juncture."

With that, the young men and women departed. Ye Fan remained on Baopu Peak for a moment, stroking his chin, before also proceeding deeper into the mountains.

Along the way, he observed numerous cultivators. Though dressed in modern attire, their demeanor clearly set them apart from ordinary people, each radiating an aura of vital energy.

"Did you know that a heaven-sent prodigy has emerged from the Great Xia Longque clan, capable of contending with older generation powerhouses?"

Throughout his journey, people frequently discussed prominent figures of the time, remarking on the masters from various sects. Many young men and women specifically mentioned Long Xiaoque.

"In this lineage, anyone whose name contains 'dragon' and 'sparrow' is an extraordinary individual; otherwise, such a naming convention wouldn't be permitted. He is highly likely to become the foremost master of the demon race in the future."

Ye Fan was surprised. The Longque clan had indeed produced an exceptional individual; otherwise, there wouldn't be so much discussion about him. His talent, it seemed, was remarkably high.

"Don't underestimate other clans. Are you not aware that the Vermillion Phoenix lineage has produced a Phoenix Celestial Maiden, whose cultivation has reached its pinnacle, even defeating her own grandfather?"

"Is that so? Such a Celestial Maiden exists? Then isn't her talent terrifyingly formidable?"

"Yes, this woman possesses stunning beauty and extraordinary talent, with strength that surpasses her peers. She once declared her intention to follow in the footsteps of the ancient demon gods, venturing into the starry sky to achieve enlightenment and seek immortality."

"She truly is a favored daughter of heaven. I wonder if she's married?"

"Haha, don't get ahead of yourself. What kind of person is she? How could she possibly deign to look upon us? Even Long Xiaoque likely has little chance, unless a Human King Body emerges. The Phoenix Celestial Maiden is exceedingly proud."

Throughout Maoshan, many people were engaged in discussion. Long Xiaoque was regarded as a prodigy, but the Phoenix Celestial Maiden was an even greater focus of conversation; everyone was talking about her.

In Maoshan, with its clear springs and beautiful rock formations, the crowd did not proceed to the main peak. Instead, they moved towards the periphery, and before long, they all vanished. Clearly, the true "Foremost Blessed Land Under Heaven" was not the ordinary Maoshan accessible to mortals. Instead, it was concealed by an ancient formation, accessible only to cultivators.

This was a world of fragrant flowers and singing birds. The mountains, though not particularly high, possessed a formidable and majestic presence, grand yet still beautiful. Peaks and ridges overlapped, with mist and clouds encircling the mountains. Numerous green peaks stood side by side; though not tall, they were enveloped in clouds. Taoist temples were nestled among these cloud-wreathed peaks, creating a magnificent and ethereal spectacle.

This was the Shangqing School, and also the venue for the cultivators' conference. Naturally, this was not their sacred secret land; such ancestral grounds would never permit outsiders to enter. Little Pine poked its head out of Ye Fan's pocket, its large, black gem-like eyes rolling around as it curiously surveyed its surroundings. When in a crowd, Brother Ye would gently tuck it back in. By now, the small purple creature had almost become his identifying mark; its mere appearance would surely lead to recognition by some.

"Oh, that's Young Heavenly Master Zhang Qingyang from Dragon-Tiger Mountain; he's one of the most renowned young people currently," someone whispered.

In the distance, a young man and several elderly Taoist priests rode on the wind, descending before a Taoist temple and entering it.

"Though the Young Heavenly Master from Dragon-Tiger Mountain, the birthplace of Taoism, hasn't yet revealed his full power, his strength must surely be extraordinary."

"Of course, though Taoist sects are numerous today and many masters abound, he has long been revered as the 'Little True Man' of Taoism's younger generation."

Soon, a series of exclamations arose as a dozen sword lights pierced the air, streaking across the sky before descending. Elderly Shangqing Taoist priests then escorted them into a magnificent Taoist temple.

"Those are individuals from the Immortal Sword Gate of Shu. The young man among them is likely the famous Zhan Yifan, who for a time was widely rumored to be the foremost master of the younger generation. His single sword strike could dim the radiance of mountains and rivers, making him virtually unrivaled."

"Perhaps not the absolute strongest, but he is certainly among the most powerful of his generation. He is truly a prodigy, praised by many elders."

Ye Fan walked among the crowd, quietly listening to their conversations, learning many things, and unexpectedly discovering that a peerless master might attend this time. Furthermore, individuals from Western orthodox traditions might also make an appearance, coming to observe this cultivation conference in the Central Lands.

As blossoms scattered profusely and a crystalline flower rain shimmered, a jade boat traversed the sky, descending onto a distant immortal peak. From it emerged over a dozen men and women.

"Those are individuals from the Kunlun lineage; they've come too!"

Their appearance immediately caused a sensation, for those from Kunlun are exceedingly powerful. That blessed land, where an ancient main dragon脉 slumbers and spiritual energy has not completely dwindled, produces cultivators who command immense respect. The one leading them was Xue Chen, the Sect Master of Kunlun, whose cultivation was unfathomable. The fact that he personally graced the event with his presence this time, a fact recognized by a few older generation figures, greatly astonished everyone.

"Sect Master Xue Chen, who once awe-struck the world, has surprisingly re-emerged. Are the young man and woman behind him... the famous Kunlun Twin Fish?" someone exclaimed in surprise.

Since ancient times, Kunlun's status has been transcendent. When their disciples appear, they naturally attract exceptional attention. In this era, Kunlun has produced two disciples whose brilliance astounds both ancient and modern times. People lament that were it not for this Age of Dharma Decline, these two would undoubtedly achieve sainthood, a testament to their extraordinary talent.

Youweiyu, the senior brother, is strikingly valiant and cultivates supreme profound techniques, making him a prominent figure of the current era. Yan Xiaoyu, the junior sister, is slender, with dark hair like a waterfall and gracefully curved eyebrows. Her captivating beauty draws even more attention; she is known as the Kunlun Fairy, with countless admirers. She is considered one of the most charismatic women in the world today. Together, these two are virtually unrivaled among the younger generation. Even if others were to team up, they would be unable to defeat them.

"In this era, the most talented young prodigies have all arrived: Long Xiaoque, Phoenix Celestial Maiden, Zhan Yifan, and the Kunlun Twin Fish. They could be said to define an entire generation," someone sighed.

Among them, the Phoenix Celestial Maiden and Yan Xiaoyu garnered the most popularity. These two fairy-like figures commanded significant attention wherever they went, as humans inherently share a common appreciation for beauty.

Ye Fan formally entered the Shangqing School's pure land, moving about, listening to the discussions around him, and searching for any artifacts related to Yuanshi Tianzun. Suddenly, he felt a gaze fixed on his back. He instinctively turned around to see a young man staring at him with intense hostility. His heart stirred. He asked the nearby young people who that individual was, and upon being told it was Long Xiaoque, he was momentarily taken aback. These individuals, as if avoiding vipers, quickly distanced themselves from him, unwilling to invite trouble. With Long Xiaoque currently at the height of his power, who would dare to provoke him?

"Could it be that the Great Xia Longque clan is behind the attempt to kill me?" Ye Fan mused aloud.

Long Xiaoque swiftly turned and strode away, no longer looking at him, disappearing into a Taoist temple.

Boom!

In the distance, grey mist surged skyward, as if a peerless great demon had emerged. Vast, grey, misty thunder obscured the heavens, emanating a terrifying aura. Several elderly Western cultivators appeared, their backs adorned with grey feathered wings. They all looked incredibly ancient, their eyes even a leaden grey, appearing truly terrifying.

"These individuals are so powerful, like several abysses, seemingly capable of devouring human souls! Good heavens, my very spirit feels as if it's leaving my body!"

Everyone was startled, their gazes quickly drawn to the sight.

"Hm, I heard they're here to kill someone, to seek out a powerful cultivator. How utterly brazen, coming all the way to our Central Lands to flaunt their power!"

Many people discussed among themselves, keeping a respectful distance from these individuals.