Chapter 1017 - 740: Meishan Four Monsters

Two hundred years in the blink of an eye!

East Sea, Peach Blossom Mountain.

The peaks are lush and green, with peach groves stretching endlessly year-round, their brilliant blossoms covering the mountains in a prosperous display.

In the mountains, a spiritual spring babbles, exhaling and inhaling cloud vapors, nourishing living beings, creating a Blessed Land of the Immortal Family.

Inside the serene cultivation cave within the mountain, auspicious mist lingers, and Dao Rhyme flows.

Yuan Hong sits cross-legged on a cushion, with a pure glow surrounding him.

With Chen Hua’s guidance in the righteous path and sorting of the Dragon Elephant Divine Power, he has achieved the Dao Foundation, completely suppressing past hidden dangers, exuding a majestic demeanor in every movement.

While meditating, a snow-white paper crane breaks through the cave’s restriction, fluttering delicately with familiar aura as it rides the wind inside.

Yuan Hong suddenly opens his eyes, a sharp glint flashing within, followed by hearty laughter, his brows filled with joyous delight:

"It’s the esteemed brothers of Meishan!"

"You there, quickly prepare fine wine and delicious dishes, today we have esteemed guests, we will host a grand banquet!"

With a wave of his large sleeve, Yuan Hong sweeps away the turbid air in the cave, and at the same time forms a hand sign, gently unlocking the layers of the Mountain Protection Array of Peach Blossom Mountain.

With a hum, the spiritual barrier enveloping the mountain slowly dissipates, opening a clear path.

Yuan Hong leaps up, transforming into a fierce scarlet flame, breaking through the sky, actively greeting the distant guests.

...

In the azure sky, the clouds roll like waves, winds moving and clouds flowing.

Four colorful demon clouds race over from the horizon, cloud vapors swirling, auspicious light intertwining, carrying powerful and pure Demon Cultivator auras.

The cloud winds settle, spirit light lands.

Four cultivators of distinct appearances and contrasting temperaments appear in the void, steadily standing above Peach Blossom Mountain.

These four are Exotic Beasts that have attained their Way, achieving Dao Foundation fruition, whose spirits aligned with Yuan Hong as they traveled the world, becoming sworn brothers.

The four are the Mountain Goat, Wild Boar, Spiritual Snake, and Old Ox who attained their Way, rooted in the Blessed Land of Meishan, known as the Meishan Four Monsters.

"Big Brother!"

"Big Brother!"

The four bow respectfully as they lay eyes on Yuan Hong in the flames, their tone warm and close.

Yuan Hong, seeing this, also bursts into hearty laughter.

During his travels across mountains and seas, he had the fortune to meet the Meishan Four Monsters.

The five of them shared similar dispositions, loyal and carefree, forming a profound brotherly bond.

Among the four monsters, the robust, honest-looking yet shrewd-eyed Pig Demon, Zhu Dahua, raises his eyes to overlook the peach blossoms spread across the scene, eyes full of admiration and praise, loudly exclaiming:

"Big Brother, your abilities are truly remarkable!"

"This Peach Blossom Mountain was originally a common island in the East Sea, yet you’ve managed it so that spiritual energy is abundant, forming a natural Blessed Land. Such prosperity is no less than the ancestral grounds of our Meishan!"

Meishan is indeed a uniquely favorable Blessed Land!

With mountains rich in spiritual essence and robust Earth Veins, it’s capable of nurturing four Dao Foundation Demon Kings.

"You brothers flatter me."

Yuan Hong, upon hearing this, reveals a slightly proud smile.

After achieving Dao Foundation, he returned to Peach Blossom Mountain.

However, this place was insufficient for his cultivation.

So, he sought his master’s guidance, ventured into the deep sea, and found several remnants of ancestral veins, using Great Magical Power to relocate Earth Veins and reshape the mountain and river landscape.

Years of nurturing eventually forged this Blessed Land as it stands today.

After speaking, he gestures inviting guests, enthusiasm apparent:

"Brothers, you’ve traveled far and worked hard, come quickly and join me in the banquet in the mountains!"

"I have prepared centennial Ape Wine and mountain Spirit Treasures; today, we will not leave until we are thoroughly intoxicated!"

"Thank you, Big Brother!"

The four demons readily respond, following Yuan Hong as he descends into the mountains.

The Ape Race within the mountain had long prepared the banquet, with fresh fruits and Spirit Treasures covering the stone tables, jars of fragrant Ape Wine unsealed, their aroma pervading the senses.

A group of young apes each perform their duties, serving attentively on either side.

The five sit around drinking heartily, exchanging cups, and reminiscing about the past. The atmosphere is lively and exuberant, and the sense of unfamiliarity from long absence quickly dissipates without a trace.

After three rounds of wine, and five flavors of dishes.

The Meishan Four Monsters exchange glances, understanding each other without words, their expressions turn respectful and solemn.

All four form a hand sign simultaneously, and a delicate, translucent Five-Color Treasure Lotus floats forth.

The Treasure Lotus gleams with flowing colors, layers of five-colored spirit light encircling it, its elegant Lotus Rhyme and primordial aura slowly spreading. At a glance, it is clear it is a heavenly-made rare treasure.

Yuan Hong hesitates slightly at the sight, some of his alcohol-induced haze clearing as his look settles on the Treasure Lotus, opening his mouth in confusion:

"Dear brothers, what is this?"

The four exchanged glances, and ultimately, the oldest of the group, the Mountain Goat Demon named Hu Butu, stepped forward and spoke in a grave voice to explain:

"Elder brother, this matter, when spoken of, can be considered a stroke of fortune."

"A few days ago, the four of us were in closed-door cultivation in Meishan ancestral grounds. Suddenly, we felt a divine intuition, realizing that a yet-to-be-discovered treasure was hidden deep within our ancestral grounds."

"We immediately joined forces to investigate and discovered a hidden ancient array beneath Meishan, absorbing Earth Vein Spiritual Qi and the essence of the sun, moon, and stars to silently nurture a treasure."

"This Five-Color Treasure Lotus is the core nurtured by the array!"

"Just as the array matured and the Treasure Lotus was about to emerge, an unfamiliar Sword Cultivator suddenly intruded into Meishan, claiming it was left by his ancestors."

"Heh! This is the fortune of our ancestral grounds, how could we allow outsiders to covet it? We immediately expelled him and seized the Five-Color Treasure Lotus."

Upon finishing his words, Hu Butu bowed deeply to Yuan Hong, speaking sincerely to express their true intentions:

"We came today to visit you, Elder Brother, firstly to reminisce and strengthen our ties, and secondly, to ask a huge favor."

"Our brothers have cultivated for many years, but suffer from limited perspective and lack of guidance."

"Elder Brother, your mentor is the Purple Mansion True Master, whom we have long admired."

"We are willing to offer this treasure, hoping Elder Brother will present it on our behalf and speak well of us in front of the True Master."

"If we can enter the Master’s sect as Named Disciples, and listen to the Great Dao, correcting our cultivation paths, we would be completely satisfied and have no regrets in this life!"

Upon hearing the background story, Yuan Hong was immediately enlightened.

Looking at these sincere four sworn brothers in front of him, he couldn’t help but recall his own fortune of the past.

He was accepted as a disciple by his mentor purely by a stroke of luck.

Over the years, his mentor has been focused on Enlightenment, living a solitary life, and has not taken any disciples, not even a single Named Disciple.

Yet, seeing the earnestness in his brothers’ faces, he ultimately could not bear to outright refuse.

Yuan Hong spoke with honesty:

"I understand your intentions, dear brothers. My mentor walks the Great Dao alone and rarely accepts disciples, likely won’t agree easily."

"However, since we are deeply bonded brothers, and you have the heart for the Dao, I will certainly give it my best shot to report to my mentor."

"Even if it doesn’t work, he might still guide you!"

Upon hearing this, joy instantly blossomed on the faces of the Meishan Four Monsters, their hearts settling as they collectively bowed and expressed their gratitude:

"Thank you, Elder Brother! With your assistance, we have hope!"

Within the cave dwelling, the atmosphere warmed up again, enveloped by joyous enthusiasm.

But amidst the cheerful laughter and hope-filled atmosphere!

Boom----!!

The sky beyond Peach Blossom Mountain underwent a dramatic change.

Extremely sharp and cold Sword Qi suddenly tore through the Cloud Sea, a brilliant and ghastly Sword Gang swept across the sky.

The entire range of Peach Blossom Mountain shook fiercely, stones rolled down, birds and beasts scattered, the peach forest swayed violently, and the serene Blessed Land was abruptly shattered by murderous intent!

Li Shan rode on Sword Light, his voice echoing throughout Peach Blossom Mountain.

"Meishan Four Monsters! Come out!!"

"A few days ago, I was unprepared with Magical Treasure, hastily fighting and being driven away by you. Today, I will reclaim my fortune!"

Hearing this, the atmosphere in the cave dwelling, which was originally warm and harmonious, suddenly froze, all joy disappeared.

The faces of the Meishan Four Monsters turned pale, minds filled with rage and shame, feeling extremely embarrassed.

They had come seeking guidance from Yuan Hong, full of pride, but now were directly challenged at the mountain gate by a formerly defeated opponent.

Those unaware might even think they were unable to face their adversary, trying to bring trouble to Peach Blossom Mountain and relying on Elder Brother’s protection—utterly losing face!

Among the four, the most fiery-tempered and fierce, Zhu Dahua, could no longer suppress his inner anger.

Spirit Light flashed in his palm, and a dark, heavy, fine iron Nail Rake filled with sharp teeth and spikes instantly appeared in his hand, the cold light of the rake’s teeth menacing and filled with Evil Qi.

His originally straightforward face suddenly enveloped by a layer of fierce murderous intent, his eyes widened, full of boundless anger.

"What an audacious Sword Cultivator!"

"That day we considered the difficulty of Cultivation and spared your life, yet you showed no gratitude, instead coming to our Elder Brother’s mountain gate to cause trouble, truly crossing the line!"

Zhu Dahua stood up with a roar, his robes swirling, the demon wind rising, and shouted loudly:

"Dear brothers, Elder Brother, relax and continue drinking!"

"A mere defeated Sword Cultivator dares to act arrogantly! Let this humble Pig Demon go out and defeat him utterly, to resolve this entirely!"

Before finishing his words, around him surged a rolling black demon wind, his demon aura soaring, thunderously transforming into a black rainbow rushing towards the outside of Peach Blossom Mountain.

Seeing this, Yuan Hong quickly raised his hand to stop him, but Zhu Dahua moved swiftly, rushing out of the cave dwelling before he could intervene.

Hu Butu, on the other hand, remained calm, raising his hand to stop Yuan Hong from getting up, smiling confidently:

"Don’t worry, Elder Brother!"

"Old Five is more than enough to handle him, victory is assured!"