Chapter 436: Immortal Xia Island Cultivators

Bai Qi hesitated, ultimately not giving chase. He looked down at Hu Yun, the old turtle, and the large green fish by the boat, said nothing, and continued to gaze at the sky, frowning in contemplation.

In just a few breaths, the celestial light had vanished from sight for the residents of Chunhui Prefecture. Only Bai Qi could still perceive its distant glow on the horizon.

In the sky, Ji Yuan swiftly traveled on his flying sword. However, he had no intention of flying directly ahead to block their path and inquire. That would be like blocking someone clearly in a hurry with your car. So, Ji Yuan decided to gradually approach by moving with them.

The ethereal glow in the sky was at a higher altitude than expected, but Ji Yuan's escape light was also incredibly fast, approaching the celestial radiance in an ascending parabolic trajectory.

At a suitable distance, Ji Yuan could already feel the immortal spiritual energy within the glow, confirming it was indeed the work of a group of immortal cultivators.

Among the celestial glow, the foremost six paths were the most dazzling. These six streams of light, leading all the others, seemed to unfurl their Dao profoundness to envelop the group behind, allowing them to maintain the same speed.

These six paths of light were, in fact, six immortal cultivators riding on colorful clouds, appearing to be a mix of men and women of various ages.

Suddenly, an old man among the leading six felt something stir in his heart and looked down towards the rear-diagonal. The next moment, the other five also turned their heads to look in the same direction.

Although nothing was visible there yet, and sometimes thick mist obscured the view, they clearly sensed a faint, sharp presence approaching.

A beam of sword light pierced through the clouds. Though still very distant, it was rapidly approaching, heading directly towards the leading group of six.

"What a swift sword light. Are there any formidable immortal sects or cultivators in this area?"

The glow did not cease its movement. The old man in the center spoke calmly, asking those around him. Hearing his question, a woman beside him pondered before replying.

"This is a small country on the southern fringe of Cloud Continent. As for immortal sects, there is indeed one nearby, I believe it's called... Yuhuai Mountain?"

"Is Yuhuai Mountain not renowned for sword cultivation?"

"Even so, it's not surprising for a sect to have powerful sword cultivators."

Another old man considered for a moment.

"To my knowledge, Yuhuai Mountain is not a typical sect-like immortal abode; it has no single leader. It's more like branches flourishing independently, so it's quite possible for them to have formidable sword cultivators."

"Everyone, please calm down, he's here."

As the words fell, all six fell silent, but the speed of the flying glow showed no decrease. Moreover, other flying immortal cultivators also began to notice Ji Yuan's sword light.

Ji Yuan looked ahead now, seeing dazzling lights everywhere, as radiant as celestial clouds and varied in color. Upon catching up, he immediately sheathed his immortal sword and approached by stepping on a cloud, signaling his peaceful intent.

The surrounding glows did not obstruct Ji Yuan. Instead, the cultivators watched the white-robed figure arriving on a cloud with curiosity. Many observed him discerningly but suddenly realized they could not sense his aura, immediately understanding that the newcomer possessed extremely high cultivation.

This was Ji Yuan's first time seeing so many immortal cultivators, especially those capable of flying collectively through the sky.

The immortal cultivators wore expressions ranging from curious to serious, indifferent to outright ignoring. Many were not simply riding clouds or controlling wind but rather standing on something with a halo, like a stream of colorful light, which explained their vibrant radiance.

Ji Yuan, on a white cloud, approached the six individuals in the lead, who were spaced about four or five zhang apart. All six were watching Ji Yuan. The old man in the center spoke before Ji Yuan could.

"May I ask which fellow Daoist you are? We cultivators of Xianxia Isle are on an urgent journey, and we apologize if we have disturbed your esteemed presence."

Flowing lights and brilliant colors filled the sky — no wonder they were called Xianxia Isle. This thought briefly crossed Ji Yuan's mind as he subtly cupped his hands in return, a gesture that had become almost a reflex for him, even though the other party did not make a similar motion.

"Greetings, fellow Daoists of Xianxia Isle. My surname is Ji, and I do not belong to any immortal sect. I am merely a local person who was down below drinking tea. Seeing the sky filled with radiant clouds, I came to see what was happening. If it's convenient, would you mind telling me about it?"

Only Ji Yuan would likely refer to himself as a "local person," but the Xianxia Isle cultivators paid no attention to such details. Seeing Ji Yuan's unfathomable cultivation and polite demeanor, a woman beside the elder first returned the bow, then spoke.

"A branch of our Xianxia Isle encountered a spiritual vein where malevolent energy was gushing forth. While attempting to seal it, they attracted numerous wicked demons and monsters. They are currently engaged in battle, and we are rushing to provide aid."

"How far is it?" Ji Yuan asked almost instinctively.

The Xianxia Isle cultivators looked at Ji Yuan several times. Although his divine power was not overtly displayed, the clear and harmonious aura around him strongly indicated he was a righteous cultivator.

"It's still about a hundred thousand miles from here. Quite a long journey."

Ji Yuan hesitated, glancing down in the direction of Chunhui Prefecture and Chunmu River. Then, he made up his mind. Whether from a sense of duty or simple curiosity, such an opportunity was rare. So, he addressed the cultivators before him.

"Since fellow immortal cultivators are sealing malevolent earth vein energy and have been assailed by demons, if you wouldn't mind, may I accompany you and offer my humble assistance?"

The strong winds of their rapid travel continued to buffet the surrounding glow. The six Xianxia Isle cultivators exchanged glances, some frequently observing Ji Yuan and their gaze settling on the spiritual immortal sword behind him.

This was clearly a sword cultivator, or rather, an immortal cultivator with impressive sword techniques. After all, relying on an immortal sword, such cultivators possess formidable offensive power.

Although the Xianxia Isle cultivators believed their own strength was sufficient for this mission, since this fellow Daoist offered his goodwill, it was certainly a good connection to make.

So, the old man in the center returned the bow and said.

"Since you are so kind, please come with us!"

The other five leading Xianxia Isle cultivators also bowed in thanks. One of them, a scholar-like man, felt his attire was most similar to Ji Yuan's and spoke.

"In that case, fellow Daoist, please come closer to our glow. And please, do not resist the formation's inspection."

Ji Yuan understood. So, these immortal cultivators were currently arrayed in a formation. To be able to maintain a formation while flying at such speed was truly extraordinary.

"Haha, I have no intention of resisting."

Ji Yuan chuckled, then rode his cloud towards the six. As his cloud passed through the glow, he felt nothing unusual except for a gentle breeze on his face. Soon, he was flying beside the scholar-like man.

Seeing Ji Yuan enter the so-called glow formation with such ease and without any adverse reaction, the others slightly lowered their guard and secretly re-evaluated Ji Yuan.

And as soon as he stepped into the range of this "glow formation," Ji Yuan noticed that riding his cloud required much less effort; he barely needed to exert any magic power to maintain a stable and fast speed alongside them.

But it made sense. The Xianxia Isle cultivators were rushing to provide aid; if they expended too much magic power on the journey, they would be exhausted upon arrival.

In any case, since the glow formation showed no reaction to Ji Yuan, everyone temporarily stopped overthinking it. The other Xianxia Isle cultivators behind them were somewhat curious about the newcomer but, aside from communicating among themselves, showed no other reaction. The group resumed its quiet, swift journey.

The scholar-dressed man beside Ji Yuan slightly cupped his hands towards him.

"I am Chang Yi of Xianxia Isle. As your attire is similar to mine, I won't address you as 'fellow Daoist.' I'll call you Mr. Ji."

Ji Yuan also cupped his hands in return.

"My name is Ji Yuan. Thank you for having me! To be honest, that's what those familiar with me call me."

Chang Yi smiled and nodded, his gaze sweeping over the Green Vine Sword behind Ji Yuan as he inquired.

"Is that a spirit-nurturing immortal sword behind you, Mr. Ji?"

The Green Vine Sword shifted slightly, moving to a different angle behind Ji Yuan, who then nodded in confirmation.

"Indeed, it is an immortal sword."

The sword's hilt was entwined with vines, with tender buds at its ends, and a few vines grew on the blade itself. Coupled with its concealed sharpness, it appeared lush, vibrant, and infinitely vital.

But this was, after all, an immortal sword. The more it appeared devoid of even a trace of sword qi, the more formidable its power would be once unsheathed.

"I've long heard of Xianxia Isle's great name but never had the chance to see it. Today, I've had a fortunate encounter." Ji Yuan used the opportunity to inquire about Xianxia Isle.

The two conversed, and occasionally other immortal cultivators nearby would interject a few words, getting to know each other.

For an immortal of seemingly profound cultivation like Ji Yuan to be without sect or faction, dwelling in a small mortal county, seemed a bit absurd. If anyone else had claimed this, the Xianxia Isle cultivators might not have believed it, but Ji Yuan possessed a clear and radiant aura that naturally inspired trust.

What surprised them even more was when Chang Yi suddenly discovered that Ji Yuan had been blind for a long time, a fact Ji Yuan himself confirmed. This was quite incredible for immortal cultivators.

After all, with various divine methods, even regenerating lost limbs might not be impossible, and restoring eyesight was certainly achievable. Yet Ji Yuan's eyes were blind, which implied some irresistible force must have caused it.

Ji Yuan also eventually learned that these six were the six elders of Xianxia Isle, and the contingent of cultivators they led numbered as many as three hundred, an extraordinarily large group for cultivators, especially for Xianxia Isle cultivators, almost all of whom possessed impressive cultivation.

Perhaps influenced by Ji Yuan's arrival, the Xianxia Isle cultivators then intentionally cast spells to conceal the vast glow. Although it still appeared brilliant to Ji Yuan, who was within it, it should have been invisible from the ground.

They flew rapidly, day and night without rest. The landscapes of mountains, rivers, kingdoms, and towns changed beneath them repeatedly, until finally, after about ten days, they arrived in the northeastern part of Cloud Continent. A towering mountain appeared before them. Although it was daytime, the other side of the mountain was completely enveloped in a moonless, starless darkness.

And from the direction of the deep mountain, faint flashes of light glimmered within the darkness.

"We've arrived."

The leading elder's expression was solemn as he looked at Ji Yuan, who was now beside him.

"Mr. Ji, with the power of your immortal sword, please part the mist!"

"It's my duty."

Ji Yuan replied, his right hand already gripping the hilt of the Green Vine Sword. At that moment, the spiritual script on the scabbard appeared, and the character "hide" immediately vanished.

The next moment.

"Zheng—"

As the sword hummed, a blazing white sword light, filled with boundless, razor-sharp sword qi, swept forth with the power to clear all directions, vertically slicing through the moon.

Wherever it passed, the rolling black mist dissolved like melting snow, splitting into two.

"Everyone, follow us to slay demons and monsters!"

The next moment, the glows intensified, and all flew over the mountain range.