Chapter 989: Sword Books and Sword Books Are Different

The Yellow Springs not only emerged but also continuously gathered the collective will of humanity and cultivators from all realms, causing the Yellow Springs to grow increasingly powerful. Highly skilled cultivators, especially in the areas of the living world where the Yellow Springs flowed, distinctly felt an unusual shift in yin and yang.

For the ghost cultivators and Earth Store Monks who were the first to witness this scene and were still standing in Nether City, the shock was immeasurable.

Xin Wuyai gazed at the surging Yellow Springs water flowing from the distant misty depths and, looking at the faraway river, was the first among the ghost cultivators to regain his composure.

"Is this… the water of the Yellow Springs?"

The Earth Store Monk beside him also exclaimed.

"I did not expect the Yellow Springs to descend today of all days. This humble monk has arrived at just the right time. I hope the Emperor will grant my previous request!"

Xin Wuyai knew better than anyone that the premature descent of the Yellow Springs was likely connected to the eminent monk before him. He showed no disrespect but still spoke with caution.

"As long as Master Earth Store’s great vow is truly as you said, this Emperor will naturally do his utmost to assist and thank the Master for his compassion on behalf of all living beings under heaven!"

"Excellent, thank you, Emperor. With the Yellow Springs newly returned, the Netherworld will be bustling. As the source of the Yellow Springs and the Netherworld, this humble monk will also do his best to assist the Emperor."

"Thank you, Master!"

Xin Wuyai nodded and bowed to the Earth Store Monk, thinking that news of the Yellow Springs would soon spread throughout the world, and Mr. Ji would surely be informed. He also realized he needed to notify Mr. Ji about Master Earth Store’s presence.

Of course, Xin Wuyai was also keenly aware that immense pressure would surge like a tide towards Nether City and himself, the Netherworld Emperor. This pressure had arrived at least twenty years earlier than anticipated. While the descent of the Yellow Springs undoubtedly propelled changes in the Netherworld, this generational time difference meant the Netherworld was insufficiently prepared.

However…

Xin Wuyai stood with his hands clasped behind his back, watching the surging Yellow Springs water nearby. His tightly clenched fists, hidden within his imperial robes, trembled slightly with excitement. Though difficult, he was not afraid of this opportunity and challenge!

The appearance of the Yellow Springs could not be concealed. Wherever its waters flowed, all netherworld authorities would immediately know, followed by powerful cultivators, demons, and spirits who would also sense its presence.

The source of the Yellow Springs seemed to appear out of nowhere, and while the creation of its riverbed was not instantaneous, its speed was comparable to a flying cultivator. Often, before local netherworld authorities could even react, the surging Yellow Springs had already swept through and passed beyond their domain.

In a short time, the Yellow Springs, with its main stream and numerous tributaries, had already connected all the large and small netherworld realms within the Great Zhen territory, forming a unified Netherworld. This caused commotion among all deities and trepidation among all ghosts.

However, some major city gods within Great Zhen were startled but not panicked, as they had previously been in contact with Nether City regarding the potential arrival of the Yellow Springs, though they hadn't expected it so soon. Simultaneously, envoys from Nether City rapidly set out in all directions, following the paths carved by the Yellow Springs, to establish contact with various netherworld authorities.

Rumbling…

Compared to ordinary beings, those with the cultivation levels of Ji Yuan and Bodhisattva Fuyin Mingwang could subtly feel the shaking of heaven and earth at that moment. In some ways, it was similar to the feeling Ji Yuan had experienced before leaving Juran Small Pavilion this time, leaving him slightly dazed.

Ji Yuan and Bodhisattva Fuyin Mingwang each performed their calculations, and after a long while, both looked at “The Yellow Springs” scroll on the table before them.

"It seems that even Mr. Ji cannot predict many things."

Bodhisattva Fuyin Mingwang said this, and Ji Yuan nodded in deep agreement.

"Indeed, the descent of the Yellow Springs greatly exceeded my expectations. However, this may not be a bad thing. Although preparations might be slightly insufficient, when facing something like the Yellow Springs, no amount of preparation ever feels enough."

"That’s right. Moreover, in this humble monk’s opinion, while we are startled, we are not panicked. But those who secretly intend to sow chaos in heaven and earth will surely find the cause of this event even more unimaginable. Perhaps they will think Mr. Ji, you had made prior arrangements."

Ji Yuan showed a thoughtful expression. The old monk Fuyin’s words made perfect sense. While they were surprised by the appearance of the Yellow Springs, they were certainly not panicking, as this was something they had actively sought to promote.

For Ji Yuan’s adversaries, this event would definitely be a significant omen, prompting all sorts of speculations.

"Thank you for your guidance, Master. Now that the Yellow Springs has appeared, Master must believe what I said before, right?"

"How could this humble monk not believe it? Mr. Ji, rest assured, I hold some prestige in the Buddhist sect. With the death of the Seated Venerable, if heaven and earth change, I will do my utmost to assist, and the Buddhist followers will not be few."

"In that case, thank you, Master Fuyin! I should take my leave now."

Ji Yuan stood up and bowed to the old monk Fuyin again, sensing the changes in the celestial fate of heaven and earth, imagining how the surging Yellow Springs was now connecting various parts of the Netherworld and how long it would take to reach all corners of heaven and earth.

The old monk Fuyin also stood up and returned the bow.

"Mr. Ji, you will likely be going to many places. How about I handle the journey to various parts of Lanzhou for you?"

Ji Yuan did not stand on ceremony.

"Hahaha, Master, even if you hadn't mentioned it, I was considering it. I had originally intended to visit the Jade Fox Grotto-Heaven, but now I’m more inclined to go to the Southern Wilds first."

"Oh? The Pavilion of Heavenly Secrets?"

Ji Yuan shook his head, his expression serious.

"No, it's a place called the Spirit-Taming Sect. There's a fellow cultivator there who is likely one of those ancient remnants secretly aiming to cause chaos in the world. I had previously intended to trick him for a while to keep him stable, but now it seems unnecessary. I hope he’s still there!"

The old monk Fuyin's face instantly grew serious.

"Mr. Ji, according to what you said before, such a person must be extremely dangerous. Do you need this humble monk’s assistance?"

"No need. Master's prestige is more valuable. Helping me travel to various places is already a great help. As for that person, if he’s still there, I won't need the Master to intervene to eliminate him. By the way, when Master goes to the Jade Fox Grotto-Heaven, please take this book with you and give it to Tu Yi."

Bodhisattva Fuyin Mingwang looked at the scroll Ji Yuan handed him. The latter unrolled it slightly, revealing it to be a copy of “The Book of Swords,” also personally written by Ji Yuan, and deeply imbued with the essence of swordsmanship.

Without further words, Ji Yuan bid farewell to Bodhisattva Fuyin Mingwang and departed directly.

Bodhisattva Fuyin Mingwang watched Ji Yuan’s departing light, then looked at “The Book of Swords” in his hand, a smile spreading across his face.

"It seems this humble monk should go to the Jade Fox Grotto-Heaven first!"

A few days later, in the Jade Fox Grotto-Heaven, Tu Yi saw off Bodhisattva Fuyin Mingwang, who had come to deliver the books. Not only had their Jade Fox Grotto-Heaven received the last three volumes of “The Yellow Springs,” but Tu Yi personally had also received Ji Yuan’s “The Book of Swords.”

However, Bodhisattva Fuyin Mingwang did not tell Tu Yi what Ji Yuan had gifted, only smiling and saying it was best for him to read it privately, which made Tu Miao, the Nine-Tailed Fox who was also there to receive Bodhisattva Fuyin Mingwang, incredibly curious.

As soon as Bodhisattva Fuyin Mingwang left, Tu Miao, standing with Tu Yi at the entrance of the Jade Fox Grotto-Heaven, couldn't hold back. Although Bodhisattva Fuyin Mingwang had suggested Tu Yi read it privately, he hadn't strictly forbidden showing it to others.

"Tu Yi, what is this? Mr. Ji’s calligraphy?"

Tu Yi glanced at him, thought for a moment, then turned half his body, unrolling it slightly to look. He was immediately deeply shaken by the profound essence of swordsmanship within.

Both works sharing the name “The Book of Swords,” Tu Yi naturally couldn’t help but compare it to Tu Miao’s version. But after only just opening the scroll gifted by Ji Yuan for the first time, thinking of what Tu Miao had written, he found the latter quite laughable.

'If Tu Miao were to see this, his state of mind might be affected.'

"Are you sure you want to see it?"

"Why? Could Mr. Ji be planning something against me?"

Tu Miao's eyebrow twitched. Tu Yi shook his head.

"As long as you don't court death, then no. Since you want to see it, then take a look."

With that, Tu Yi openly unrolled “The Book of Swords” before their eyes. Tu Miao naturally leaned in curiously. The swordsmanship on the text deeply shook both of them, even containing traces of Ji Yuan’s final dream sword.

However, after the initial shock, and after standing at the entrance of the Jade Fox Grotto-Heaven for two days, reading through the entire “Book of Swords,” Tu Miao became extremely dejected, even dazed. While Tu Yi was still absorbed in the refined swordsmanship, Tu Miao turned and left, somewhat downcast.

As news of the Yellow Springs’ return spread rapidly, shaking netherworld authorities across the land, Ji Yuan had already rushed non-stop to the mountain range where the Spirit-Taming Sect was originally located. With his Dharma Eyes wide open, he scanned every part of the mountains.

Compared to when Seated Mingwang had seen the unoccupied Spirit-Taming Sect, now in Ji Yuan’s eyes, everything was a scene of ruin, with many mountains having collapsed.

The Spirit-Taming Sect had indeed left this place. It seemed that the Venerable, who had previously appeared so sincere, had now become very wary of him, Ji Yuan.

After observing with his Dharma Eyes for a moment, Ji Yuan was about to leave when he suddenly sensed something. He slightly tilted his head, listening intently. Faintly, he heard the echo of chanting.

'So Seated Mingwang perished here…'

Ji Yuan bowed towards the mountains below, then departed. Zuo Wuji was still in the Southern Wilds, a Martial Saint yet without a suitable weapon. Ji Yuan felt that Wei Wuwei had been right: the wood from Mount Liangjieshan would be very suitable.

Moreover, Zuo Wuji’s martial arts had probably reached their peak by now, and the terrifying gravity of Mount Liangjieshan was perfect for his training.