Chapter 282: Encounter with Zixun Again

The two men looked at each other.

"Thank you for the words you shared with Xiao Yan. They have been greatly beneficial, helping him mature quickly in thought," the Fiery Wolf General said.

"It was nothing, just a small matter. I suppose you have many questions for me, don't you?" Zhong Shan replied with a smile.

"Indeed, I want to know why the Supreme chose you," the Fiery Wolf General asked, staring intently at Zhong Shan.

"Are you questioning the judgment of Emperor Xuan Sha?" Zhong Shan asked with a smile.

"I have never doubted the Supreme's judgment. The Supreme is never wrong, especially the current one. I just want to know how someone at the Golden Core stage caught the Supreme's attention," the Fiery Wolf General replied.

"When Emperor Xuan Sha made a pact with me, I was only at the Innate stage," Zhong Shan said with a smile.

Hearing this, the Fiery Wolf General's eyebrows twitched. It was already hard to believe that the Supreme would take an interest in someone at the Golden Core stage, but an Innate stage human? Could it be that the Supreme was drunk at the time? Impossible, the Supreme never gets drunk.

At this moment, Zhong Shan's expression became serious. "Enough, you'll understand the reasons in due time. I came here specifically to find you."

"Oh?" The Fiery Wolf General looked puzzled.

"I want you to become my mount and accompany me in conquering Shenzhou for a while," Zhong Shan said straightforwardly.

"Hahaha, you want me to be your mount? No one has ever dared to speak to me like that," the Fiery Wolf General replied coldly.

"Not only that, I also need all the demon wolves of the Fiery Mountain Range to follow me in conquering the world," Zhong Shan said again.

"Ridiculous! Although you are the chosen one of the Supreme, with your current cultivation level, you can only command wolves at the Nascent Soul stage, and even then, only those you summon. Expecting me to follow your orders? You are not qualified," the Fiery Wolf General said coldly.

"And what kind of person do you think would be qualified?" Zhong Shan asked calmly, without showing any impatience.

"Hmph, don't even think about my subordinates risking their lives for you. A word to the wise: a person should know their own limits," the Fiery Wolf General said coldly.

With that, he dismissed the soundproof barrier.

Stepping down, he flew away angrily. With a wave to the wolves, they all followed him into the distance, except for the one under Liu Wushuang, the one called Xiao Yan. The Fiery Wolf General didn't bother with him.

Watching the Fiery Wolf General leave in a huff, Zhong Shan smiled faintly. He was not in a hurry and had anticipated this reaction. Today's conversation was just to give him a mental preparation. Take it slowly, step by step; this matter can't be rushed.

"Sir, are you alright?" Ah Da asked as he flew over.

"I'm fine," Zhong Shan replied with a smile.

"What did you say to the Fiery Wolf to make him so angry? Even if he was that angry, he didn't take it out on you; he didn't even hit you before leaving," Nian Youyou asked curiously, looking at Zhong Shan, who was unscathed.

Hit him? The Fiery Wolf dared to hit him? Zhong Shan smiled slightly without saying more.

"Sir, how about coming to my Yuheng Sect for a visit? My father will be very happy to see you. And there's also an elder from the Kaiyang Sect at our Yuheng Sect this time," Liu Wushuang said.

"Oh? An elder from the Kaiyang Sect?" Zhong Shan asked in surprise.

"Yes, there was a major incident nearby, and Shoushan went to inform the Seven Stars Hall. Because of the urgency, they sent the nearest person, and it turned out to be an elder from the Kaiyang Sect," Liu Wushuang said.

"Who is it?" Zhong Shan asked.

"Elder Zixun," Liu Wushuang replied.

"Elder... Zixun?" Zhong Shan was surprised. What a small world. Zixun? Could it be her? The woman with whom he had a one-night stand? The one who had brought him to the lands of Shenzhou?

"Mr. Zhong, what's wrong?" Liu Wushuang asked, noticing that Zhong Shan was momentarily lost in thought.

Meanwhile, Nian Youyou's eyes twinkled with intense curiosity as she glanced at him.

"Years ago, it was Elder Zixun who brought me to the Da Luo Heavenly Dynasty. I was just reminiscing," Zhong Shan said, shaking his head.

"Then let's go," Liu Wushuang said.

"Alright," Zhong Shan nodded.

The four of them, along with a wolf, all boarded a white cloud conjured by Ah Da's magic and headed toward the Yuheng Sect.

"What's been happening here recently? Why did the Giant Deer King bring an army of ten thousand?" Zhong Shan asked after some thought.

"I'm not sure. It seems like they're looking for something. My father hasn't mentioned it, but it seems pretty important," Liu Wushuang replied.

"I know," Nian Youyou suddenly said.

"Oh? What is it?" Zhong Shan inquired.

"It's a celestial item," Nian Youyou revealed.

"A celestial item?" Liu Wushuang's eyes widened.

"I remember now. The violent disturbance in the spiritual energy here must be due to celestial energy," Ah Da realized.

"Exactly, it's celestial energy," Nian Youyou confirmed with a smile.

Liu Wushuang gulped, a look of desire flashing in his eyes.

"Celestial item? Celestial energy?" Zhong Shan asked with a puzzled expression.

Seeing Zhong Shan's confusion, Ah Da quickly explained, "Celestial energy is only possessed by immortals. On the lands of Shenzhou, certain places occasionally exhibit it. Each trace of celestial energy is left behind by an immortal before their ascension. If celestial energy is leaking here, it must be due to a restriction or formation set by an immortal long ago. Over time, geological changes can cause these restrictions or formations to loosen, leading to the escape of celestial energy. Even a tiny amount can disrupt a large area's spiritual energy."

"Regardless of what kind of celestial item it is, even if it's just celestial energy, it's extremely precious to mortals. Anyone who obtains it will be able to break through numerous bottlenecks," Ah Da continued to explain.

"No wonder my father didn't tell me. If word got out, wouldn't it attract countless powerful individuals?" Liu Wushuang sighed.

"No, perhaps your father doesn't even know. He likely reported the situation to the Seven Star Hall, which then analyzed it and, to prevent others from getting there first, sent Zixun to the Yuheng Sect," Ah Da speculated.

"The lure of immortality is too strong," Zhong Shan nodded in agreement.

"Zhong Shan, you owe me three thousand different kinds of roses. You better not go back on your word," Nian Youyou suddenly said.

"Don't worry, I always fulfill my promises," Zhong Shan replied.

"How about you find the celestial item for me, and we count it as one rose?" Nian Youyou asked with a sly smile.

Zhong Shan smiled but did not agree or refuse.

"Say something! Will you do it or not?" Nian Youyou pressed.

"A rose is a rose; it can't be substituted," Zhong Shan shook his head.

"Hmph! Stingy!" Nian Youyou's expression changed to a playful demeanor.

Watching Nian Youyou, Liu Wushuang and Ah Da couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. Such a woman was truly captivating.

Yuheng Sect.

Inside Yuheng Hall.

The hall was filled with a large number of scrolls, no less than a hundred thousand, almost cluttering half of the Yuheng Hall. The Yuheng Sect Master, Liu Suifeng, was quickly scanning through the scrolls with a few senior brothers, using magic to sift through them one by one.

At a desk in the northern part of the grand hall sat a beautiful woman, dressed in purple and barefoot—Zi Xun.

Zi Xun had placed an incense burner beside the desk, burning a calming herb incense, while she carefully examined a dozen scrolls that had been selected by the Yuheng Sect's sect master and others. Zi Xun read the scrolls attentively, occasionally furrowing her brows, sometimes focusing deeply, and sometimes sighing. This serene scene seemed like the most beautiful painting in the world.

The numerous scrolls in the hall were ancient texts collected by the Yuheng Sect, documenting the history and events around the sect's vicinity. These included rubbings of ancient carvings, recording various phenomena within a hundred thousand li over the past thirty thousand years. Older records had been lost, but those within thirty thousand years were still preserved. Liu Sui Feng and his fellow disciples were responsible for filtering out some strange occurrences to be reviewed by Zi Xun.

"Father, I'm back." From outside the hall came the loud voice of Liu Wushuang.

Upon hearing Liu Wushuang's voice, Liu Sui Feng frowned and looked at Zi Xun. Zi Xun nodded, indicating it was alright to enter.

"Come in!" Liu Sui Feng called out to the people outside the hall.

"Father, look who's here." Liu Wushuang said.

Hearing this, Liu Sui Feng frowned again. Did she bring someone?

When Ah Da, Zhong Shan, Liu Wushuang, and Nian Youyou entered the hall, a scroll in Zi Xun's hand suddenly slipped and fell onto the desk with a thud. A dazed look flashed in Zi Xun's eyes. Is he my harbinger of doom? How does he keep appearing in front of me?

Zhong Shan was prepared, so he did not show any surprise. He looked into Zi Xun's eyes, and just one glance seemed to awaken her from her stupor. Zi Xun immediately turned her head away, took a deep breath, and calmed her emotions.

This scene was noticed by the mischievous Nian Youyou, who looked curiously at Zi Xun, then at Zhong Shan, her eyes twinkling and a knowing smile forming on her lips.

"Mr. Zhong Shan. Senior Ah Da. Please forgive my lack of hospitality," Liu Sui Feng quickly came forward with a smile.

Indeed, thanks to Zhong Shan, the Yuheng Sect was not destroyed. If it weren't for Zhong Shan, the sect might have been wiped out, or at best, his son would have been sacrificed and killed. Because of Zhong Shan, the Yuheng Sect was unharmed, and Wushuang was safe. Liu Sui Feng was deeply grateful to Zhong Shan for his help.

"Greetings, Elder Zi Xun. Greetings, Sect Master Liu." Zhong Shan said with a smile.

Zi Xun merely nodded, her expression turning cold again. She also glanced slightly at Nian Youyou with a frown.

"And who is this?" Liu Sui Feng asked, looking at Nian Youyou.

"From the Longevity Realm, Real Master Nian Youyou?" Zi Xun inquired.

"Elder Zi Xun?" Nian Youyou responded.

Real Master? Over the years, Zhong Shan had learned the significance of the title. In different sects, the term had various equivalents:

Real Master = Arhat.True Lord = Bodhisattva.Dao Lord = Buddha.