Chapter 720: Special Train

When Ji Yuan returned to the courtyard, it had already grown quiet. The smaller characters had returned to the *Sword Intent Scroll*, and on the table, the inkstone wasn't completely empty of ink; a trace still remained in the well.

"Is Master leaving?"

Zaoniang stood up from the table, asking the question on everyone's behalf. Ji Yuan had nothing to hide and gestured with the wooden sword in his hand.

"Daoist Lian is indeed quite anxious. They say the immortal port at Yuhuai Mountain is developing well. That wasn't mentioned last time, so it's a good chance to go and see."

Before some in the courtyard could show disappointment, Ji Yuan immediately chuckled.

"Yuhuai Mountain is a relatively close neighbor. If anyone is interested, we can go together."

This suggestion was mainly for Zaoniang's benefit. Not only had the girl never left Jv'an Small Pavilion, but Ji Yuan also realized she had never even considered leaving. Even though it wasn't difficult for her to go out now, she had never done so. It wasn't that she was afraid; she simply hadn't thought of it.

Perhaps that's just how trees are. Ji Yuan didn't object to Zaoniang staying indoors, but he felt she should still get out occasionally.

As expected, everyone happily accepted Ji Yuan's suggestion, especially Hu Yun, who was the most delighted. Although content with his cultivation, he was inherently restless, and the chance to go out with Master Ji was the best possible outcome.

Yuhuai Mountain is hidden within the continuous Yuhui Mountain Range in Jizhou. The immortal port, naturally, would not be built within the sacred realm of Yuhuai Mountain but rather by finding a suitable peak in the Yuhui Mountain Range, at most adjacent to Yuhuai Mountain.

By noon that day, Ji Yuan and the others were already strolling through the mountains.

Ji Yuan hadn't told the people of Yuhuai Mountain exactly when he would arrive, only that he would be there in a few days. In reality, he flew with Zaoniang and the others to the foot of Yuhui Mountain and then found a mountain path with flowing spiritual energy to walk along.

"Master, why don't we just fly directly to Yuhuai Mountain? I heard the scenery in the Yuhuai Sacred Realm is beautiful."

Hu Yun, in his transformed youthful form, asked this question. Ji Yuan wasn't in a hurry to answer and simply pointed ahead.

"Let's go take a look."

None of the group were ordinary people; they traversed the mountain path as if on level ground, their speed remarkably swift. They crossed mountains and valleys with ease and quickness. After crossing a small hill, the dense forest thinned out, and in the distance, they saw a group of people hurrying along with large and small bags, some even carrying big crates.

"Oh? In this desolate wilderness, there are people traveling with their families and luggage? Aren't we heading deeper into Yuhui Mountain the further we go?"

"Exactly, so they're clearly not ordinary people."

Hu Yun and Sun Yayao each said something, then looked at Ji Yuan. Seeing no reaction, they continued walking along the path together and soon caught up with the people ahead.

Upon closer inspection, it was clear that although the people ahead were traveling with their families and a lot of luggage, their clothes were relatively clean, and they weren't sweating much. Hearing movement behind them and seeing Ji Yuan and his companions emerge, the entire group shifted their attention.

One of them, an elderly man who looked old but stood ramrod straight, set down his carrying pole, took a few steps back, and bowed respectfully to Ji Yuan and the others.

"We are moving to Yuling Peak. We have a jade tablet from Yuhuai Mountain. May I ask who you are and if there's anything we can help you with?"

Ji Yuan returned a shallow bow.

"We heard Yuhuai Mountain is opening an immortal port. We have some connections with Yuhuai Mountain, so we came to take a look first before visiting them."

The old man's spirits immediately lifted, and he bowed again.

"Ah, you are immortal masters! Please forgive my impoliteness. Everyone, quickly pay your respects to the immortal masters!"

"Greetings, immortal masters!"

The seven or eight people, old and young, behind the old man, all put down their belongings and bowed together to Ji Yuan and the others. Since Yuhui Mountain was essentially Yuhuai Mountain's own garden, it was highly unlikely Ji Yuan was lying.

"We are all cultivators, no need for such formality. If it's convenient, would you mind if we journeyed together?"

"Oh, if the immortal masters don't mind our slow pace, then that would be wonderful!"

The old man smiled, returned to his original position, took out several large, pear-shaped fruits from the basket he was carrying, and offered them to Ji Yuan and the others.

"Please, help yourselves. They aren't any extraordinary spiritual fruits, but they are delightfully sweet."

After Ji Yuan and the others took the fruits and thanked him, both parties continued their journey, chatting about Yuhuai Mountain and the immortal ferry at Yuling Peak.

"A few years ago, I, an old man, heard that Yuhuai Mountain intended to build an immortal port, and the news spread quickly. Immortal Master Wei, who is in charge of this matter at Yuhuai Mountain, is extremely open-minded. All cultivation forces of some renown in Dazhen and its surrounding areas, including their various branches, have been notified. Although we are spirits and monsters, we have been recommended by the Tongjiang River God and even directly received a jade tablet, allowing us to go to Yuling Peak to choose a plot of land and erect a building!"

As the old man spoke, his eyes gleamed, and anyone could hear the yearning in his words.

"Heh heh heh, it's already extremely rare to secure a place in the immortal port. And now, many cultivators are spreading the word that the destruction of Zuyue by Dazhen is a foregone conclusion, meaning the Yuhuai Immortal Port is bound to benefit from the spiritual essence of the new universe!"

"Yes, my father brought our whole family directly here." "I've never walked this far in my life. We traveled over ten thousand *li* to get here. With the jade tablet, the various deities inspected us but eventually granted us passage."

Hu Yun's face lit up with excitement.

"Is that jade tablet really that powerful? With it, even deities won't make things difficult for you? Master, do you think if I had that jade tablet, I could go out and travel even without truly transforming?"

Ji Yuan smiled without speaking, while the old man beside him interjected with a laugh.

"Yes, yes, yes, that's right! Provided you haven't committed any wrongdoing, of course. But looking at your pure aura, you should be fine."

"Chirp chirp chirp..."

The little paper crane flew onto Hu Yun's head and pecked twice.

"Ouch, why are you pecking me?"

Hu Yun complained and waved his hand towards his head.

"Chirp!"

The little paper crane deftly dodged, then flew to Ji Yuan's shoulder. However, seeing that Ji Yuan remained silent, it merely flapped its wings at Hu Yun.

Sun Yayao was also extremely curious about this jade tablet and couldn't help but say,

"That's absolutely true. If one had this jade tablet, it would be much more convenient. I want one too! Master, what's your relationship with Yuhuai Mountain really like? If it's convenient, could you get one for Hu Yun?"

"Chirp chirp."

The little paper crane flew to Sun Yayao's head again, pecked the girl's head once, and quickly flew away.

"Hey, what was that for?"

However, the little paper crane had already returned to Ji Yuan's shoulder. Ji Yuan simply smiled and shook his head, while Zaoniang covered her mouth and chuckled, having long understood why the little paper crane had pecked Hu Yun and Sun Yayao.

Although the Golden Armor behind them observed everything, he remained silent and expressionless. He merely showed a hint of disdain for the so-called jade tablet and token that the old man had previously pulled out to show off. Of course, he always wore the same expression, so others couldn't tell.

Ji Yuan knew exactly why the little paper crane had pecked them, but he wouldn't write Hu Yun a note. This little fox was now full of spiritual vitality and had finally settled down; ensuring he cultivated steadily to a sufficient level was the priority. If Ji Yuan were to write him a note, given Hu Yun's personality, he would undoubtedly be unable to resist wandering around aimlessly.

Night fell quickly in the mountains. The further they went, the more "people" they encountered. Some were carrying luggage, like the old man and his group, while others seemed like ethereal immortals. Some didn't even have human forms. Of course, there were also proper immortal cultivators, mostly rogue cultivators or families with some connection to Yuhuai Mountain.

These people shared a common characteristic: almost all of them possessed the jade tablets issued by Yuhuai Mountain. Even if they didn't know each other, they would usually greet one another and travel together. For those who were poised to reap the first wave of benefits from the immortal port, everyone was extremely happy.

This wasn't just about material gain; more importantly, it was an opportunity to broaden their immortal path connections. The blessings on the path of cultivation could be increased, and sometimes it all depended on whether one seized the opportunity.

"Ree-aaah!"

A crane's cry echoed in the sky, invigorating everyone. The cry was extremely penetrating, making it clear upon hearing it that it was no ordinary creature. Ji Yuan and the others also understood that it must be one of Yuhuai Mountain's spirit cranes.

"Yuling Peak is twenty *li* to the north from here. There is a heavy fog ahead. Proceed with your jade tablets, and the protection offered only covers the individuals recorded on the tablet!"

The spirit crane circled in the air a few times, then flew off into the distance after delivering its message, clearly needing to deliver it in other directions as well.

The travelers below in the mountains, whether sincerely or not, all bowed slightly towards the sky before continuing their journey. Sure enough, after a dozen *li*, a thin mist appeared in the mountains, which then grew progressively thicker.

"Immortal Master, you don't have a jade tablet, uh..."

The old man who spoke first turned to inform Ji Yuan and the others, only to find that they were no longer beside him.

Beyond the heavy fog, Wei Wuwei respectfully followed by Ji Yuan's side.

"Master, if only you had informed me you were coming today, I could have made preparations earlier."

"No need. We just came to take a look, and then we'll be heading to the Yuhuai Sacred Realm."

"Yes, Master, and to you all, Yuling Peak is just ahead. It wasn't originally a native peak of Yuhui Mountain, but was formed by a True Man in the mountains who merged five mountains with great magical power. Please, Master, take a look."

At this moment, as the group passed through the mist, a massive peak appeared before their eyes: Yuling Peak, the location of the immortal port. The peak was shrouded in clouds and mist, appearing majestic and mysterious. A gigantic demonic beast with fin-like appendages lay across the summit, vaguely discernible amidst the swirling clouds.

"Whoo-ooooh!"

A sonorous cry echoed, causing the surrounding clouds and mist to ripple slightly.

"Weimei Sect's Sky Devourer Beast? The immortal port isn't even fully established, and a ferry has already arrived?"

Wei Wuwei's plump face retained its smile.

"Master, it's not that business has arrived so quickly. This Sky Devourer Beast is specifically waiting for you. The Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets has immense influence; they directly arranged for the world's most renowned realm ferry to come and wait here."

'My personal transport?'

Ji Yuan was taken aback for a moment.