Ch2 - The First Under the Heavens

Edited by Elanor

When these six grand-disciples sect masters heard these words from Shen Qingxian, different thoughts raced through their minds.

Zeng Ziliang: This is bad, this is bad, if the Esteemed Lord knows we planned to discuss the Dao with that Demonic Emperor, he’s certainly going to be even more furious! 5PFQl

The group of four people who had raised their hands: Seconded.　

Ye Zhan, as the only one who had consistently opposed attending, at this moment was immensely pleased with himself: You bunch of trash, just wait for your punishment!

Chrysanthemum Garden.

The Esteemed Lord had asked, so even though they were utterly terrified, they had to say something.

Zeng Ziliang could only brace himself: “That Demonic… Demonic cultivator issued the invitation himself.” C4 fja

Shen Qingxian then asked: “Where will it be held?”

Trembling in fear, Zeng Ziliang answered: “The Fantastical Ashland and Astral Sea.”

This was the boundary between the righteous path and the demonic cultivators. Walking across the Astral Sea led to the Heavenly Dao, crossing the Fantastical Ashland led to the Heart Domain.

Shen Qingxian glanced at them: “By receiving this invitation, you are planning to go and attend?”

He finally asked!　

It was almost as if the blade that was hanging over their heads had finally fallen – slicing their necks, with fresh blood splattering everywhere!

But since things had already reached this point, Zeng Ziliang could only honestly take responsibility.

However, before Zeng Ziliang could open his mouth, Ye Zhan first rushed to say: “They all intend on going.” iBRs4d

He could finally complain! This millennium-old great sect master, seen as stern and awe-inspiring by all the younger generations of disciples, at this moment became a seven year old child.

Although in Shen Qingxian’s eyes, these six mighty powers really weren’t much different from little children.

Ye Zhan wanted to continue happily “reporting the guilt of the others”, however, Shen Qingxian spoke again: “All of you are going?”

“I…” Ye Zhan was just about to show off his loyalty by expressing his steadfast resolve to not attend the meeting, when Shen Qingxian already continued unhurriedly to say: “Since all of you are going, then I’ll go too.” VX7RwK

Zeng Ziliang raised his head abruptly: “!!!”

Ye Zhan almost couldn’t catch his breath!

What’s going on?

The hearts of these six people drummed with anxiety and apprehension, unable to grasp the meaning behind the Esteemed Lord’s words. 0WoBfZ

Shen Qingxian then asked: “When is the date of the meeting?”

Zeng Ziliang respectfully replied: “Seven days from now.”

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Shen Qingxian was satisfied: “Very well, all of you first go back to prepare.”

We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.

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Even after Zeng Ziliang and the others departed from Wanxiu Mountain, they had not yet recovered from their shock.

“Prepare?” Cheng Jing murmured, “How should we prepare?”

Although these simple words were spoken quietly, they ignited the hearts of the other five people.

Zeng Ziliang’s eyes darkened and beads of sweat trickled down on his forehead; Ye Zhan’s eyes lit up and he clenched his fists, already feeling very eager for battle. iLDdv6

At this moment, the six people all believed they finally understood the Esteemed Lord’s meaning!

Ye Zhan excitedly said: “This is to make those demonic cultivators never return to where they came from!”

Zeng Ziliang has always been comparatively cautious. He shut his eyes: “Since this is the Esteemed Lord’s intention, we have to make full preparations.”

No wonder the Esteemed Lord did not become angry when he heard they were attending. No wonder the Esteemed Lord asked whether Gu Jianshen was going or not. fibAre

In seven days, the Fantastical Ashland and Astral Sea would surely become the site of a fierce battle.

With the presence of Esteemed Lord Lianhua, the Heavenly Path was fearless. No matter how presumptuous and arrogant that Lord Jiuyuan was, he definitely wouldn’t be able to take any advantage from the Esteemed Lord!

The first and foremost in the Heavenly Path.

The first and foremost in the Heart Domain. LatnND

This discussion of the Dao at the Fantastical Ashland and Astral Sea would decide who was the First under the Heavens!

“I will be taking my leave.” Zeng Ziliang cupped his fist and bid farewell to the other five people. With the same hurried expressions on all their faces, the other five people were also eager to go back to their own respective sects.

Seven days… was really too tight of a time frame.

Although they could only watch the battle between these two powers, it was already incredibly dangerous just to stand on the scene! Not to mention the impractical actions like trying to help; they wanted to use all their efforts to protect their disciples and themselves from being swept to death by the aftershocks! uW9oXH

There was truly too little time!　

At Null Direction Sect, Zeng Ziliang convened the four great elders to open the secret treasury and took out the ancient artifact——the Null Direction Sword!

Chrysanthemum Garden.

At Thousand Crane School, Cheng Jing walked into the ancient Ice Valley and awakened the sleeping Divine Beasts!

At Dipped Moon Sect, Mu Rong took numerous alchemical elixirs and entered closed-door cultivation, aiming to break through the bottleneck to the last layer of his secret technique within this extremely short period of time! Rt4WQd

At Star Sign School….

At Caged Sea Pavillion….

At Meridian Monastery….

Within this short period of time, the Six Great Sects of the cultivation world moved in-sync to take out their most powerful magic weapons one after another, for the sake of surviving this upcoming fierce battle! aU90OP

Don’t blame the sect masters for their big brain holes. After all, compared to the truth, their speculations could not be more normal—they could even be called the ‘normal’ definition of normal!

————

On Wanxiu Mountain, amidst the surrounding mists, a small peach blossom had absorbed enough spiritual energy to gain sentience. Stretching its petals, its tender body broke away from the branch and drifted through the air.

Heavenly Listening Hall was the perfect embodiment of elegance. From the cold jade stairs to the blue glazed tiles, every single aspect was elegant and refined. It was not magnificent or luxuriant, but any who beheld it would feel peace in their hearts and behave according to the rules. JSb83o

This small spiritual blossom originally had a mischievous personality, but at this time, it was significantly more cautious and reserved. It followed the trail of strong spiritual energy to walk forward. Within a large expanse of night orchids, it beheld that eternally captivating and enchanting figure.

Just a glimpse of this person’s profile, the small spiritual flower had a moment of enlightenment towards the Great Dao.

With the passing of a cool breeze, the spiritual flower transformed into a small child kneeling amidst the flowers. His sweet voice was filled with faithful devotion: “My Lord.”

Shen Qingxian briefly glanced at him and said: “In the future, you will be called Su Yu.” YPdl4r

Happiness appeared on the small child’s face as he kowtowed: “Thank you for bestowing me a name, My Lord!”

Wanxiu Mountain was a land abundant in fine spiritual energy, and Shen Qingxian possessed the “Myriad Spirits” constitution. As a result, spiritual creatures here frequently gained consciousness and awakened to the Great Dao.

Shen Qingxian had seen it was a peach blossom spirit and therefore gave it the name Su Yu, originating from the poem “The night rain rests in red peach petals.”

Su Yu wanted to go forward to wait upon him, but Shen Qingxian waved him away: “Go and have a rest.” Irg xJ

Disappointment appeared on Su Yu’s face, but he could only retreat and leave.

Since Su Yu had just awakened to the Dao, Shen Qingxian was taking pity on him, out of fear he would miss the opportunity to fully concentrate and polish his understanding of the Dao.

Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.

Of course, it was also because…Shen Qingxian had his own business to take care of.

After the little peach blossom departed, Shen Qingxian paid attention to the jade scroll in his hand once again. v3DMQS

Upon initially reading “1. Meet with Gu Jianshen”, Shen Qingxian’s idea was about the same as his own grand-disciples. He thought restoring the Heavenly Staircase was to eliminate the demons to guard the Dao.

He and Gu Jianshen could be said as old acquaintances. When they were young, they had even been in the same sect for a very short period of time.

At that time however, Shen Qingxian had already started to prove himself and was cultivating outside. Gu Jianshen had stayed at Wanxiu Mountain for two years, before disappearing without a trace.

Shen Qingxian remembered this because his Shifu had once lamented: “A child blessed by the heavens, a pity he has a defiant nature.” QowDfY

At that time, Shen Qingxian had not taken this to heart. It was only when his Shifu ascended and the Heart Domain endlessly expanded overnight, did he understand the deep meaning behind those words.

Gu Jianshen possessed impressive talent, yet a rebellious nature.

Wanxiu Mountain cultivated a path that followed the Heavens, but his mind was full of questions and doubts, choosing to follow only the desires of his heart.

With this disharmonious Daoist heart, he could likely never succeed in cultivation. Originally, Shen Qingxian had thought he would decline and fall there. He didn’t expect that Gu Jianshen would take a different approach, his extraordinary skills shone in the Heart Domain. 5taQos

After that, Shen Qingxian never really met with him. Still, this name was engraved into Shen Qingxian’s mind.

Could it be… the will of the heavens was asking him to personally strike down this traitor?

Just as he was thinking this, another line of words appeared on the jade scroll: “2. Drink and get drunk with Gu Jianshen.”

Shen Qingxian pondered: Take advantage of him being drunk and kill him? yEHU5Z

Without much delay, yet another line of words appeared on the jade scroll: “3. Tour the Fantastical Ashland and Astral Sea with Gu Jianshen.”

Shen Qingxian: Make him sink into the Astral Sea? That is indeed a fitting “final destination.”

The jade scroll couldn’t resist it any longer, another line of words popped up: “4. Do not bear killing intent towards Gu Jianshen.”

Shen Qingxian: “……” fxlhYy

After the jade scroll had to send so many lines of text in one breath, it seemed to be tired. The previous constantly flickering light was extinguished in an instant.

Shen Qingxian thought about it some more: Not to kill him, but conversion?

Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.

This time the jade scroll did not produce any more words; it looked to be truly “tired”.

Well, it was enough—Shen Qingxian had already obtained what he wanted. qLwTz3

It seemed that as long as the rays of light didn’t flicker, it had no way to pry into his thoughts.

Shen Qingxian softly touched the jade scroll, a smile playing at the corner of his mouth.

Actually having the ability to enter his sea of consciousness… This was indeed an interesting thing.

Restore the Heavenly Staircase? kUdpGW

For the time being, he’ll first try it out.

————

Seven days passed in the blink of an eye. The grand-disciples, great-grand-disciples, and great-great-grand-disciples were all ready to leave, solemnly arranged into the Heavenly Path’s highest fighting strength!

Upon entering the Astral Sea, amidst the glittering light of dawn, all the people present bowed in salute. 8PxE4Q

Shen Qingxian was still dressed in that simple and plain, peaceful and quiet appearance. Yet his existence covered the Astral Sea’s unparalleled brilliance.

No one dared to look at the Esteemed Lord’s features, and there was no need to look. In front of this supreme mighty being, everything else was mere fabrication.

The Astral Sea was luminescent azure in color, while the Fantastical Ashland was a deep black.

On the side of the luminescent azure, a figure in white became the clearest and brightest radiance. 1najYU

On the side of the deep black, a figure in crimson became the strongest and most tyrannical presence.

————-

Zaki~~ I left the raws for the names of the 6 Sects and schools. Anyone wants to suggest names for the sects or schools basing on the raws are welcome.. please comment your suggestions 🙂 thankies!