Chapter 210: Sea Guest

“Crimson cliffs and clear waters are home to tigers and dragons, a blessed grotto conceals an immortal court. Though Daoist Master Zhang Daoling traveled far and wide with divine speed, he still made demons and devils fear to commit evil.”

This is how the ancients described Longhu Mountain. It is one of the ancestral lands of Taoism, holding an exalted status and revered as the Taoist capital!

Naturally, Chu Feng was eager to ascend it. As one of Taoism’s ancestral lands, it was bound to undergo massive, earth-shattering changes following the current transformations of heaven and earth, changes that would reverberate through history.

How could this not capture his attention?

As one of the wellsprings of Taoism, it must hold supreme good fortune. The spiritual essence of heaven and earth gathers there, and according to the conjectures of some major powers, seeing the South Heaven Gate there would be no surprise.

Therefore, all factions had fought fiercely, determined to capture this immortal mountain!

From ancient times to the present, many myths and legends are related to Taoism, and since this is one of Taoism’s original ancient lands, it naturally garners significant attention.

Because it connects to mythology and carries the original legends of the immortal path!

Chu Feng's eyes burned with eagerness as he gazed southward, strongly desiring to conquer this ancient immortal mountain.

He wanted to know why major powers like Bodhi Gene, Pre-Qin Research Institute, and Tonggu Alliance had returned defeated, and what dangers lay there.

Unfortunately, Xiong Kun and Hu Sheng were unaware. This involved the prestige and strength of the major financial groups, information they would not easily divulge.

"Little Uncle, are you really going to attack this Taoist mountain?" Xiong Kun's eyes were fiery. He instinctively called Chu Feng "Little Uncle," a seniority ranking based on his grandfather.

After being dealt with several times, he had completely lost his temper. Moreover, many thoughts now ran through his mind: since Demon King Chu was so powerful, if he followed him, he might benefit.

Hu Sheng and the others were also excited. They, too, yearned for Longhu Mountain. If they could follow Chu Feng and fight their way up, even a small share of the benefits would profit them for life.

They all knew that Longhu Mountain, as an ancestral court of Taoism, held an extremely high status in myths and legends!

"A long time ago, more than ten beast kings had already died there. Now, even more have perished. It's said that their royal blood has stained the foot of the mountain red."

"If you want to know more, you can go to a place where all the latest news circulates."

Xiong Kun, Hu Sheng, and Lu Qing, no longer nervous in Chu Feng's presence, told him everything they knew with hopeful expressions.

"Where?" Chu Feng asked.

"Yuangu," Hu Sheng replied.

"What kind of place is that?" Chu Feng asked suspiciously, having never heard of it.

Hu Sheng explained that Yuangu was an extraordinary club, jointly funded and established by major financial groups. It normally hosted only evolvers; ordinary people couldn't enter.

High-ranking members of organizations like Tonggu Alliance, Pre-Qin Research Institute, and Bodhi Gene all stayed there when they came to Shuntian. Even beast kings and avian kings chose it as their preferred lodging when passing through.

"This place often holds gatherings, and any new information spreads from here first," Xiong Kun said.

"Let's go!"

Chu Feng stood up and asked them to lead the way; he wanted to see it for himself.

Yuangu's exterior was incredibly grand, resembling an ancient palace complex. To construct such a building in Shuntian, where land was extremely precious, only demonstrated the immense wealth of those behind it.

At the entrance stood two lifelike jade qilin statues, presenting an imposing sight.

Above the main entrance hung a bronze plaque inscribed with the characters "Yuangu."

Clearly, Xiong Kun and Hu Sheng were regulars there, familiar with the place.

The place was truly vast, featuring secluded courtyards and common areas where unique humans and exotic beasts interacted. Not far away, a commotion could be heard.

Chu Feng was surprised, as if he had entered a realm of monsters. Some exotic beasts had not fully transformed; for example, some had wings on their backs, while others had horns on their heads.

As for unique humans, there were even more.

The atmosphere was lively; there were truly no ordinary people here, only evolvers. Many areas were noisy, and the aroma of wine filled the air.

Hu Sheng had already reserved a room. Upon entering, Chu Feng discovered it was practically a colossal palace, with exquisitely carved beams and painted pillars, resplendent and spacious.

"Little Uncle, this is the Divine Pavilion of the Yuangu Club, one of its best rooms. Ordinary people can't reserve it," Xiong Kun said proudly, seeking commendation.

As they were frequent visitors, they enjoyed certain privileges.

"Alright, go and gather as much information as you can. I'll wait for you." Chu Feng preferred not to show his face, so he left everything to them.

"Okay, Little Uncle, please wait here. Enjoy your wine and tea; we'll handle everything," Xiong Kun's enthusiasm grew.

This was because he had recently spoken to Black Bear King, who was far away in Kunlun Mountain, honestly recounting his experiences of the past few days. First, his grandfather had roared at him, telling him not to court death. Then, he had repeatedly reminded him that following Demon King Chu would definitely lead to benefits.

Hu Sheng, Lu Qing, and the others had done similarly, reporting to their tribal elders. Learning that Demon King Chu might attack Longhu Mountain, the kings of these clans were all shocked and advised them to cling tightly to his coattails and follow him.

These clans all had a premonition that something major was about to happen. The combined power of Demon King Chu and Immortal Phoenix King would be immense!

As Chu Feng waited, he found the atmosphere pleasant. A small stove was heating a pot of wine, its rich aroma filling the air, and the entire setting had a vintage feel.

He poured a glass of amber-colored wine, which was rich and mellow upon tasting.

"These otherworldly beings certainly know how to enjoy themselves."

He thought about how, while he was fighting in the West, these fellows were drinking, feasting, and attending matchmaking events every day, truly living a carefree and comfortable life.

For a moment, Chu Feng wondered if he was too foolish, spending his days traversing the desolate mountains. How could he be as carefree and happy as these people?

However, he quickly shook his head. Heaven and earth were about to undergo another transformation. Without early preparation, his situation would be precarious. Only those who could rise would survive better.

It was imaginable that after the world changed drastically again, a new wave of powerful individuals would rise, inevitably accompanied by brutal bloodshed and slaughter. Kings who couldn't keep up would undoubtedly be eliminated.

"Clean up quickly. A king will arrive shortly, and there must be no mishaps."

Voices came from the adjacent hall. Although it was supposed to be soundproof, Chu Feng, being a strong individual who had broken four shackles, possessed exceptionally keen hearing and could clearly distinguish them.

"Hurry up! If anything goes wrong, you'll all face severe consequences!"

"Hmm, this is a distinguished guest. We must be careful even when accompanying them."

Clearly, two individuals of extraordinary status had arrived next door, personally supervising the attendants as they tidied the hall, acting with great caution.

Chu Feng poured and drank his wine, hearing their conversation even without trying, casually passing the time.

Not long after, he was surprised to hear them mention him. At first, he paid little attention, but eventually, he put down his wine glass.

"I'm not saying anything, but Demon King Chu is far too arrogant. Our Pre-Qin Research Institute invited him multiple times, continuously extending olive branches, yet he never attended. He's simply too audacious."

Chu Feng listened quietly. Over the past two days, he had politely declined invitations from major financial groups, stating he wouldn't join any powerful faction. He hadn't expected to incur such resentment.

He sighed softly and shook his head.

"He's so conceited, does he truly think he's invincible? He'll take a big fall sooner or later!" Ma Kuo sneered.

"Our Pre-Qin Research Institute understands the transformations far better than he does. We always maintain reverence for heaven and earth, unlike his ostentatious behavior. He's bound to die a violent death sooner or later!" Qi Teng stated.

When Chu Feng heard this, his expression turned cold. These two were actually uttering malicious curses.

All he did was politely decline them, right? Displeasure was one thing, but to harbor such resentment was another.

"Pre-Qin Research Institute?" Chu Feng thought he had no dealings with them, yet he was being targeted with such hostility, finding it utterly baffling.

Sometimes it was like this: even if one didn't provoke trouble, they would still suffer sneak attacks.

"I heard that this distinguished guest's strength is extraordinary and remarkable. After coming ashore from the sea, they want to challenge various land-based masters. Do you think they'll seek out Chu Feng?" Ma Kuo asked.

Chu Feng's heart pounded. A king from the sea had landed? He hadn't expected to hear of such a major event here!

"My elder brother will definitely inform that distinguished guest. After all, Demon King Chu is too unreasonable; he was invited to an appointment and actually declined. This time, we're sure to use the opportunity to teach him a lesson," Qi Teng chuckled.

"Your elder brother Qi Sheng should be arriving soon, right?"

Chu Feng frowned. The Pre-Qin Research Institute wasn't merely an archaeological academy; it was a major financial group, and the Qi family was one of its key members.

A direct descendant of the Qi family might try to use that distinguished guest from the sea to deal with him? Chu Feng's expression was indifferent.

"My elder brother personally went to pick up the distinguished guest named Bailong. He also arranged to meet Jiang Luoshen and Mu Tian."

"Bailong? Heavens, could it be a sea dragon? Does he come from the Dragon Palace?!"

"I don't know!"

Chu Feng was quite moved. Sea dragons had already appeared in the ocean? That so-called distinguished guest from the sea had actually stirred up forces from the Pre-Qin Research Institute, Bodhi Gene, and Godly Biological.

"Alas, we can only host the follower of the distinguished guest Bailong here. It's truly..."

"Don't underestimate the one we're hosting. His name is Xia Lan, a powerful individual who has broken four shackles. If he didn't dislike pleasantries and formalities, he would certainly be hosted alongside Bailong by my elder brother and his party."

Chu Feng quietly sipped his wine, listening to their conversation.

After a long time, the adjacent hall suddenly became lively. The aura of a king-level creature permeated the air, accompanied by joyful laughter. The two men were greeting Xia Lan, the king-level powerhouse from the sea.

Soon, Xia Lan's voice, like a resonant bell, echoed from the hall, making the walls tremble.

"No need to rush with the drinks. I want to know if this person named Chu Feng is in this city," Xia Lan asked.

"Yes, he recently returned," Ma Kuo replied.

"Hmm, good. Find a way to invite him here. My elder brother is quite interested in him!" said Xia Lan, the powerful individual from the ocean.

"I wonder if Brother Bailong intends to..." Qi Teng carefully phrased his question, wanting to know in advance.

Xia Lan smiled faintly and said, "My elder brother heard that he has considerable strength and wants to spar with him. Oh, and if he accidentally kills him, that shouldn't be an issue in a fair duel, right?"

"Uh!" The two accompanying men were clearly shocked. Even though they harbored animosity and dissatisfaction towards Chu Feng, hearing such news still startled them greatly.

"Is something wrong? How hypocritical. Qi Sheng has already hinted to my elder brother Bailong that he wants to teach that so-called Demon King Chu a lesson!" Xia Lan said with disdain.

"Alright, we'll arrange for him to spar with Brother Bailong as soon as possible," Qi Teng said through gritted teeth. Since his elder brother intended to target Chu Feng and had asked the distinguished guest Bailong from the sea to act, how could he possibly object?

My blessings are late, but I wish everyone a Happy Lantern Festival and happiness for your whole family!