Chapter 936: Yellow Springs Approaching

Days later, upon his return to the Two Realms Mountain within the Boundless Realm, Songlun immediately sensed the heavens and earth trembling. The intense tremors caused even a cultivator like Songlun to feel his body go numb, and the magical cloud beneath his feet continuously dispersed, nearly sending him plummeting from the sky.

Songlun gazed at the large mountain below with a shocked expression. The pressure on him grew steadily, signaling that he could no longer remain airborne. He quickly descended, riding the wind. This was only because of the various restrictive enchantments of the Two Realms Mountain in this space; otherwise, Songlun felt that the earlier commotion would have surely shattered him, or prevented him from flying at all.

On a mountaintop within the mountain range, Zhong Pingxiu sat cross-legged, eyes closed, his face serene. One hand formed a seal while the other slowly pressed downwards. The tremors of the Two Realms Mountain continued, but they were gradually subsiding. By then, Songlun had landed on the mountaintop. Traversing the now-numbing mountain path, he slowly walked to Zhong Pingxiu's back and waited quietly.

After roughly half a day, the rumbling vibrations finally subsided. Zhong Pingxiu slowly withdrew his magical power and gently opened his eyes.

"The Two Realms Mountain suddenly grew by a hundred *zhang* again. I suppressed its growth to just three inches, stabilizing its foundation to prevent it from collapsing."

Songlun looked around. The Two Realms Mountain was quiet, but the recent heavy tremors had made the distant aura appear somewhat distorted.

"Master, this is the twelfth time this year, isn't it? So frequent... your magical power..."

Zhong Pingxiu smiled. "It's fine. We've managed for over a thousand years; it's just a bit more frequent now! You returned suddenly, have you brought anything for your master?"

Songlun then took out the six volumes of *Yellow Springs* from his sleeve and respectfully handed them to Zhong Pingxiu, who was still seated on the mountaintop. "Master, these are the six volumes of *Yellow Springs*, published by Haoran Academy. Both Mr. Ji and the Sage of Literature have written prefaces for it."

"*Yellow Springs*?" Zhong Pingxiu frowned slightly, took the books, placed them on the ground, and picked up the top volume, opening its pages. "Wang Li? Who is this person?"

Songlun, of course, had some understanding of those who had written prefaces for *Yellow Springs*, so he could answer naturally. "He seems to be a moderately renowned scholar from Da Zhen, revered as a master of fiction. He specializes in the art of novel writing and is also very skilled at storytelling, often visiting teahouses for enjoyment. Although he should be a mortal, his involvement in *Yellow Springs* and the fact that the stories within seem to be his work make your disciple doubt if he is truly a mortal."

Zhong Pingxiu made a quick calculation with his fingers, then shook his head. "One can only say he's neither an immortal cultivator nor a demon, but certainly not a mere mortal, no, not a mere mortal... This Xin Wuya, is he the Underworld Emperor you mentioned?"

"Yes, it is he. This book is deeply connected to the Underworld, so his name appearing in the preface is not surprising. It's just unclear what Mr. Ji's true intentions are."

Others might not know, but Songlun understood that Mr. Ji was undoubtedly the primary reason for this book's publication.

"Mr. Ji certainly has his own motives. And I'm feeling a bit weary myself, so allow me to finish reading it first."

"Yes, Master!"

With that, Zhong Pingxiu sat on the mountaintop and began to read. After receiving his instruction, Songlun waited nearby, not simply standing idly, but setting up a small table and continuously taking out pastries, fruits, and other snacks from his sleeve. While the pastries fared well, some juicy and crisp fruits would often crack open on their own as soon as they were placed on the table, their moisture seeping out, due to the immense gravity of the Two Realms Mountain. Fortunately, Zhong Pingxiu wasn't particular; he ate the broken pastries by hand and gnawed on the cracked fruits just the same. Throughout the entire process, he seemed fully absorbed in the book.

One volume, two volumes, three volumes... "Wonderful, truly wonderful!"

Zhong Pingxiu read with great enjoyment. Although there was no day or night on Boundless Mountain, he effectively read non-stop, day and night, finishing all six volumes in one sitting over several days. When Zhong Pingxiu closed the last book, he looked at the table and realized there were only five volumes remaining, all already read, with no new ones.

"What about the rest?"

Songlun, who had been waiting by his side, quickly replied. "Replying to Master, there are currently only six volumes of *Yellow Springs*. However, your disciple also believes there must be more, though they haven't been released publicly."

Zhong Pingxiu showed slight disappointment but still exclaimed. "The brilliance of this book lies in its entire narrative revolving around Yellow Springs. Each story and illustration complements the others, bringing them vividly to life. Furthermore, it integrates literary style with the profound mysteries of heaven and earth. It is truly a divine book for all to read! But this Yellow Springs..."

Songlun listened intently as Zhong Pingxiu paused before continuing. "Reading this book, besides appreciating its profound insights, I always feel as if the Yellow Springs itself is about to flow out from these stories, from these illustrations..."

"Your disciple feels the same way. I even specifically visited a local Underworld domain to check, but there was no sign of the Yellow Springs. However, it was clear that many of the ghost gods there had also read *Yellow Springs*, and they seemed quite suspicious themselves. It appeared the underworld couriers were all searching for traces of the Yellow Springs in various parts of the netherworld."

Zhong Pingxiu's gaze shifted, returning to the book in his hands. "There are also stories that mention souls dispersing for rebirth and reincarnation into the next life. If this is merely Mr. Wang's own beautiful wish, then his imagination is truly astonishing. But if it's Mr. Ji's intention, then there's more to it than meets the eye. It seems I need to read it a few more times!"

Songlun, standing nearby, hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Master, the trees that grow on Boundless Mountain are all ironwood and silver blossom. I heard that the Martial Sage Zuo Wuji still doesn't have a suitable weapon, and he prefers to use a staff. Your disciple wonders if there's a fitting tree on Boundless Mountain?"

Zhong Pingxiu instinctively turned his head, looking towards a distant peak. On it stood a withered old tree. It had been dead there since he first discovered Boundless Mountain and began his cultivation. It still stood on that mountainside, having endured countless years of immense pressure and numerous lightning strikes.

"If you happen to encounter the Martial Sage, and if he still lacks a suitable weapon then, you may, at your discretion, bring him to Boundless Mountain. If he has the ability to take that tree, then he may have it as a weapon."

"But Master, how could a martial artist move that tree? Even if he is a Martial Sage..."

Zhong Pingxiu chuckled. "Since he's so particular about his choice, his discerning eye is naturally high. With such discernment comes the need for corresponding ability. If he cannot move this tree, it will simply serve to humble the esteemed Martial Sage a little more."

"Understood! May your disciple take his leave now?"

Songlun said no more. He would cultivate for a while in the mountain before departing.

"Go on."

Zhong Pingxiu casually dismissed him, then continued reading. As he read for the second time, he noticed more subtleties. The waters of the Yellow Springs depicted in the book's illustrations seemed to flow slowly, and he could even hear the sound of waves, accompanied by periodic bursts of yin energy.

'Could it be that the legendary Yellow Springs is truly returning? Why would Mr. Ji publish this book...'

As he continued to look at the stories related to Yellow Springs in the six volumes, Zhong Pingxiu seemed to suddenly realize something. "How many people are reading this book?"

Songlun, who had not gone far, stopped and turned to answer. "Replying to Master, your disciple purchased it at Yuzhao Peak in Yuhai Mountain Immortal Port. It's circulating in Da Zhen and surrounding countries, though it's relatively scarce. However, the Wei clan head seems intent on distributing it widely across the land via flying boats. He has a keen interest in commerce, perhaps aiming to open up sales channels and exploit the strategy of 'goods scarce are goods dear.'"

Zhong Pingxiu's heart jolted. He sharply turned his head to look at Songlun. "Are you talking about Wei Wuwei?"

"Precisely!"

Zhong Pingxiu's eyes flickered, and the feeling in his heart was as if Boundless Mountain was still rumbling. "A grand scheme! Truly grand! As expected of Mr. Ji! As expected! This is the method of ancient deities, open and vast. In alignment, it harnesses the opportune time, favorable terrain, and the great forces of destiny. In opposition, it can overturn rivers and seas, transforming heaven and earth. Even if someone were to react, they would be powerless to stop it! Hahahaha, hahahaha—"

Zhong Pingxiu suddenly burst into loud laughter, his voice echoing throughout the Boundless Mountain area, shattering the residual distorted aftershocks of the earlier tremors.

"Master..."

"I'm fine, and you don't need to ask further. Now, go on."

"Yes, Master!"

Songlun had a hundred thousand questions in his mind, but since his master had spoken, he could only leave.

Approximately three months later, far away in the Spirit Control Sect of the Southern Barrens, the mysterious figure inside the Moon Azure Mirror, upon seeing the six volumes of *Yellow Springs*, was so startled that he leaped directly out of the mirror. "Yellow Springs?! Yellow Springs still exists? Is Yellow Springs returning? Ji Yuan found Yellow Springs? No! I must find Ji Yuan and ask him directly!"

The moment he saw this book, although the aura of Yellow Springs was faint, it felt as if it was sweeping over him from distant antiquity. Of course, he wasn't the only one so startled. While no one could say whether the potential reappearance of Yellow Springs was good or bad, everyone's hearts stirred with agitation.

During this time, *Yellow Springs* had also been circulated across the world via realm ferry services. In the mortal realm, scholars and literati flocked to it, and there were just as many admirers among immortals, Buddhas, and demons of various paths. Anyone with sufficiently profound cultivation would also experience an indescribable, special sensation.

Within Mount Heng, a mountain spirit, having taken human form, hurried to a giant peak and placed down a copy of *Yellow Springs*. "Lord Mountain God, you must read this book!"

The Mountain God's face appeared from the peak, seemingly with a half-smile. "Hmm, leave the book. You may go now."

"Yes, Lord!"