Xuantian Immortal Cultivation Record

"Yuanjing, ahead is Pillar Mountain, known as the Pillar of Heaven, said to be both险 (xiǎn, precipitous/dangerous) and high, like a pillar piercing the sky."

The Fire Crow Taoist controlled his sword and ascended to a very high altitude, waving a streak of fire to protect himself and Zhang Yuanjing, resisting the scouring of the strong astral winds, and pointed to a high peak thousands of miles away, piercing straight into the clouds.

"After passing that mountain, it will be the so-called Northern Route. Compared to the Southern Route, the Northern Route is actually much simpler. You don't have to go around among the myriad mountains. Just walk west along the mountains surrounding Dragon Mountain Marsh. Of course, there are several strongholds of cultivators that are difficult to bypass. However, with this old Taoist here, I think they will all give me some face."

After more than ten days of traveling together, the Fire Crow Taoist became familiar with Zhang Yuanjing, and his address also became simple and cordial.

Zhang Yuanjing stood behind the Fire Crow Taoist, looking into the distance. Behind the high peak, countless mountain peaks露出角尖 (lùchū jiǎojiān, revealed their sharp tips) in the midst of the white clouds, like countless jade笋 (yùsǔn, jade bamboo shoots) emerging from a jade belt, densely packed and extending westward, disappearing into the horizon.

After a while, the Fire Crow Taoist lowered his flying sword, descended from the clouds, and joined up with Ape Thirteen below.

The Spirit Realm of Heaven and Earth is located in the endless void and must use a huge amount of spiritual energy to resist the erosion of the power of nothingness, which will cause strong air currents below, resulting in the generation of astral winds.

This kind of astral wind is the might of heaven and earth and must have absolute strength to resist it head-on. Core Formation cultivators, relying on mana, can only resist the astral winds in the lower layers. When they reach a higher altitude, they cannot withstand it.

Only when they reach the Nascent Soul realm can they endure the scouring of the astral winds in the sky for a long time, roam freely above the clouds, and not be restricted by terrain.

"Senior, what kind of cultivation forces are there along the Northern Route?" Zhang Yuanjing looked at the continuous mountains ahead, remembered what the Fire Crow Taoist had said, and asked.

"It can't be regarded as a cultivation force. Most of them are rogue cultivators. This place is no more than 500,000 miles away from Six岳 (Yuè) Immortal City. If Foundation Establishment cultivators go smoothly, they can arrive in less than two months. It is also next to Dragon Mountain Marsh, which is convenient for entering the mountains to find natural treasures. Therefore, this place has become a paradise for some rogue cultivators. In fact, there are more rogue cultivators on the Southern Route because the mountains are gentler, and Six Sects cultivators often驻留 (zhùliú, stay/are stationed) there."

The Fire Crow Taoist himself was a senior rogue cultivator, so he knew a lot about these things. "However, the争夺 (zhēngduó, contention/struggle) between cultivators is also very fierce. Therefore, most rogue cultivators only look for resources here, and have some洞府 (dòngfǔ, cave dwellings/cultivation abodes) or mountain peaks as places to stay. If they really want to cultivate for many years, they still have to find a stable place.

"Some will go to the vicinity of Six岳 (Yuè) Immortal City, but they have to pay a lot of fees to the Six Sects. Some seek a place to cultivate in areas such as Three Mountains Seven Caves, Two Sects Six Factions. In fact, the so-called Three Mountains Seven Caves and other forces were originally organized by such rogue cultivators.琼 (Qióng) Mountain was built by this old Taoist after he formed his core."

"Are there Core Formation cultivators among these rogue cultivators?" Zhang Yuanjing asked.

"Of course. Although there are not many, there are probably a few on both the Southern and Northern Routes. They are not interested in establishing a mountain gate or teaching disciples. They like to be alone. Some are一心苦修 (yīxīn kǔxiū, wholeheartedly cultivating painstakingly), to争那一线机缘 (zhēng nà yīxiàn jīyuán, compete for that glimmer of opportunity), and some are used to the days of fighting, killing, and寻寻觅觅 (xúnxúnmì mì, searching and seeking), and enjoy it. This old Taoist knows most of these people, and there are one or two who have recently come from other places and are not very familiar with them."

The Fire Crow Taoist smiled, but his eyes clearly revealed a look of nostalgia.

Zhang Yuanjing said with a slightly诧异 (chàyì, surprised) expression: "This junior thought that there were not many Core Formation cultivators outside the Six Sects. Listening to what Senior said, it seems that there are quite a few!"

The Fire Crow Taoist shook his head: "There are indeed not many. Apart from the five Core Formation cultivators of Three Mountains Two Sects, there are probably three or four around Dragon Mountain Marsh. As for other places, the possibility of Core Formation rogue cultivators is very small. This is a range of thousands of miles, and there have only been a few Core Formation rogue cultivators in five or six hundred years."

As he spoke, the Fire Crow Taoist lowered his flying sword again and flew at low altitude along the mountain range.

All around were lush green mountains and forests, with occasional sounds of birds singing and the roars of妖兽 (yāoshòu, demon beasts). The千山一律 (qiānshān yīlǜ, a thousand mountains are the same), and the万景类同 (wànjǐng lèitóng, ten thousand scenes are similar), making it difficult to distinguish. If it were not for those who were familiar with the road, they would have been dizzy and lost their way.

During the flight, they often bumped into some Foundation Establishment and Qi Refining cultivators, either rushing on their way, fighting each other, or围杀 (wéishā, besieging and killing) demon beasts. They ignored them and flew over from above, causing a burst of panic or shouting.

Ten days passed, and the two men and one ape traveled more than 300,000 miles. The scenery finally changed. They entered a narrow and deep Grand Canyon.

"This valley is called Fallen Dragon Valley. It is斜 (xié, slanted) on the northwest corner of Dragon Mountain Marsh, and its direction is折向 (zhéxiàng, turning to) the southwest. It is considered a shortcut to Immortal City. If you繞行 (ràoxíng, go around), the journey will be almost twice as long. Therefore, almost all cultivators taking the Northern Route pass through here."

The Fire Crow Taoist pointed to the long and narrow valley winding to the southwest, with a凝重 (níngzhòng, solemn/grave) expression on his face, "This valley is 60,000 miles long.穿谷而出 (chuāngǔ érchū, pass through the valley), it is considered to have reached the west side of Dragon Mountain Marsh. That side is generally considered the territory of Immortal City, with more than a dozen large and small forces distributed, all of which have inextricable links with the Six Sects."

Zhang Yuanjing asked: "The Six Sects established Immortal City on the west side of Dragon Mountain Marsh, also because they saw the利 (lì, benefit) of the resources of Dragon Mountain Marsh, right?"

The Fire Crow Taoist嘻嘻一笑 (xīxī yīxiào, giggled): "Of course, otherwise, why would the people of the Six Sects agree to build a city more than two million miles away from their own sect! It is very close from the west side to the core area of Dragon Mountain Marsh. Although it is dangerous, the Six Sects cultivators are organized and well prepared, so they are not afraid. Moreover, as long as they do not惹到 (rědào, provoke) powerful demon beasts when entering the mountain, they often收获颇丰 (shōuhuò pōfēng, gain a lot), so many cultivators dare to take risks. Through jointly developing the marshes and联手 (liánshǒu, joining hands)攫取 (juéqǔ, seizing/plundering) resources, the connection and cooperation between the Six Sects has indeed been strengthened, but the明争暗斗 (míngzhēng àndòu, open strife and veiled struggle) has also intensified."

Then, changing the topic, he said with a serious expression, "Yuanjing, if the Five Factions have bribed Core Formation rogue cultivators, the place where they截杀 (jiésā, intercept and kill) Foundation Establishment Great Perfection cultivators is probably in this valley."

Zhang Yuanjing saw the terrain here and had some预料 (yùliào, expectation) in his heart, and immediately nodded and said: "I will have to trouble Senior to protect me!"

Before traveling ten thousand miles, he saw a sword light flying from a hillside on one side,迎着 (yíngzhe, facing) the two men and one ape.

"Fire Crow Fellow Daoist, long time no see! Hahaha!" Before the person arrived, the爽朗 (shuǎnglǎng, hearty/forthright) laughter arrived first. The voice was loud and sent out with magic power. Although it flew from thirty miles away, it still震 (zhèn, shook) the two ears.

"Qiu Shan White Tiger Taoist!" The Fire Crow Taoist simply said a name, without introducing too much. Then he lowered the speed of the flying sword, let Ape Thirteen take over Zhang Yuanjing, moved forward five zhang, and waited for the visitor to approach.

"Haha, it's you, you big white tiger, why are you still晃荡 (huàngdàng, loafing around) in Dragon Mountain Marsh, haven't you returned to your Qiu Mountain?" The Fire Crow Taoist saw the visitor enter the five-mile range, and then扬声 (yángshēng, raised his voice) to speak.

"Fire Crow Fellow Daoist, it's been thirty years since we last met, you are still so神采飞扬 (shéncǎi fēiyáng, radiant/in high spirits)...咦 (yí, hey), you, you have advanced to the late Core Formation stage!" The visitor approached, just about to寒暄 (hánxuān, exchange greetings) a few words, but when he saw the Fire Crow Taoist's aura clearly, he was taken aback.

This was a tall and魁伟 (kuíwěi, burly/stout) man, with a purple face and yellow beard, a leopard's head and tiger's eyes, wearing a破败不堪 (pòbài bùkān, tattered/dilapidated) dark green Taoist robe, and disheveled hair, as if he had just钻 (zuān, crawled) out of a grass nest.

"Hehe, fortunately, I broke through!" The Fire Crow Taoist laughed, "But you, you big white tiger, how did you make yourself so邋遢 (lātā, slovenly/slobby), could it be that you were chased by the母老虎 (mǔlǎohǔ, tigress) in Dragon Mountain Marsh up to the sky and down to the earth, and just escaped!"

"Hey hey, Fellow Daoist is joking. Since I failed to捋虎须 (lǚ hūxū, stroke the tiger's whiskers - provoke someone powerful) fifty years ago, I haven't dared to provoke it in recent years. If Fellow Daoist is willing to help me, maybe I can give it a try!" The White Tiger Taoist smiled bitterly, and immediately拱手施礼 (gǒngshǒu shīlǐ, cupped his hands in salute), "I also want to congratulate Fellow Daoist for breaking through to the late stage, and your strength冠绝我辈 (guànjué wǒbèi, surpassing our generation)!"

Core Formation rogue cultivators usually have their own strengths, so after about 200 years of accumulation, most of them can reach the middle stage of Core Formation. However, after that, because the cultivation method is self-created, it is not as千锤百炼 (qiānchuíbǎiliàn, repeatedly tempered/refined) as the inheritance of high-ranking sects, and it is inevitable that there will be疏漏 (shūlòu, negligence/omission), so it is difficult to move forward and there is little progress.

The Fire Crow Taoist was able to break through to the late Core Formation stage, which can be described as鶴立雞群 (hèlìjīqún, a crane standing among chickens - standing out from the crowd) among the rogue cultivators.

The Fire Crow Taoist嘻嘻一笑 (xīxī yīxiào, giggled): "What strength surpasses, it's just借着 (jièzhe, taking advantage of) a little opportunity to take the first step, my brother will surely be able to reach this level in a few decades. As for the tigress in the mountain, this old Taoist does not have the闲暇 (xiánxiá, leisure/free time), and there is still urgent business to do!"

The White Tiger Taoist飞眼瞥 (fēiyǎn piē, glanced) at Zhang Yuanjing and Ape Thirteen, who was like a mountain behind him, and asked with a smile: "Where is Fellow Daoist going? Six岳 (Yuè) Immortal City?"

"That's right, I'm going to Six岳 (Yuè) Immortal City." The Fire Crow Taoist had a signature诙谐 (huīxié, humorous) smile on his face and said calmly.

"Fellow Daoist, why are you going to Immortal City at this time? It's a暴风眼 (bàofēngyǎn, eye of the storm) there now! Moreover, your identity is not ordinary now. With the late Core Formation stage, I'm afraid the Six Sects will be盯着 (dīngzhe, staring at) you! If I remember correctly, you are neither on the side of the Star Moon Gate nor on the side of the Five Factions, right!" The White Tiger Taoist asked tentatively.

"White Tiger Brother, you are right, this old Taoist is a rogue cultivator, and does not沾 (zhān, touch) either side. However, I still have to go to Immortal City. Let them stare if they want. This old Taoist doesn't believe they dare to attack!" The Fire Crow Taoist said in a淡 (dàn, light/faint) tone, but his words revealed strong自信 (zìxìn, confidence).

The White Tiger Taoist苦笑 (kǔxiào, smiled bitterly) and said: "With Fellow Daoist's strength, how dare the Six Sects easily provoke you. It's just that Fellow Daoist also has a mountain gate, and there are more than a dozen or twenty disciples. You can't help but think about them!"

The Fire Crow Taoist冷哼 (lěnghēng, snorted coldly) and said in a cold voice: "This old Taoist does have disciples, but the Six Sects have even more disciples!"

The White Tiger Taoist smiled bitterly again when he heard the words, paused for a while before saying: "Then Fellow Daoist has to be careful, the road ahead is not peaceful.烈阳子 (Lièyángzi) of the潜 (Qián) Yang Sect has also arrived, specially主持 (zhǔchí, preside over/take charge of) the interception matters on this Northern Route. This person has a强势 (qiángshì, strong/domineering) character and acts霸道 (bàdào, overbearing/despotic). He will not let a single person in, not only those with Foundation Establishment, but also Core Formation cultivators with unclear intentions."

The Fire Crow Taoist's expression changed slightly when he heard the words, and then拱手致谢 (gǒngshǒu zhìxiè, cupped his hands in thanks): "Thank you for the reminder, brother. This old Taoist owes you a favor. After this errand is done, I will definitely accompany you to Tiger Roaring Valley in Dragon Mountain Marsh to take down that tigress!"

The White Tiger Taoist抱拳还了一礼 (bàoquán huánle yīlǐ, cupped his fist in return), said "Fellow Daoist, take care", and then纵剑 (zòngjiàn, controlled his sword) and flashed, falling towards the cliff on the north side.

The Fire Crow Taoist looked at his departing back,沉默数息 (chénmò shùxī, was silent for a few breaths), and then喟然一叹 (kuìrán yī tàn, sighed deeply),喃喃 (nánnán, muttered) and said: "I didn't expect this big white tiger to have times when he is卑躬屈膝 (bēigōngqūxī, obsequious/servile). Alas, even Core Formation cultivators have to be阻挡 (zǔdǎng, blocked)! What secrets are hidden in this opening of the Profound Yin Cave?"