Chapter 616 461: Silent Bell

The number of figures on the mountain kept growing. Aside from a few familiar faces and the usual Taoist robes, there were also many whose attire was unfamiliar—perhaps cultivators from Wu Country or the Northern lands—each standing upon the cloud peak.

After a few breaths, finally someone stepped forth from among the clouds: a young man in white, his cuffs adorned with pale gold patterns, empty-handed. He cupped his hands, swept his eyes around, and spoke softly:

"Simply standing here does us no good. Whatever it is we seek to compete for, we must at least open this great formation first. I am Nian Yi of the Xiuyue Sect. If there are no objections, let us of the Upper Sect organize and take the lead in opening the formation."

This cultivator's Spell of Wind Riding was formidable; even as the sky filled with the Heavy Abyss Gusts, he could still stand atop the wind. While he could not move freely, he displayed a truly exceptional mastery of wind-riding arts.

The reputation of Xiuyue Sect was renowned, surpassing even all other Immortal Sects. At his words, no one dared to retort; everyone glanced at one another, gazes flickering or lowering, but none spoke.

After a moment, a middle-aged man descended from the clouds. His attire was simple, a long blade slung at his back. Folding his arms, he said coolly:

"Jin Yu Sect, Zhang Yun."

His presence was calm, like an ancient well without ripples, yet it caused many to look sideways at him. Nian Yi's expression showed surprise; he cupped his fists and said:

"I didn't expect you would personally join this time, Senior. I have shown disrespect..."

Zhang Yun waved his hand dismissively. Two figures rose from below—the man in black-gold robes from earlier, and Yu Muxian. They stood atop the clouds and introduced themselves:

"Green Pond's Yuanwu, Tang Shedou and Yu Muxian."

The Three Sects of Yue Country had all made an appearance, yet no overseas cultivators showed themselves. Instead, another figure soared on the wind—a man in blue-grey, jade crown upon his head, handsome and poised:

"Wu Country's Changhuai Shan, Qing Zhuo."

Qing Zhuo paused above the clouds. Neither Nian Yi of Xiuyue Sect nor Zhang Yun of Jin Yu Sect seemed surprised, as though everything was expected. Rather, it was Qing Zhuo who spoke, his eyes sweeping those below as he said softly:

"Qing Song Toaist Lineage is spread through Wu and Yue. It is only fitting that we take what is within this Hall. As for the North River and overseas cultivators, disperse. There may yet be fortunes in the clouds outside; you might still snatch up something."

At these words, many below were either delighted or troubled. Li Xuanfeng's gaze swept swiftly over Lin Chensheng and Bi Yuzhuang, but seeing neither showed surprise, he mused inwardly:

"The Perfected Persons from South River had already arranged everything... The Eastern Fire Cave Heaven in those years played out the same, even more orderly because Perfected Persons went inside back then..."

The Three Sects were all Golden Core Toaist Lineage, and with Wu Country's Changhuai Shan, only a casual look was needed for the outcome to be decided. Already, many East Sea cultivators rose on the winds, flying off in all directions, seven parts gone out of ten, leaving just two unmoving below.

Qing Zhuo glanced over; one was visibly nervous, stepping forward and replying:

"I am of Pure Unity Taoism..."

Qing Zhuo did not let him finish, clicking his tongue with some displeasure but saying nothing more. Then he looked to Zhang Yun at his side, tone becoming very respectful:

"I thought Senior had already secluded himself to break through to Zifu, but never expected you would personally enter this Cave Heaven..."

Zhang Yun shook his head, saying little more. Only then did Qing Zhuo draw a jade token from his robe.

This token was wholly blue-grey, inscribed with three ancient characters. It showed little divine glow, but Li Xuanfeng focused intently, employing his pupil technique to instantly capture the characters upon it.

"Qing Changhuai."

Yi Shan City's history was long and full of ancient tomes and archaic script. He easily recognized these almost-ancient characters.

The great formation before them slowly lit up. No sudden change appeared, nor any resisting flash. So, before all the cultivators, it simply vanished without a trace.

'A token of Changhuai Shan can open this great formation...'

As the formation opened, no one had yet made a move, but at that instant, several beams of light burst forth. The cross-legged figure on the ground suddenly convulsed; from his chest, a crystal-clear blue sword leapt up like a fierce falcon, soaring toward the sky outside.

Meanwhile, his skeletal remains were reduced to dust in a flash, countless golden rays exploding out, transforming midair into flocks of goldfinches, eyes blinking as they called and flapped their wings, agile and lively, scattering in all directions.

And the skeleton that had reached for the jade box finally collapsed to its knees with a thud; from head to toe, it dissolved into a wave of red heat, surging out, and from chest and waist burst two crimson lights, mingled with red jade beads of varied sizes rolling through the Hall.

The jade boxes atop six pedestals began to hop and creak, while scattered magic artifacts and tomes on the rush mats writhed and braced themselves, stumbling to their feet and desperately riding the winds away.

In a flash, dharma light flowed everywhere, spectacular to the extreme. Lin Chensheng's black robe flicked; as if he'd already picked a target, he leapt toward the fourth mat without hesitation.

Colorful radiance surged through the Hall, seeming unaffected by the Heavy Abyss Gusts. Everyone covered their heads and fled; several ancient books flipped open their pages wide, ascending rapidly into the winds.

No need for prompts—battle had already erupted in the air. Magic artifacts flew skyward, with a certain small mirror leading the pack. Barely palm-sized, shining purple-gold, its brilliance dazzling.

The instant the small mirror appeared, it drew all eyes; several people forced themselves onto the wind, grasping for the artifact. Suddenly, a golden hammer swept across their path.

"This is young lord's property!"

A cultivator in black wielding a long hammer charged out solo—he managed to ride the wind up to this very height. Surpassing all below, the magic artifact in his grasp was formidable, and he forcibly drove back two others.