Chapter 141: Mountain and Sea Gathering of Immortals

Han Yi's heart skipped a beat, and surprise flickered across his face. "Sect Leader Yuan?"

Fu Canghai nodded. "Let's go. Judging by your direction, you're headed to Tong City. Do you have important business there? If not, you might as well return to the sect with me."

Han Yi had originally planned to take an Immortal Ship from Tong City back to Nanyang County. Hearing Fu Canghai's words, he immediately replied, "This disciple intends to return directly to the sect."

"Good."

With a flick of his wrist, Fu Canghai summoned an Immortal Boat. He tossed it three meters into the air, where it hovered, appearing no larger than an ordinary skiff. Stepping onto the void, he stood upon the vessel, which measured only four meters long and two meters wide.

Han Yi lightly leaped aboard behind him.

The Immortal Boat shot into the sky, accelerating rapidly. Within three breaths, it had reached an astonishing speed.

To Han Yi's amazement, despite its incredible velocity, the craft produced no howling wind. Standing on the deck, he felt no swaying motion whatsoever, as if he were standing firmly on solid ground.

The brocade-hued mountains and rivers blurred past in an instant.

What a treasure, Han Yi thought longingly.

Sensing Han Yi's admiration for his Immortal Boat, Fu Canghai chuckled softly.

"This Bitter Sea Immortal Boat is a product of the Myriad Immortals Pavilion, a mid-grade magic treasure that comes at a steep price. You couldn't buy one even if you sold every Silver Series magic artifact you own."

Han Yi's eyelid twitched at the mention of the "Silver Series." He already knew that the Nine Dragons Merchant Guild was backed by Supreme Elder Fu Canghai, who stood before him. It was only natural that Fu Canghai would be aware of his dealings with the guild.

"Martial Uncle Fu," Han Yi said, cupping his fists in a respectful bow, "this disciple has some questions and humbly seeks your guidance."

Fu Canghai nodded, and Han Yi proceeded to voice the doubts that had been weighing on his mind since his recent journey, particularly the actions of the Gu Clan.

Fu Canghai had anticipated Han Yi's concerns; this was precisely what he had intended to explain.

"This matter is... complicated," Fu Canghai began.

Han Yi's heart skipped a beat. If even Fu Canghai considered it complicated, it must be a truly significant issue.

As Fu Canghai explained the situation, Han Yi's expression grew increasingly grave.

The root of the problem lay in the Consultant Elder policy.

When the Profound Pill Sect announced this policy, an increasing number of cultivators—especially those from the cultivation families of Nanyang County, Luofeng County, and Taibai County—became intrigued. More and more Foundation Establishment Stage cultivators began joining the sect.

Naturally, the Blood God Sect, the Profound Pill Sect's rival, felt the pressure.

With the twenty-year deadline fast approaching, the Profound Pill Sect's activities had intensified, prompting increasingly frequent responses from the Blood God Sect.

The root cause of the Gu Clan's recent crisis lay in the Blood God Sect's infiltration. Rather than directly targeting the clan, they used heretical cultivators to sell them the Yin-Yang Soul-Nourishing Pill and its raw materials.

The Yin-Yang Soul-Nourishing Pill was a Demonic Pill whose primary effect was to extend one's lifespan.

However, Gu Zhijing had reached the twilight of his Immortal Path. Even a Demonic Pill seemed worth the risk. According to the heretical cultivator, the pill would allow him to maintain his peak combat strength for another thirty years.

If Gu Zhijing were to fall, the Gu Clan would lose its Foundation Establishment Stage cultivator and inevitably decline. The pressure from Nanhua City's two other Foundation Establishment Stage Cultivation Families might even push them to the brink.

These extra thirty years would buy him time until another member of the Gu Clan reached the Foundation Establishment Stage.

So, he took the gamble.

As for why the heretical cultivator insisted on having a Qi Refining Stage Alchemist from the Profound Pill Sect refine the pill, that was simply one of his demands. The heretical cultivator claimed to harbor a deep-seated hatred for the Profound Pill Sect and wished for nothing more than the deaths of every single disciple.

Regardless of which alchemist arrived, or whether they agreed to refine the Yin-Yang Soul-Nourishing Pill for the Gu Clan, the Profound Pill Sect disciple who came to the Gu Clan was ultimately destined for death.

The Gu Clan knew this explanation sounded flimsy, vaguely suspecting deeper motives behind it. Yet, for Gu Zhijing's sake, they had to take the risk.

Furthermore,

When Han Yi first arrived at the Gu Clan, Gu Zhijing was already present. But the moment Han Yi stepped through the gates, Gu Zhijing slipped out the back, completely disguising his appearance and aura to perfectly match Han Yi's.

He then left Nanhua City and headed straight for Tong City, planning to stage an accident there under Han Yi's identity—a death where the body would be completely destroyed—to conceal the true cause of Han Yi's demise.

This was exactly what Gu Tongxuan had promised: Han Yi's death would be flawlessly orchestrated, ensuring the Profound Pill Sect would never uncover the truth.

But they hadn't anticipated that Han Yi was no ordinary Qi Refining Stage disciple. With a single sword strike, he annihilated three Peak Qi Refining experts from the Gu Clan. By the time Gu Zhijing returned to Nanhua City after staging Han Yi's "death" in Tong City, he was horrified to discover the three Gu Clan experts dead and the Profound Pill Sect disciple named Han Yi vanished without a trace.

Enraged, Gu Zhijing immediately activated the Soul-Chasing Technique, relentlessly tracking Han Yi all the way to this location.

This, then, was the full account of the incident.

Originally, another Inner Sect Foundation Establishment Stage cultivator had been assigned to handle the Gu Clan affair. After all, the only real threat posed by the Gu Clan was Gu Zhijing himself; otherwise, the situation wasn't particularly serious.

Given the Blood God Sect's clandestine activities, it was impossible for Supreme Elder Fu Canghai to personally oversee every minor matter like the Gu Clan.

However, through a series of coincidences, Han Yi took on the mission. Yuan Shun, who had been closely monitoring Han Yi's progress, approached Fu Canghai and persuaded him to descend the mountain and observe the situation firsthand.

Initially, Fu Canghai was skeptical. But after witnessing Han Yi annihilate three Peak Qi Refining cultivators with a single sword strike at the Gu Clan, and then later, shatter Gu Zhijing's Top-Grade Magic Artifact attack with another strike, forcing the clan leader to sever his own finger, Fu Canghai's perspective shifted dramatically.

Han Yi's formidable combat prowess clearly demonstrated that he already possessed the fighting strength of a Legendary Qi Refining cultivator.

Having only recently entered the Ninth Layer of Qi Refinement, Han Yi already wielded the power of a Legendary Qi Refining practitioner.

If he were to advance to the late stages of the Ninth Layer or reach the Peak Qi Refining Stage, wouldn't his combat prowess surpass even ordinary Foundation Establishment Stage cultivators, allowing him to slay them with a single sword strike?

Fu Canghai couldn't help but marvel at Yuan Shun's exceptional judgment, a vision he himself could never hope to match.

"Sect Leader Yuan..." Han Yi hesitated.

Fu Canghai's expression turned solemn. "I cannot answer your questions about Sect Leader Yuan. Once we reach the Profound Pill Sect, you may inquire yourself."

"Ah, that's right," Fu Canghai said. "Two years ago, didn't you come to Nine Dragons looking for a set of dagger-type magic artifacts? I happen to have one in my personal collection."

"This set isn't available for sale at the Nine Dragons Merchant Guild; it's part of my private collection."

"Take a look and see if it suits you."

With a gentle wave of his hand, a golden jade box materialized before Han Yi, radiating an aura of noble refinement.

Slightly surprised, Han Yi slowly opened the box.

Inside lay six golden daggers, their thick, oppressive aura washing over him.

This aura was even stronger than that of Han Yi's former top-tier High-Grade Magic Artifact, the Chengying Sword.

"This dagger set is called the Heavenly Capital Daggers," Fu Canghai explained. "I acquired it from the Great Qian Immortal Court. Though only High-Grade in rank, its power rivals that of some Top-Grade Magic Artifacts. It's perfectly suited for you."

"Heavenly Capital Daggers..." Han Yi swallowed hard, his desire impossible to conceal.

"However, Disciple can't afford such a precious Magic Artifact," Han Yi admitted bluntly.

Fu Canghai smiled faintly. "Consider this set a gift from me."

Han Yi wasn't surprised. If Fu Canghai was willing to offer it, he wouldn't resort to forcing a sale; it was most likely a gift.

Still, a flicker of hesitation lingered in his heart, but it quickly dissipated, replaced by a sense of relief. If a Golden Core cultivator is offering a gift, what's there to hesitate about? This reluctance is unbecoming.

"In that case, many thanks, Martial Uncle Fu," Han Yi said, accepting the Heavenly Capital Daggers. This deepened his connection with Fu Canghai. In the past, his dealings with the Nine Dragons Merchant Guild had been strictly transactional, with clear exchanges of money and goods. Accepting Fu Canghai's gift, however, established a different kind of bond.

Han Yi understood that the daggers were essentially an investment, a sign that Fu Canghai believed he had the potential to advance further, perhaps even reaching the Foundation Establishment or Golden Core stages. He had also avoided acting affected or fearful in Fu Canghai's presence.

The Immortal Boat traveled far faster than ordinary large transportation immortal ships.

Before sunset that day, the majestic Profound Pill Mountain Range loomed into view on the horizon.

Moments later, the Immortal Boat sliced through the sea of clouds and landed atop Azure Dragon Peak. After dropping Han Yi off, Fu Canghai stowed the vessel, nodded briefly to Han Yi, and soared back into the sky, parting the clouds as he headed toward Profound Pill Peak, the main peak of the Profound Pill Sect.

Han Yi stood his ground for a while, waiting for Yuan Shun to appear, but when the man didn't show, he reluctantly returned to his courtyard.

The entire trip had been surprisingly short. The only significant time spent was on the journey to the Gu Clan aboard the Immortal Ship. His time at the Gu Clan and the return journey were minimal.

To be honest, Han Yi was still somewhat bewildered. How could accepting a simple Pill Refinement mission lead to such a tangled web of events involving the Blood God Sect, heretical cultivators, and a Consultant Elder? All he wanted was to cultivate peacefully.

With a sigh, Han Yi retrieved the Magic Artifacts and Storage Pouches from the three Gu Clan members he had killed.

The Magic Artifacts, shattered by his Green Ripple Sword, wouldn't fetch high prices, but every bit counted. Even a High-Grade Magic Artifact cleaved in two was worth more than an ordinary Low-Grade one.

Over two days, Han Yi painstakingly erased the divine sense restrictions from the three Storage Pouches. Yet after examining their contents, a sense of injustice lingered.

The pouches contained a meager amount of Spirit Stones, but Gu Tongxuan's pouch held enough materials to refine several dozen Yin-Yang Soul-Nourishing Pills, fueling Han Yi's anger.

Han Yi transferred the Demonic Pill materials into a new Storage Pouch, combining them with the materials he had previously obtained from the Gu Clan. He then left his residence, heading straight for Zhurong Peak, one of the Inner Peaks.

At the summit of Zhurong Peak, a ten-meter-wide patch of Earthfire blazed fiercely. Its intense heat was highly effective at neutralizing yin and demonic substances. Outer Sect Disciples would bring any such items they acquired to Zhurong Peak for disposal.

After incinerating the Demonic Pill materials, Han Yi made another trip to the Nine Dragons Merchant Guild on Combat Peak to sell the discarded Magic Artifacts shattered by his Green Ripple Sword.

"Fellow Daoist, you've been quite busy lately," He Fangwei remarked teasingly. "Business must be thriving."

As their transactions grew more frequent, He Fangwei occasionally indulged in lighthearted banter.

Han Yi rolled his eyes. Thriving? he thought. I'm no Robber Cultivator. And if he claimed it was merely self-defense, He Fangwei would never believe him. He decided to remain silent.

He Fangwei chuckled briefly before dropping the teasing and adopting a slightly more serious expression. "Fellow Daoist, are you planning to attend the Mountain and Sea Immortal Gathering?"

Han Yi looked surprised. "The Mountain and Sea Immortal Gathering? What's that?"

"You don't know?" He Fangwei suddenly realized. From what he understood, this Fellow Daoist might be a God of Slaughter outside the Sect, but within its walls, he lived as a reclusive Ascetic Cultivator, rarely venturing out and often missing major Sect events like the Inner and Outer Peak Great Competition.

"Fellow Daoist, you truly live a carefree life," He Fangwei sighed. "You close your courtyard gates, focus solely on cultivation, and remain oblivious to the world outside."

He continued, "The Mountain and Sea Immortal Gathering is no ordinary affair. It's a monumental event, far grander than any previous celebration. This isn't merely a Profound Pill Sect gathering; it's a kingdom-wide feast for the entire Great Qian Immortal Kingdom.

"Fellow Daoist, you must have visited Jade Capital Mountain during the Cave Heaven Trial, right? Jade Capital Mountain is one of the two Holy Lands of Great Qian, and its equal in status is the Myriad Stars Sea. The 'Mountain' refers to Jade Capital Mountain, while the 'Sea' represents the Myriad Stars Sea.

"The Mountain and Sea Immortal Gathering is jointly hosted by Jade Capital Mountain and the Myriad Stars Sea. Every Sect within the Great Qian Immortal Kingdom, including the Immortal Court itself, will participate in this grand event.

"This grand gathering occurs only once a century, and the next session is imminent."

As he spoke, He Fangwei suddenly remembered something else.

"There are only six years left until the twenty-year deadline with the Blood God Sect," He Fangwei said somberly.

"I heard the Gathering of Immortals, which happens every century, usually lasts for two or three years," Han Yi replied.

"Once this Gathering concludes, our Profound Pill Sect must prepare to face the Blood God Sect again," He Fangwei added, his voice heavy.

Han Yi remained silent, listening intently. Fourteen years ago, the Blood God Sect had swept through Taibai County, seizing numerous mineral veins. Han Yi himself had been forcibly conscripted and sent to Heavenfall City. In a single night, the Inner and Outer Sect disciples suffered heavy casualties, and several Foundation Establishment Stage cultivators perished. It was a complete rout.

Although the Profound Pill Sect had undergone significant reforms in the intervening years, transforming itself into something far stronger, the Blood God Sect couldn't possibly have stood still, waiting for a counterattack.

Based on Han Yi's understanding over the years, he suspected that the Profound Pill Sect would fare poorly when hostilities resumed.

However, he was only at the Ninth Layer of Qi Refinement. If the sky were to fall, those with higher standing would bear the burden.

"What exactly is the purpose of this Mountain and Sea Immortal Gathering?" Han Yi asked, genuinely curious.

An event that required the joint effort of two of the Great Qian Realm's Holy Lands couldn't be trivial. It certainly wasn't just an excuse for cultivators to sit around drinking tea.

"I don't know the specifics," He Fangwei said, "but I do know it involves the East Sea Monster Clan and Foundation Establishment Pills."

"The East Sea Monster Clan? Foundation Establishment Pills?" Han Yi had once read a book in the Scripture Repository called Records of Eastern Sea Demons. The author was an anonymous cultivator from the Profound Pill Sect, likely a Supreme Elder in the Golden Core Stage, judging by the book's contents. It chronicled his encounters with various demon beasts and demon cultivators in the East Sea.

However, the connection to Foundation Establishment Pills came as a complete surprise.

"I've heard that the Sect will dispatch a team led by a Supreme Elder, accompanied by five Foundation Establishment Stage Elders and five Qi Refining Stage disciples, to the Myriad Stars Sea for the Mountain and Sea Immortal Gathering," He Fangwei continued.

"Although the Qi Refining Stage disciples attending the Gathering face grave dangers, those who successfully return after three years will receive benefits equivalent to the Escort Program. This includes not only a Foundation Establishment opportunity but also the personal protection of a Supreme Elder."

"The recent commotion on Combat Peak is likely related to this matter."

He Fangwei added, and Han Yi suddenly understood. No wonder he had sensed an unusually fervent atmosphere near the Heaven, Earth, and Human Rankings on Combat Peak as he approached the shop earlier. He had suspected something was brewing.

Until now, Han Yi had considered these matters irrelevant to him.

He was well aware of the Demon Race's formidable power. Their physical prowess was unmatched, and many Variant Demon Beasts possessed innate Divine Abilities. When these creatures ascended to become Demon Cultivators, they were often stronger than ordinary Foundation Establishment Stage cultivators.

The Blood-Colored Giant Tiger he had encountered in the Myriad Demon Mountain Range had left an indelible impression on him.

However, the Mountain and Sea Immortal Gathering's connection to the Foundation Establishment Pill now demanded Han Yi's full attention. He was preparing to refine these pills himself, intending to make it his primary source of income.

Yet neither He Fangwei nor anyone else seemed to know why the Mountain and Sea Immortal Gathering was tied to the Foundation Establishment Pill.

Moments later, Han Yi left the Nine Dragons Merchant Guild. After pondering briefly, he approached the Combat Arena to gather more information. His inquiries yielded little beyond what He Fangwei had already shared, so he reluctantly abandoned his search.