Chapter 417: Mutuo

The vast East Sea stretched for thousands of miles, its waters boundless and its shores rugged with strange rock formations. Countless waves surged endlessly from the immense east, one after another, connecting islands of all sizes. The landscape was quite different from the mainland. The brilliant morning sun was rising from the horizon, casting myriad rays of dawn.

Li Qinghong, visiting overseas for the first time, was completely captivated. She couldn't help but ask, "Is the edge of the world the dwelling place of deities?"

Kong Yu stroked his beard and chuckled. "Continuing east, to the very end of the East Sea, there is an endless void. There, the seawater rolls back, falling into the void, slowing as it descends, eventually turning into vapor, then rising again to return to the sea."

"That place has no qi, no spiritual energy, and no great void; it is called the 'Beyond the Heavens.' In ancient times, cultivators and demon tribes each set out from the Four Seas, heading towards the surrounding 'Beyond the Heavens,' and none have ever returned."

Li Yuanjiao nodded. He had heard these things from Li Xizhi before. He then asked, "If that's the case… why would they go out there?"

Kong Yu sighed with emotion. "When cultivators achieve the Golden Core, they attain an immortal position, replacing the will of heaven with their own hearts. Above that is the Dao Embryo. But what lies beyond the Dao Embryo? There is no further path…"

"I've heard that it was once impossible to leave. There was a Heavenly Veil at the boundaries of the Four Seas. The battle between immortals and demons at Pingmingjin made the sky lower by three zhang and the earth rise by nine chi. Since then, the Four Seas became unrestricted, and cultivation methods unbound. It is said that Dao Embryos sensed the Great Dao lay beyond the heavens, so they went there."

Li Yuanjiao nodded silently. Kong Heng, standing nearby, spoke, "So this is how the Immortal Sect views it… Our Buddhist sect sees it quite differently."

He looked somewhat embarrassed, first offering an apology. "It is recorded in our scriptures that the battle of Pingmingjin was called a 'knot of karmic defilement,' and it marked the division between the Buddha's previous and later lives. In his previous life, immortal laws were manifest, and the Xia people ruled. In his later life, Buddhism flourished, and the Hu and Jie tribes replaced Xia…"

Kong Yu, however, seemed lost in thought. "After the battle of Pingmingjin, the Wei Kingdom fell, and the Qi, Liang, Zhou, and Yan dynasties rose and fell, yet all were Hu and Jie regimes. Perhaps the Buddha's words were a prophecy of fate."

Kong Yu sneered, muttering, "Five hundred years ago, the Southern Immortal Mansions still harbored thoughts of reclaiming the northern lands. But with several Immortal Mansions collapsing one after another, now they only have the idea of fighting among themselves in a secluded corner. The Buddha's words are not entirely wrong! With the collapse of immortal laws, all that remains in the south are demonic paths!"

The several Xuan Yue disciples behind him exchanged glances. One disciple said, "Master, that makes no sense! We cleanse demons and devils, enjoying freedom between heaven and earth. How does that involve demonic paths again?"

Kong Yu's old face was full of bitterness. He tightened his grip on his wooden staff, glanced at Li Yuanjiao, and sighed, "You are still young… you don't understand this world… Forget about cleansing demons and devils; take one wrong step, and you yourself become a demon. Let alone 'enjoying freedom'… 'enjoying freedom'…"

The disciples either pondered or looked defiant. Kong Heng, with a compassionate expression, uttered a Buddhist chant, appearing to deeply empathize.

Seeing his expression, Li Yuanjiao surmised that Xuan Yue Gate had either been coerced or willingly participated in unsavory acts during the demonic disaster, perhaps even dividing spoils. He merely shook his head and said gently, "Your sect has done quite well."

Kong Yu chuckled softly, pointed ahead, and changed the subject, smiling, "Ahead is Fenkuai Island, the first landing point in the Lower East Sea!"

The East Sea is divided into five major sea regions. Just beyond the coastal area of Xianhu is Chijiao Sea, known for its strange rock formations and numerous islands. As everyone looked, a large island rose into view.

This island was vast and enormous, covered with various pavilions, terraces, and buildings. Countless cultivators flew up and down. In the distance, it remained hidden in the mist, its full extent unknown.

Kong Yu smiled, "This place is called Fenkuai Island. The fire veins on the island are extraordinarily vigorous, even surpassing those of the Volcano Desert, making it a major spectacle of the East Sea."

Everyone was very surprised, and the Xuan Yue disciples asked many questions. Kong Yu's old face was beaming with pride as he introduced, "This island is named after Immortal Yingze of the Moon Splendor Origin Palace. Legend has it that the Immortal captured the Shaoyang Demonic Lord, named Kuai Li, on this island."

"This Demonic Lord had already attained the Shaoyang immortal position, becoming immortal and indestructible. Fearing he could not be completely eliminated, the Immortal decided to let him reincarnate and cultivate anew. So, the Immortal removed a white jade hairpin from his hair and divided him into three parts."

"One part was abandoned in the Northern Ocean, transforming into a woman known as the Northern Sun Empress. One part was thrown into the Great Western Plains, becoming the demonic overlord Xi Yan. The last part sank to the bottom of the East Sea, obtained by the Dragon Clan, and became the current Dragon Lord Xiyang of the East Sea."

Li Yuanjiao listened with trepidation, quietly sensing the atmosphere of the East Sea. Such words would never be dared spoken in Qingchi, but here in the East Sea, they could be openly declared. He only asked, "Are all three of them Golden Core cultivators?"

Kong Yu replied, "We only know that the Northern Sun Empress and the Dragon Lord are both Golden Core cultivators. The one from the Great Western Plains is merely a legend…"

"If it were true… wouldn't one Shaoyang immortal position have been split into three Golden Cores… and all three would be Golden Core cultivators…"

A Xuan Yue disciple asked doubtfully, "How does that add up?"

Kong Yu chuckled, replying, "What do you youngsters know! Back when the Nine Sons of the Joined-Water Hornless Dragon united the waters, one Golden Core could give birth to nine Golden Cores. The mysteries of the Golden Core are not for minor cultivators like you to fathom!"

The group chattered among themselves. After a while, Kong Yu saw a female cultivator flying towards them, radiating smiles. She wore a light orange feather robe and rode on pink clouds. First, she bowed to Kong Yu, saying, "Greetings, Clan Uncle!"

Then she looked at Li Yuanjiao, eagerly saying, "Brother Jiao, you've arrived! What a coincidence. Come with me to the front and sit for a while."

The group of young men and women were naturally led away by Kong Yu to be assigned to their respective training. Kong Tingyun gazed at Li Qinghong, her eyes filled with admiration, and smiled, "Is this Sister Qinghong…? I've long heard of your renown…"

She chatted warmly for a couple of sentences, seemingly very fond of Li Qinghong. The group rode the wind and landed at the Xuan Yue Gate's station. Kong Tingyun said, "Do you few wish to rest for a while, or should we hurry to the market town in the distant sea to take charge? Situ Mo is cunning and treacherous; I fear something might happen if I'm gone for too long…"

Li Yuanjiao and the others were eager to arrive early, so they readily agreed and ascended together on the wind. However, Li Yuanjiao didn't want to miss the opportunity to gather information, so he asked, "Just now, I heard the senior speak of the Fenkuai Island story, mentioning the Northern Sun Empress and Dragon Lord Xiyang so casually. Do Golden Core True Lords in the overseas region often appear?"

"Not often, but they do occasionally show themselves…"

Kong Tingyun responded as they traveled, "Only in the overseas region can one speak so boldly… unlike that Lüshui, who hasn't dared to show his face for over a hundred years."

Kong Tingyun chuckled softly, "Heh heh, he's scared to death! The Lüshui immortal position is extraordinary… many people are eyeing him…"

Li Yuanjiao nodded thoughtfully. His impression of True Lord Lüshui had significantly changed; that invincible, terrifying shadow dissipated considerably. He only whispered, "The East Sea truly is completely different."

The group flew on the wind, and Kong Tingyun reminded them, "In the East Sea, there are a few forces you must not provoke. I presume fellow Daoist is already aware, but I must still say a few more words."

"First are the Dragon Clan… The East Sea Dragon Clan is the most formidable among the Four Seas, a top-tier major power. The Dragon Clan is also very protective of its own; as long as it's a true dragon, not one can be offended…"

The others nodded, and Kong Tingyun continued, "Then there are various evil creatures, sometimes called immortals, sometimes ghost officials, or even bizarre shapes unlike living beings, formed from a combination of different elemental essences, destinies, and ominous signs."

She shook her head. "There's nothing you can do if you encounter them. Some Purple Palace cultivators even have to retreat three steps, while others might merely cause you to sneeze lightly."

"The inland regions are overseen by those from the underworld, so there are no such evil creatures. But overseas, there are none, and the East Sea is vast and boundless, holding countless hidden things."

She paused, then continued, "As for the other major and minor forces… the killing never stops for a day. It's all just for profit."

Kong Tingyun waited a moment, then led the group into the water. After calculating the time, she said gently, "The East Sea is too vast; flying alone would take who knows how many years. We must rely on the water veins. Not only does it conserve spiritual energy, but it's also much faster."

Li Qinghong glanced around and indeed saw several people waiting nearby, cautiously wary of each other, all seemingly waiting for something. Kong Tingyun whispered, "In a few more breaths, the water veins in the sea will surge, and this sea route will be filled with surging water. We can then use water manipulation techniques to ride the currents and reach Zhulu Sea, where my family's market town is located."

"Zhulu Sea."

No sooner had she spoken than the surrounding seawater began to vibrate, surging eastward. Bubbles of all sizes rose, the earth trembled, and lightning flashed across the surface of the sea, making it dark and gloomy.

Li Yuanjiao had traveled in the East Sea for a year and a half and felt right at home there. Naturally, he understood. He said in a deep voice, "My immortal foundation is the Boundless Sea; let me control the water."

With that, a flood dragon appeared beneath his feet. It spun once in the sea, transforming into a bluish-grey light sphere that enveloped the group, rapidly moving eastward with the surging water current.

Zhulu Sea, Jindou Island.

There were a fair number of islands in Zhulu Sea, and Jindou Island was a medium-sized one. Tangjin Gate had put significant effort into fortifying it, building it solidly.

Situ Mo, dressed in golden robes, sat high on the main seat, his face grim. Below him, a man prostrated himself, timidly reporting, "Reporting, my lord… that crab has come to urge again… demanding another thousand people… due in three days."

Situ Mo's face was dark. He merely muttered, "I know."

Although Tangjin Gate was an immortal sect, in the East Sea, they still had to abide by the East Sea's rules; what was due had to be paid. This crab was merely at the Qi Cultivation stage, but behind it was a flood dragon. No matter how dissatisfied Situ Mo was, he could only swallow his anger.

What worsened his mood was far more than that. The sect scrolls on the desk also disturbed him. As the only direct descendant on this island, he had secretly accessed the scrolls and meticulously reviewed the events of that year.

"In June, the Yu clan pledged allegiance to the sect. Wan Huaqian was known in the county for her array formations… The Yu clan then ambushed and killed several members of the Wan clan, framing the Ji clan… The Wan clan breached Mt. Huazhong, and the Xiao clan sent people to warn the Yu family… massacres… besieging the county…"

Throughout the downfall of the Ji family, the Yu family and the Xiao family stood behind it. It was also the aftershock of the power struggle between the Qingchi and Tangjin sects. Considering the events before and after, Li Tongya was merely a pawn of Xiao Chuting.

"Xiao Chuting repeatedly exploited and manipulated the Wangyue situation, causing both the Jiang and Yu families to weaken successively, practically subjugating all the families on the east bank, and then propping up his trusted Li family… Truly a skillful tactic."

Situ Mo nodded silently, understanding that his current strength was insufficient to contend with the Xiao family. He secretly noted this, waiting for the day he could retaliate completely.

"It's just that Xiao Chuting is truly a formidable person. I must feign ignorance for now, or I'll be outmaneuvered by Old Man Xishang sooner or later."

As he pondered, he suddenly remembered that there had been no news from Kong Tingyun for a long time. He immediately thought, "This is bad," and mused, "This woman is not one to sit still. No news for so long… is she plotting something?"

He quickly ordered, "Go and invite Master Motuo up!"

Situ Mo watched the person leave, secretly alarmed. Earlier, he had considered eliminating this woman and returning quickly, but after two attempts to test her, he suffered minor losses and had to admit he had underestimated her. "Damn it… everyone in the sect is an idiot easily fooled, but outside the sect, there's not a single simple person…"

Situ Mo felt agitated. Li Yuanjiao was troublesome, and the monk didn't seem simple either. Not to mention Kong Tingyun, even Li Xijun was astute. Inside Tangjin Gate, Situ Mo had twisted his senior and junior brothers around his finger, but outside, he kept suffering losses. The more he thought about it, the angrier he became, and he cursed, "It's only fitting that your Tangjin Gate declines! Everyone in this sect is a bunch of fools!"

As he was cursing, a bald, burly man, completely red-faced and fierce-looking, rushed in from outside, shouting, "Damn it! What now?"

Situ Mo saw him and immediately flared up, cursing, "You stinking monk, all you know is chasing women! Have you been keeping an eye on Kong Tingyun?!"

Motuo glanced askance, casting a spell with his hand, but his mouth kept moving, shouting, "What do you know! The south is still more flavorful. In my Great Zhao, as soon as a master appears, be it a princess or a county mistress, they'll kneel down, and you can do whatever you want. In the south, they still know how to cry and run…"

Situ Mo's face was as dark as the bottom of a pot as he suppressed his discomfort. Suddenly, Motuo's expression changed, and he said somewhat guiltily, "Not on the island?"

Situ Mo had already expected this, his expression unchanged. Motuo quickly began to calculate again, the golden light on his face gradually dimming, appearing to consume a great deal of energy. After a long while, he said, "Not in Zhulu Sea!"

Situ Mo's expression subtly changed. His mind raced, and several names flashed through it like lightning. Suddenly, inspiration struck, and he said with some hesitation, "Fenkuai Island seems to have been attacked by demonic creatures, and many people died, didn't they?"

Motuo was stunned for a moment, then enlightened. "You mean… Kong Tingyun went to pick up the sect disciples?"

Situ Mo nodded with some hesitation, but Motuo said, "This is a great opportunity! We can't break through the island's grand array, but we can ambush her on the sea route! Let's go out together, and when we're closer, I'll calculate again!"

Situ Mo immediately rose with him on the wind. As they approached the seashore, he hesitated, thinking, "This woman clearly knows I have a Buddhist cultivator here, so how could she make such a mistake… sect disciples… Is there no other Foundation Establishment cultivator in Xuan Yue who can spare a hand? This is too much of a coincidence!"

He suddenly froze, almost shouting, "Calculate where Li Yuanjiao is!"

Motuo was stunned, then asked bewilderedly, "Didn't you say it would be another ten years before we went back to deal with the Li family?"

"Just calculate when I tell you to!" Situ Mo cursed. Motuo's face darkened, and he said, "This old monk isn't even in Yue State! How do you expect me to calculate… We're already close to the sea route… Why aren't you calculating Kong Tingyun?!"

Situ Mo had no choice but to suppress his temper. Looking at the approaching water current, he said in a deep voice, "Just see if Li Yuanjiao is in the East Sea! Calculate Li Yuanjiao first!"