Free Web NovelChapter 347: Chapter 228: Water Mirror Conference
「Several days later.」
Outside the Cloud Dream Marsh.
A female cultivator in a light-green dress was flying cautiously above the marsh.
She had a lovely face, yet there was a hint of masculine spirit in her eyes.
This was none other than Qin Xuan, who had used the Ten Thousand Forms Blood Talisman to transform into the female loose cultivator, "Qin Xuan’Er"!
’This Ten Thousand Forms Blood Talisman is truly profound. Not only can it change my appearance and gender, it can even perfectly simulate the aura of a Yin Soft Water Element Technique.’
Qin Xuan marveled inwardly.
Moreover, the Ten Thousand Forms Blood Talisman’s consumption of Demonic Essence was negligible. As long as his Demonic Essence didn’t run dry, Qin Xuan could maintain the transformation almost indefinitely.
Furthermore, the identity of Qin Xuan’Er was one Qin Xuan had carefully selected.
This female loose cultivator truly existed in Daqian.
But now, the real ’Qin Xuan’Er’ was already inside his Ten Thousand Souls Banner.
’Let me see, what are the recruitment conditions for a Tributor with a different surname at the Water Mirror Palace...’
Qin Xuan had staked out the area outside the Cloud Dream Marsh for several days before finally catching a lone Foundation Establishment Female Cultivator returning to the sect.
BUZZ!
He unleashed the Ghost Shadow Seven Kills!
Streaks of bloody afterimages flashed past, and the Foundation Establishment Female Cultivator died in an instant.
’So that’s how it is. To join the Water Mirror Palace, you must not have lost your Primordial Yin?’
Qin Xuan fell into thought.
Fortunately, the real Qin Xuan’Er had cultivated for many years without ever having intimate contact with a man.
Otherwise, all his efforts would have been for nothing.
Just as Qin Xuan finished searching her soul and was about to head for the Water Mirror Palace’s outer disciple recruitment area, the marsh below suddenly exploded!
"ROAR!"
A giant, single-horned crocodile covered in mud burst into the air.
A foul wind washed over him. It was a late-stage Tier Three Marsh Scale Crocodile!
Its cavernous maw lunged to devour him, spreading a poisonous miasma.
Qin Xuan’s heart jumped, and he couldn’t help but curse inwardly.
’This beast was actually hiding for even longer than I was!’
Qin Xuan was about to use the Blood Talisman [Divine Blade] when he abruptly remembered his current identity, and his movements froze.
’No, the Holy Sect’s Sword Talisman is too conspicuous! I might attract a Golden Core True Monarch!’
If his identity was exposed, all his previous efforts would be wasted.
Just as Qin Xuan was preparing to use the Cyan Cicada Shell to escape, in that split second, a clear streak of sword light burst forth from behind and to his side!
"How dare you, vile beast! You will not harm her!"
The sword light was like lightning. Though it came later, it arrived first, precisely striking the most vulnerable spot on the Marsh Scale Crocodile’s snout.
"PFFT!"
The giant crocodile roared in pain, its massive body crashing back into the marsh.
Qin Xuan spun around.
He saw a young man in green robes walking across the water, holding a longsword that gleamed like autumn waters. His face was handsome, his eyes bright. It was the Daoist, Ye Qingxuan, disguised as Lin Feng.
"Are you alright, miss?"
Lin Feng sheathed his sword, his tone gentle. "The Cloud Dream Marsh is filled with Demon Beasts. You must be more careful when traveling alone."
’Well now, did I just get saved like a damsel in distress?’
Qin Xuan didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Suppressing the absurd feeling in his heart, he performed a woman’s curtsy and softened his voice.
"Thank you for your help, Fellow Daoist. This humble one is Qin Xuan’Er, a loose cultivator from Prince Yaan’s Mansion in Daqian. I heard the Water Mirror Palace is recruiting Purple Mansion Tributors, so I came to try my luck. May I ask for Fellow Daoist’s name...?"
Lin Feng smiled, a clean, pure smile. "What a coincidence. I am Lin Feng, and I am also heading to the Water Mirror Palace. I’ve heard their Arrays are profound, and I’ve long wished to see them."
"If you don’t mind, shall we travel together for a while?"
’Heh, this naive fool actually believed me just like that!’
’It’s like getting a pillow when you’re sleepy. A perfect cover, delivered right to my doorstep.’
Qin Xuan’s mind raced. This was a perfect opportunity to use his identity to blend in. A delighted expression appeared on his face. "That would be wonderful. I’ll have to trouble you then, Fellow Daoist Lin."
The two of them traveled together, flying toward the cluster of palaces shrouded in mist and water.
Along the way, Qin Xuan wondered if Lin Feng might be the Cyan Cloud Sect’s Daoist.
After all, any cultivator heading to the Water Mirror Palace at this particular time was worth being suspicious of.
’Probably not. If I were a Nascent Soul Daoist Monarch from the Cyan Cloud Sect, I would definitely have the Daoist transform into a male cultivator first, and then into another female one!’
But this Lin Feng, forget about transformations.
From his appearance to his every move, he was more masculine than most men.
Especially the way his eyes, which looked proper at first glance, would secretly and lecherously stare at ’her’ chest. It disgusted Qin Xuan!
Meanwhile, Ye Qingxuan, disguised as Lin Feng, secretly glanced down at her own toes, a completely different thought in her mind.
’Is it really possible... for them to be that big?’
...
「Meanwhile, at the marketplace outside Cyan Wood Valley.」
A pale-faced young man, carrying a medicine basket and walking with an unsteady gait, approached the valley’s entrance checkpoint. It was Wei Qingyi.
He had taken the place of Han Lin, an orphaned and reclusive Qi Cultivation Eighth Layer medicine-gathering disciple from Cyan Wood Valley.
"Halt. Token," the Foundation Establishment Disciple guarding the valley ordered curtly.
Wei Qingyi timidly handed over his token, a nearly imperceptible wisp of gray energy swirling around his fingertips.
The disciple confirmed there was nothing wrong with it, but then suddenly frowned. "Han Lin, why is your aura a bit... cold and sinister today?"
Wei Qingyi’s heart leaped, but he squeezed out a sorrowful expression.
"Senior Brother, I accidentally fell into a cold pond while gathering herbs the other day. I was afflicted by some cold energy and haven’t fully dispelled it yet..."
The guard disciple eyed him suspiciously for a moment, but finally waved him through. "Go on, go on. How could you be so careless? Remember to go to the Household Affairs Hall to get some Cold-Dispelling Powder."
"Thank you, Senior Brother."
Wei Qingyi lowered his head, the corner of his mouth curling into a faint, imperceptible smile as he successfully slipped into the valley.
’The identity the Old Ancestor prepared for me is truly useful.’
’Cyan Wood Valley is rich with vitality, which is perfect for concealing the deathly aura of my Poison Skill...’
’Next up, I just need to find that Daoist from the Cyan Cloud Sect!’
...
「Hundred Refinement Mountain.」
The land was scorched for a thousand miles, and heat waves shimmered in the air.
Liu Mobai, clad in a black robe, hovered in mid-air. Behind him were three Golden Core Blood Demons reeking of gore.
Wang Tu, an Early-stage Golden Core, was built like an iron pagoda. Two vicious scars crossed his face, and he carried a greatsword as large as a door panel on his back. His Evil Qi was the most intense.
Wang Ying, a Mid-stage Golden Core, was tall and gaunt, like a phantom. He was wreathed in black mist that obscured his face, leaving only a pair of blood-red eyes glinting within.
Wang Jiu had the appearance of an old crone. She was a Late-stage Golden Core who leaned on a snake-headed staff, her eyes sinister as she cackled eerily.
"Master Demon Child, when do we strike? This old woman can’t wait to taste the blood of a Hundred Refinement Mountain Golden Core," Wang Jiu said, licking her withered lips.
Liu Mobai remained expressionless as he gazed down at the sect gate, which was illuminated by blazing firelight.
"Make it quick. Find the Daoist, or force them to show themselves!"
"As you command!"
The trio transformed into three streaks of bloody light and shot straight toward Hundred Refinement Mountain’s Mountain Protection Array!
"Watch out, enemy attack—" a sharp-eyed Foundation Establishment Disciple roared.
"The Demon Cultivators from the Blood Demon Sword Sect are at our gates!"
DONG! DONG!
The long, drawn-out chimes of a bell echoed from the sect gate, reverberating through the sky.
"A great Golden Core Sect, and this is all they have? A bunch of shrimp soldiers and crab generals?"
Wang Tu laughed maniacally, his greatsword swinging with the force of ten thousand catties as it slammed into the light barrier, creating a deafening roar!
BOOM!
Wang Ying, true to his name ("Shadow"), was like smoke and mist, trying to find a gap in the Array to slip through.
Wang Jiu waved her staff, and a sky full of blood-colored crows shrieked as they crashed against the light barrier.
For a moment, the Demon Flames blotted out the sky.
However, in less than ten breaths, a searing aura, hot as molten lava, erupted from the depths of Hundred Refinement Mountain.
"Which foul demon dares to invade my Hundred Refinement Mountain!"
A crimson stream of light shot into the sky, transforming into an old man with a red beard and coiling whiskers, wielding a giant hammer wreathed in flames!
It was none other than the Supreme Elder of Hundred Refinement Mountain, Bailian Lieyang True Monarch!
"Damn it, the intel was wrong! The Golden Core Peak True Monarch of the Hundred Refinements Sect isn’t in death seclusion!" Wang Tu cried out in horror, turning to flee.
"Heh heh, you’re only realizing that now? Isn’t it a bit late?" Bailian Lieyang True Monarch sneered.
"CLANG!"
The giant hammer collided fiercely with Wang Tu’s greatsword.
The shockwave rolled out. Wang Tu was actually forced back several steps, a flush of red flashing across his face.
Bailian Lieyang True Monarch’s hair and beard flew wildly, his voice booming like a great bell. "A mere three Golden Core Blood Demons dare to run rampant? Today, I will let you witness the true foundation of my Hundred Refinement Mountain."
BANG!
The heavy hammer in Bailian Lieyang True Monarch’s hand suddenly enlarged, becoming like a mountain as it slammed down heavily on Wang Tu.
"Puh..." Wang Tu spat out a mouthful of blood, his aura instantly weakening.
"Third Brother, don’t be afraid! This old woman is here to help you!" The old crone, Wang Jiu, a Late-stage Golden Core, let out a piercing shriek and charged forward.
Bailian Lieyang True Monarch frowned slightly, just about to free up a hand.
Suddenly, Wang Jiu changed direction, waved her staff, and the sky full of blood-colored crows swept up Wang Tu as she turned to flee.
"Liu Mozi, the timing is wrong! Retreat!"
Wang Jiu shouted.
Liu Mobai sighed softly. He looked at his three Blood Demons, who were fighting Bailian Lieyang True Monarch but were clearly being suppressed, then glanced at the impregnable Mountain Protection Array and shook his head secretly.
’This frontal assault is unlikely to yield any results.’
He crushed the Blood Jade in his palm, and his figure gradually faded.
"I shall return in three months. I hope you’ll still be so imposing then!" Liu Mobai shouted harshly as he left.
"Good. This old man will be waiting," Bailian Lieyang True Monarch laughed heartily.
...
「In the depths of the Cloud Dream Marsh.」
A continuous stretch of palaces stood there, their reflections shimmering on the glistening water, mirroring the clouds and rosy haze of the sky. The scene was as illusory as a dream.
The Water Mirror Palace was built by the marsh, and a giant water curtain, like a transparent barrier, separated the inside from the out.
It was only by riding on the coattails of Lin Feng, who held a token, that Qin Xuan was able to enter this Water Immortal Realm and arrive at the Water Mirror Palace’s Foreign Affairs Hall.
’The Cyan Cloud Sect really made a lot of preparations to protect its Daoist!’
Qin Xuan looked around, lost in thought.
Several figures were already waiting in the hall. All of them had extraordinary auras; they were clearly Purple Mansion Cultivators from various factions.
A handsome young man in a crimson magic robe, carrying himself with a heroic air, deliberately walked up to Qin Xuan and said attentively, "Fellow Daoist, I am Zhao Yan, a True Inheritance disciple of the Fire Cloud Sect. May I ask for your name?"
Though he called her "Fellow Daoist," Zhao Yan’s gaze kept uncontrollably wandering, subconsciously glancing at Qin Xuan’s chest.
"Heh..." Qin Xuan sneered inwardly and ignored him.
Zhao Yan was given the cold shoulder but felt no embarrassment. He brazenly stepped forward again, trying his best to strike up a conversation with Qin Xuan.
"Are you here for the Water Mirror Conference, or to apply to be a Tributor... or perhaps both?"
Hearing this, Qin Xuan’s heart skipped a beat. He looked at Zhao Yan and said in a crisp voice.
"The Water Mirror Conference?"
Qin Xuan’s voice was soft and weak, a huge contrast to his beautiful and curvaceous appearance.
When Zhao Yan heard that Qin Xuan was finally acknowledging him, and with such a pleasant voice, he almost lost control. He was just about to speak.
The next moment, the tinkling of jade pendants sounded, and a fragrant breeze wafted over.
A beautiful, full-figured, and graceful woman in a lake-blue palace gown walked out slowly, flanked by two female disciples.
"I am Zhong Ling, the Vice Palace Master of the Water Mirror Palace. Fellow Daoists, you have come from afar. Please forgive me for not welcoming you sooner."
Zhong Ling’s voice was soft and charming. Her dark hair was styled in a high coiffure, her face was like a peach blossom, and her phoenix eyes held a natural authority. The fine crow’s feet at the corners of her eyes did not make her look old, but rather added a mature charm.
"Greetings, Vice Palace Master Zhong!" everyone said in unison.
"You are all too kind, Fellow Daoists. My elder sister, Palace Master Zhong Cui, is at a critical juncture in her seclusion and cannot personally receive you. I am temporarily managing the palace’s affairs in her stead."
Zhong Ling’s gaze was like flowing water as it slowly swept over everyone present. It lingered for an extra moment on the female cultivators like Qin Xuan’Er, a hint of faint curiosity in the depths of her eyes.
’She noticed me so quickly?!’
Qin Xuan’s heart tightened, but he maintained a perfectly respectful and slightly nervous expression, as if he were a newcomer who was anxious to make a good impression.
