Chapter 563: Yellow Millet Sea Beast

Chapter 563: Yellow Loam Sea Beast

If the entire "Yellow Loam" were to be seen as an endless, shadowy ocean, then the dreamscapes artificially conjured would be the "sea beasts" dwelling within it.

Dreams vary in magnitude, and so too do the "sea beasts" they birth.

The minuscule ones resemble grains of sand—crude, mass-produced trinkets hawked by street vendors.

The colossal ones are akin to celestial mountains rising from the depths—manifestations of the abodes erected by the great sects of the Dao Order.

For those venturing into this shadowy sea, the paramount concern when converting one’s spiritual power into a vessel for navigation is avoiding collision with these sea creatures. To inadvertently trespass into another’s dream is trivial; the grave consequence, however, may well be shipwreck and the destruction of all life.

When a dreamscape fractures, it dissolves into fragments, sinking into the ocean’s abyss.

A closed realm, such as that of Zhao Yunlong, though never shattered, has severed its own vitality—akin to a dead reef, endlessly descending.

Upon reaching a certain depth, immense pressures will crush the "sea beasts" into dust, leaving no consciousness to survive.

Though the Yellow Loam has been established for decades, the "sea beasts" fashioned by the entire Ming Empire remain but a mere speck in its vast expanse.

The so-called "Soul-Lifting" involves employing specific "anchor points" to locate and pinpoint the auras of "sea beast" corpses.

Only a handful of "Skillful Swimmers" can achieve this—only they can momentarily linger in this bottomless, boundless sea to seek and dream.

The two figures seated opposite each other on this small boat are both "Skillful Swimmers."

Zou Siu Jiu fixed his gaze upon his companion with a displeased expression. The shadowy sea was limitless, yet Zhang Qingli had pinpointed his location with such precision—indicating that Zhao Yunlong’s sealed realm, now submerged, lay nearby.

Both had been guided here by "anchor points."

"Your ticket, my friend, was already paid. Otherwise, how could your boat have arrived here?"

Zhang Qingli’s hollow eyes slowly focused upon Zou Siu Jiu, his voice soft, even bowing respectfully without a trace of contention.

To an outsider, this display of courtesy might have concealed the simmering hostility between them in the mortal realm.

"Was it perhaps my offering of the 'Human Immortal Seat' in Xuanhuo’s possession that you deliberately left for us?"

Zou Siu Jiu furrowed his brow, struggling to decipher Zhang Qingli’s intent.

This was his first encounter with the titular abbot of the Tiandihou’s Ritual Inscription Institute, though he found no trace of the arrogance typical of the Zhang family. Yet he could not rule out that this man might be another cunning, deeply calculating individual.

Zhao Yunlong’s lineage as a descendant of Wudang was no secret, and the Leopard Mountain’s desire for his sanctuary had been anticipated.

In theory, if Zhang Qingli knew the "Human Immortal Seat" could serve as an anchor point, he would have seized it from Xuanhuo first, severing all possibilities of retrieving submerged realms.

Yet here was Zhang Qingli, leaving it behind. And Zou Siu Jiu had just arrived—meaning his counterpart had already determined Zhao Yunlong’s realm was nearby.

All signs pointed to Zhang Qingli having awaited him here deliberately.

What scheme did he harbour? Was this abbot of the Ritual Inscription Institute plotting to defect from Leopard Mountain, seeking an alliance with him for a grand betrayal of kin and country?

As these thoughts surged, Zou Siu Jiu’s gaze upon Zhang Qingli grew intense.

Before he could speak, Zhang Qingli stepped forward.

"Indeed, though my reasons for doing so are to discuss something with you face to face."

"I understand, I fully understand. Such matters cannot be spoken of openly. Should someone overhear, your position would be perilous."

Zou Siu Jiu spoke softly: "Rest assured, our policy has always been to treat captives kindly. After all, the fault lies with Leopard Mountain, not you. Even in the mire, a blue lotus can bloom. Should you aid us in guiding the way, your reward shall be generous."

"My friend, you misunderstand me."

Zhang Qingli regarded the bustling, scheming Zou Siu Jiu with an expression of helplessness.

"Misunderstood? Ah, I see—you’re haggling over price, are you? Of course, I’ll pay whatever is required!"

Zou Siu Jiu waved his hand grandly: "Name your terms, brother. Li Zhong, Chen Qisheng, and the Marquis Wu—they heed my every command. Whatever I agree to, it’s binding, word for word."

"Yet you fail to grasp my meaning."

Zhang Qingli rubbed his temples, his tone edged with irritation.

"Allow me to clarify: by leaving the 'Human Immortal Seat' for you, I merely sought to provide you an avenue of escape—not as you suppose, to defect from Leopard Mountain. Do you comprehend?"

"I thought the Zhang family had finally produced a decent offspring, but I was mistaken."

Zou Siu Jiu’s smile faded, his body leaning back, elbow braced against the boat’s edge, squinting at his counterpart.

"Since you offer no guidance, what business do you have here, calling me 'my friend'? What pretense are you invoking?"

Zhang Qingli frowned: "The Dao and Yin-Yang orders have long been intertwined, even collaborating to build the Yellow Loam. Thus, I address you as 'friend'—it is fitting."

"When your Yin-Yang order booted ours from the middle and drove off donkeys and carts, you never showed such regard for 'friendship.'"

Zou Siu Jiu had no patience for this slow-witted fool’s rambling about the ancient bonds between Dao and Yin-Yang, dismissing him with a wave: "Enough of these old superstitions and yellow-fevered calendars. Let’s get down to business."

"What do you mean?"

Clearly missing the subtext, Zhang Qingli failed to grasp the meaning behind Zou Siu Jiu’s words.

"Then you must be one of those 'immortals' who shun mortal affairs."

Zou Siu Jiu scoffed: "What game are you playing here?"

"My wish is for you all to temporarily set aside your grudge with Leopard Mountain and depart Jiangxi Province. As a condition, I may grant Chen Qisheng one opportunity to enter Zhao Yunlong’s sanctuary."

Zhang Qingli paused.

"But only under the supervision of my Ritual Inscription Institute’s disciples."

In the endless, roiling waters, on a lone boat:

Only the sound of waves lapping against the hull—no human voices.

Two figures, eyes locked, one filled with feigned sincerity, the other resembling a fool who’d stumbled from nowhere—awkward tension hung in the air.

Zou Siu Jiu finally asked: "Is that all?"

"That is all." Zhang Qingli nodded.

Zou Siu Jiu studied him with peculiar eyes, finally concluding this Zhang Qingli was no old fox—just a genuine, simpleton.

"You and I have never negotiated like this before."

Zou Siu Jiu sneered: "So you’re saying we should immediately draw swords and leave Jiangxi?"

"Exactly."

"To gain the chance to enter Zhao Yunlong’s realm?"

"If Chen Qisheng and Wudang are destined to meet, one chance suffices."

"And we must be watched?"

"Yes."

"Ha! You think we’re begging at your doorstep?"

"Not begging—survival." Zhang Qingli declared firmly.

Zou Siu Jiu recoiled, coldly asking: "Tell me truly—who do you mingle with in Tiandihou?"

"Zou, my friend, I follow Master Zhang Chongcheng in cultivation."

Zhang Qingli’s eyes flashed with anger, his tone sharp.

"So you’re not one of them. No wonder."

Zou Siu Jiu crossed his arms, scornful.

Zhang Qingli, swallowing his irritation, spoke softly: "Master Chongcheng’s teachings permit you all to depart Jiangxi without further interference. Your past transgressions may be forgiven, provided you leave Leopard Mountain’s sanctuary undisturbed."

"Not to mention you, the current 'Zhang Tian Shi' of Leopard Mountain, Zhang Chonglian, is already in communion with the Dao. What game are you playing with me, Zou? What riddles do you pose?"

Nei the passage, a certain figure named Shu Qiu replies with disdain: "He should slay the demon to dispel magic, to harness the true power of the great dragon and tiger. Yet Zhong Sheng is playing behind his back, scheming to undermine his authority. Wearing the great banner of great virtue, he boasts and steps over others to showcase his own stature. Oh, this isn't what I said, Shu Qiu. You've all become as birds in the sky, with internal squabbles? Why?"

"Cold-hearted Zhong Sheng, a great spirit of the heavens, impulsively acted without considering the bigger picture, yet failed to maintain the dignity of the dragon and tiger. Zhong Yue, the great spirit of the heavens, intervened to mediate the conflict—not internal strife, but to protect the clan."

"Those feigned words are just a series of lies, aren't they? You're not thinking about the overall situation?" He retorted, his voice steady, eyes blazing with resolve. "If you truly understand, this is merely the interest of the principal."

Shu Qiu stood proudly, his posture regal, and addressed Zhong Yue directly: "Let Zhong Sheng personally go to your mother's house. Bring along the Yangzhen and Zhang Qinghe, and confront them face-to-face. If you think this is a mere argument, you're already doomed!"

Shen Zhan's expression remained unreadable. "Shu Qiu, you're representing Li Qiang. You're not brave enough to stand up to him. Don't waste your time arguing here—if you can't handle this, you'll never survive!"

Shu Qiu's fingers pressed firmly against the bamboo slat, his nails pressing into the surface. "You're still clinging to the idea of being a mere pawn in this game. This isn't just about pride. You're about to destroy everything."

Nearby, Zhang Qinghe's gaze was cold. "Shu Qiu, you're no match for Li Qiang. Even if you looked like you were dreaming in the Yellow Mountains, you wouldn't understand the true meaning. Zhong Yue is already aware of your cunning. If you dare challenge him, you'll be caught."

Shu Qiu's voice rose, sharp and unyielding. "You're just another pawn in a game you don't understand. Don't waste your breath. If you can't handle this, you're already lost."

A single, sharp word echoed across the water: "This is a trick of the wind!"

A massive sea creature emerged from the depths, its body a shadow of gray, its movements slow and deliberate. Shu Qiu stepped forward, his stance unshaken. "You're still underestimating me, aren't you?"

Shu Qiu's eyes flashed with defiance. "You speak like a fool, but you're not alone. Zhong Yue has already seen your true intentions. You're just another shadow in the vast sea."

With a final, decisive motion, Shu Qiu raised the bamboo slat, its edges biting into the surface. The bamboo slat shattered, sending a shockwave through the water. The sea erupted in a cacophony of bubbles, the surface trembling as if something massive had breached the waves.

The creature emerged, its form towering and menacing, its gaze locking onto Zhang Qinghe. It lunged, a storm of fury in its eyes. The two clashed, their movements a blur of power and determination.

As the battle raged, a voice rang out across the waves—a haunting, resonant sound that seemed to come from the depths themselves. The bamboo slat, now a mere fragment, flickered with a faint glow. The sea calmed, the tension breaking like the surface of a storm.

Zhang Qinghe stood tall, her posture unbroken, the sea breeze carrying the scent of distant storms. She watched the battle unfold, her mind sharp with resolve. "This is more than a game. It's a test of strength—and of character."

The sea whispered secrets, and the mountains held their breath.