Moyun Mountain's Primordial Infant Realm Cultivator

Everyone reported back to their respective sects.

Eyes on the orange clouds, Cheng Yan asked, "You were the one who dismantled the formation, weren't you?"

Mu Yu nodded. "I still can't believe Ju Wenxing could shamelessly claim all the credit."

Cheng Yan smiled. "You can't mention it, though. He got a freebie this time. Shifu always told us to maintain a low profile. You successfully did so this time, but I didn't."

After hearing the story from the tree elder, Mu Yu questioned how Cheng Yan crossed the dangerous mountain range as a Golden Core Realm cultivator. Mu Yu, therefore, inquired, "First Brother, is Shifu at Golden Core Realm?"

"Shifu suffered injuries he can' treat outside the mountain, so yes."

"I was told Golden Core Realm cultivators can't cross the mountain where high-level fiend beasts roam. How did you enter Moyun Mountains?"

"You have to bear in mind Shifu was once an incredible cultivator. I was young at the time, so I didn't pay much attention to how advanced he was. Having said that, even if he was injured, those at his level have knowledge, experience and magical treasures." Chen Yan paused before resuming, "It's not that difficult to handle fiend beasts. I'm more worried about the individual you told me about. I can't comprehend how he located Shifu because outsiders don't know he came here."

Mu Yu figured Cheng Yan, an assumed former resident of Third Heaven Continent, knew a thing or two about the outside world. "Have you heard of Celestial Prison?"

Cheng Yan mused over the question before answering, "I think I heard Shifu mention it way back then. I don't really have much of a recollection. Why the sudden question?"

Though there were plenty of other uncertainties, the fact that the youth in red mentioned Celestial Prison and Cheng Yan recognised the name suggested the tree elder wasn't just making things up. Mu Yu was also hung up over how he'd liberate the inhabitants of Celestial Prison from their doom if he couldn't even defeat the youth in red alone.

"First Brother, have you never had any suspicions about me in spite of my ability to control wood? Why is it never seemed to have bothered you?" questioned Mu Yu, never recalling Cheng Yan ever discriminating him and doing the reverse.

Tone nonchalant, Cheng Yan replied, "Suspect you of what? Your connection to elemental demons?"

"Surely you know a thing or two about my ability."

Based on the look in Mu Yu's eyes, Cheng Yan figured his junior wouldn't be able to put it aside unless he explained. "There's a legend that originates from the world of cultivation beyond Moyun Mountains. It claims there will be five individuals with the gift of humans and abilities of elemental demons who will decide the fate of the situation between the two races. The majority of cultivators are afraid the elemental demons will manipulate the five into annihilating humanity. Accordingly, they are being hunted.

"The smaller population choose to trust they will join hands with humans. Shifu believes you will make the right decision. For that reason, he strives to develop your perception of value so that you will be able to face your conscience. By the same account, I have chosen to trust you.

"At the end of the day, it's a legend. We need only to focus on carrying ourselves in a manner that allows us to answer to ourselves. Shifu told Uncle An and me about on the day he brought you back. Shifu has always had his reasons for everything he does. All you have to do is ensure you don't let him down."

Mu Yu had no choice but to believe the legend after hearing Cheng Yan tell the same one.

"Do Lan Ling'er and Xiang Nan know about my ability?"

"No. The fewer people who know, the better. The ability is one abhorred and liked, so it's only right it's kept a secret. If you can hide it from those closest to you, outsiders won't know about it. If you were graded on it, you'd have failed multiple times because I saw you entering trees on numerous occasions. In the first few months you joined us, Kongkong and Miaomiao took you out to assault a bee nest. Your face was swollen severely, yet you were fine by supper time. The two were too young to notice, but do you think others don't?"

Mu Yu chuckled awkwardly. Cheng Yan happened to be the only one who saw his tragic appearance. Kongkong and Miaomiao, who were looking forward to laughing at Mu Yu, were amazed when Mu Yu returned without any blemishes.

The sun was bidding farewell and departing from the stage for the day.

Cheng Yan stopped in his tracks. In front of Dustfallen Sect's duo was Qing Mei, who had been waiting for them. She was hoping to attain an answer from Cheng Yan in regards to the sudden change in his attitude as of recent.

"I'll wait up ahead for you, First Brother."

Mu Yu didn't know how Cheng Yan intended to explain himself and neither was he interested in knowing. Mu Yu thought he resembled a third party trying to get in between them as well as Lan Ling'er and Lie Shang.

***

The back of Green Pine Sect was a forbidden area where Daoist Qing Song cultivated by himself.

Daoist Qing Song stretched his limbs out. As the sensation of potent spiritual energy coursed through his body, he belted toward the sky, driving spiritual energy up to the clouds along with his voice, parting the clouds to reveal the scorching rays behind them. The inhabitants of Green Pine Sect looked over to the place upon detecting the spiritual energy.

Realising their patriarch had made history as the first cultivator of Moyun Mountains to ascend to Primordial Infant Realm, Green Pine Sect's members dropped to theirs knees and bowed ecstatically, crying, "Patriarch has ascended to Primordial Infant Realm."

Up until then, Daoist Jiuhua and Daoist Qing Song discussed things pertinent to the world of cultivation together before enacting any policies as they were closely matched in terms of cultivation. Since Daoist Qing Song had ascended to Primordial Infant Realm, he obtained authority as the overlord of the world of cultivation.

The disciples of Green Pine Sect cheered as they waited for Daoist Qing Song to emerge and announce the jubilant news. Little did they know their venerated patriarch was kneeling to the youth in red as if he was bowing to a deity. "Thank you for helping me ascend to Primordial Infant Realm."

After ascending, Daoist Qing Song finally realised the lack of spiritual energy limited his progress. Despite his newfound power, he still didn't have any confidence he could hold a candle to the youth. He fathomed Green Pine Sect was worthless to the youth.

"Rise."

Daoist Qing Song rose to his feet and placed his arms by his sides the way servants did.

"If it wasn't for the spiritual energy crystals I brought into Celestial Prison and expended so much spiritual qi, you would never have ascended," stated the youth, sweeping his gaze over the mountain of empty spiritual energy crystals.

"Thank you, Master."

Daoist Qing Song also learnt the true purpose of Moyun Mountains from the youth.

The youth's eyes flickered red. "I didn't help you for your gratitude. I have a job for you."

Daoist Qing Song genuflected. "I am at your service."

"We need to deal with something first."

"What might that be?"

"Sword Shadow Dust Gale."

***

Neither Mu Yu nor Cheng Yan exchanged a word for the rest of the journey. Though Cheng Yan looked composed, the melancholic mood was obvious.

The duo soon sighted light from Mount Dustfallen. They rushed through the night without breaks to warn their shifu as soon as possible. Upon landing, Uncle An welcomed them.

"Uncle An, where is Shifu?" hastily inquired Mu Yu.

Ordinarily, everyone would be up to train at that hour, while Feng Haochen would be in the garden, but he wasn't there.

Uncle An looked perturbed. "Didn't he go with you? Where is he?"