Chapter 418 - 49: Jade Snow Ice Banquet
The vast, boundless night sky blanketed the earth. The stars shone brilliantly, filling the air with a cold, serene silence.
Beneath the moonlight, a streak of fire pulled a magnificent chariot across the sky.
Within the flames was a majestic and extraordinary giant lion.
Not far away, a Celestial Crane Palace followed at a leisurely pace.
These were none other than Fang Cheng, Zhao Wuji, and the Qianmu Demon King.
As for Bing Wuyi and Lady Wei, Zhao Wuji had sent them back to the Eastern Wilderness.
The Qing Luo Demon King was severely injured and unfit for travel, so she was still recuperating inside the Qianmu Demon King’s Celestial Crane Palace.
Fang Cheng had matters to discuss with his two sons, so he was traveling alone in the Flying Celestial Chariot.
Inside the chariot, Fang Cheng summoned the brothers Jingyuan and Jingxuan and asked, "Is there any problem with the Talismans you obtained in the Great Tomb?"
Jingyuan nodded, took out three Talismans, and brought them together. The Talismans flared with brilliant light, transforming into a Celestial Book Jade Scroll. On it were written five elegant and extraordinary large words—
Celestial Demon Slaying Immortal Technique.
Fang Cheng frowned slightly. He took the Celestial Book Jade Scroll, opened it, and a flicker of doubt crossed his eyes.
This Celestial Demon Slaying Immortal Technique was based on a set of general principles and encompassed detailed cultivation methods for the five major realms: Sensation, Life Talisman, Life Soul, Dharma Aspect, and Tribulation Realm.
Following that was an appendix, the Ancient Ten Great Demon Saints Atlas, which could be used to cultivate a Demon Saint Illusion for use in combat.
Without a doubt, this was a top-tier Tier Five inheritance. Its value was comparable to the *Supreme Nine Heavens Mysterious Woman Evil-Slaying Secret Scroll*, and perhaps even greater!
The technique, personally created by the Great Tomb Master, was profound and powerful, surpassing even the *Ten Directions Netherworld Refining Hell Profound Skill* that Fang Cheng cultivated.
However, at a realm like Fang Cheng’s, there were only mediocre Cultivators, not mediocre Cultivation Techniques.
Even though he majored in the Ten Directions Netherworld Refining Hell Profound Skill, he still possessed the terrifying strength to dominate contemporary Cultivators of the same realm.
Fang Cheng then looked at Jingxuan and saw the three Talismans in his younger son’s hands combine into a glittering golden Buddhist Scripture.
*Infinite Light Buddha Scripture*.
Fang Cheng glanced at it and discovered that this was also an unfathomably profound Tier Five inheritance, covering cultivation up to the Peak of the Tribulation Realm. It involved both Dharma and Body Cultivation and contained numerous great Divine Techniques of the Buddhist Sect. Its value was immeasurable.
’What is the Great Tomb Master’s intention in secretly giving the two brothers a pair of Tribulation Realm inheritances?’
"Father, when Xuan and I were looking through this Cultivation Technique, a seed inexplicably formed in our Qi Seas. It’s actually able to circulate the technique on its own..."
Jingyuan said with a solemn expression.
Fang Cheng placed his hands on his two sons and carefully sensed their condition. As he expected, he found that the Magical Power within their bodies was continuously transforming.
Jingyuan’s was converting toward the Celestial Demon Slaying Immortal Technique, while Jingxuan’s was converting toward the Infinite Light Buddha Scripture.
"A Talisman Seed."
Fang Cheng sighed softly, withdrew his hands, and said to them, "Don’t panic. This is a gift left for you by that Tribulation Realm Great Power. With this Talisman Seed, it won’t be long before you can both refine your own Life Talismans."
Jingyuan asked in confusion, "I don’t understand that senior’s intention in doing this."
Fang Cheng pondered for a moment before saying, "By doing this, she has established a master-disciple bond with you. Perhaps she wishes to form a favorable connection with our Fang Family. However, for a being like her, this is likely just a casual move. In the future, when your Cultivation is accomplished, you can think about repaying this karma."
There was nothing he could do about it. Although he had Dharma Combat Power with the help of the Feather Divine Soldiers, the gap between him and the Great Tomb Master was simply too vast.
The other party had made this move without his knowledge. Whether it was out of goodwill or some ulterior motive, there was nothing he could change for the time being.
This was especially true for the Talisman Seeds in Jingyuan’s and Jingxuan’s Qi Seas. They were already "deeply rooted" and had fused with their Qi Seas.
The Talisman Seeds seemed to have a spirit of their own, automatically cultivating and slowly converting the Magical Power the two youths had previously accumulated, while also steadily strengthening it.
In the future, the Talisman Seeds’ transformation into Life Talismans was practically a matter of course.
Jingyuan and Jingxuan had no choice but to continue down this path.
"Don’t worry. No matter what happens in the future, I will take care of it for you."
A grim look flashed in Fang Cheng’s eyes.
...
The Flame Lion pulled the magnificent chariot across the sky for two days before finally reaching their destination.
They arrived at a gorgeously scenic river valley. Meltwater from distant ice-capped mountains flowed down, forming a valley that stretched for a thousand li.
The valley was lush with grass and trees, brimming with verdant life. Looking into the distance, one could see vast grasslands dotted with white wildflowers.
Farther on were groves of coniferous forests standing tall on the meadows, and higher still were the snow-capped mountains.
The sky was high and the clouds were thin. The snow-capped mountains, forests, grasslands, and river combined to form a beautiful, picturesque scroll.
This was the West Desolate Purple River Valley, and it was occupied by a Cultivation Family.
In the central part of the valley, the terrain flattened out, and the Purple River pooled into a lake a hundred li in circumference. The shores were covered in lush green grass, where Spirit Beasts and Spiritual Birds roamed and flew freely.
The chariot and the Celestial Crane Palace hovered above the lake’s surface. Zhao Wuji took out a Talisman Decree and activated it with his Magical Power. The Talisman transformed into a streak of light that fell into the lake, sending ripples spreading across the water.
Before long, a brilliant light flashed within the lake. A dozen or so Escape Lights emerged from the water and approached respectfully, bowing in unison. "We respectfully welcome Master Zhao!"
The leader was an old man in his seventies, dressed in a golden robe. He also had a Life Soul Cultivation, but his aura was slightly weak. It seemed he had barely managed to break through to the Life Soul realm as his lifespan was nearing its end.
The dozen or so people behind him all had Life Talisman Cultivation. They looked up at the palace and chariot in the sky with a mixture of apprehension and awe.
Zhao Wuji walked out of the Celestial Crane Palace with a blank expression, flicked his sleeve, and gestured for everyone to rise.
The golden-robed old man took out a Jade Pendant and pointed. A vortex immediately appeared in the lake below. As the vortex spun, a radiant, multicolored passageway materialized in the water.
"Master Zhao, this way, please!" the golden-robed old man said, bowing deeply.
At this time, Fang Cheng and the Qianmu Demon King also put away their Magical Artifacts and revealed themselves.
Zhao Wuji smiled. "Fellow Daoist Fang, there is a Water Mansion at the bottom of this lake with beautiful scenery and a unique charm. We shall stay here for a few days."
Fang Cheng nodded slightly.
Then, Zhao Wuji led Fang Cheng and the Qianmu Demon King into the watery vortex, escorted by the golden-robed old man.
Upon reaching the bottom of the lake, they indeed saw a sprawling Water Mansion. As far as the eye could see, there was a magnificent complex of palaces.
Seventy-two Water-Repelling Beads hung silently above the palaces, parting the lake water to support a massive dome. They shone like dazzling stars, illuminating the lakebed.
Within the Water Mansion were arrangements of rockeries and peculiar stones. The earth veins had been tapped to draw forth an emerald Spiritual Spring, and all sorts of rare flowers and exotic grasses were planted, giving it the grand air of an Immortal Family’s abode.
The seventy-two Water-Repelling Beads formed a Grand Array, continuously drawing Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi from the lake, creating a vast aura that enveloped the Water Mansion.
As they walked, Zhao Wuji explained to Fang Cheng, "Fellow Daoist Fang, this place has two Tier Three Spiritual Veins and an earth chasm. Years ago, while traveling through the Western Wilderness, I was fishing here and stumbled upon the profound mystery at the bottom of the lake. That’s when I had the idea to establish a personal manor. The Mo Family has been managing and looking after this place for me all these years."
Behind them, the group of Mo Family Cultivators was secretly astonished to see Zhao Wuji being so deferential and respectful toward Fang Cheng.
The group arrived at the most magnificent and beautiful grand hall in the Water Mansion and took their seats as host and guests.
The Mo Family Patriarch accompanied them, while the other Mo Family Cultivators all stood guard outside the hall.
Fang Cheng surveyed the hall’s furnishings and chuckled. "Mr. Zhao, you certainly know how to live. Both this river valley and the Water Mansion are like a paradise. It must be a great pleasure to come here to relax and unwind in your spare time."
According to the plan the three of them had agreed upon, in a few days, Zhao Wuji’s mole inside the Qiankun Saint Sect would lure Tenth Elder Chen Chizhong here. That would be the time for them to act!
In the meantime, they just needed to hide in the Water Mansion in the river valley and wait quietly.
Zhao Wuji exchanged a few pleasantries, then turned his head to the golden-robed old man, Mo Yuan, and said, "Let the banquet begin."
The old man acknowledged the order and clapped his hands lightly.
From behind the main hall, more than a dozen Maids walked out gracefully, carrying Jade Discs. They served a variety of Spiritual Cuisine, melons, fruits, fine wine, and other delicacies, all of which were fresh, exquisite, and quite distinctive.
A moment later, with the sound of flutes and songs, a group of beautiful young women glided into the hall from outside and began to dance slowly to the music.
These women had pure Spiritual Qi and beautiful features. Dressed in magnificent palace gowns with long, flowing sleeves, they danced with smiling, cherry-like lips. Their graceful movements, slender waists, and long legs exuded charm.
"Fellow Daoist Fang, Demon King, please!"
Zhao Wuji raised his wine cup and toasted Fang Cheng and the Qianmu Demon King.
The two of them returned the toast with a smile.
The group drank wine and sampled the Spiritual Cuisine while admiring the women’s graceful dancing, finding it all quite pleasing to the eye.
Mo Yuan quietly introduced them to Fang Cheng from the side. "Honored guest, these women were all carefully selected and trained from within my family. They are well-versed in poetry and song, and proficient in zither, Go, calligraphy, and painting..."
Among the group was a Female Cultivator who had reached the Mid-Life Talisman Stage. Her appearance surpassed all the others; her figure was exquisitely curved, her waist was slender, and her legs were full and long. Her nimble and graceful dancing was particularly eye-catching.
Fang Cheng’s gaze fell upon this woman, and he couldn’t help but look a few extra times.
Mo Yuan quietly took note of this.
Soon after, the dance ended. The group of women curtsied and slowly withdrew from the grand hall.
Mo Yuan spoke again, "Master Zhao, honored guests, my Mo Family has one more dish, the Jade Snow Ice Banquet, which is now ready."
Zhao Wuji nodded. "Bring it in."
Mo Yuan made a gesture, and in an instant, twelve Maids walked in gracefully, carrying three huge Jade Discs.
Four of the Maids carried one Jade Disc straight to Fang Cheng and set it down gently.
On the Jade Disc was a spread of fresh, vibrant flowers. Amidst the blossoms, a fair, smooth-skinned woman lay quietly, her whole body like a white porcelain plate.
Her exquisitely curved, graceful body was adorned with petals and leaves, covering certain parts. In other places, it was garnished with exquisite Spirit Fish treasures, perfect in color, aroma, and taste.
Her snowy skin, full and rounded curves, and long, slender, jade-like legs were all displayed before Fang Cheng.
Fang Cheng looked at the woman’s face, and his heart stirred slightly.
’It’s the one from the group of dancers who caught my eye the most!’
The woman’s beautiful eyes were slightly closed, and her entire being was as still as a stone or jade carving. A faint, cold air emanated from her body, enveloping the Spiritual Cuisine on her, while a light, fresh fragrance filled the air, bringing a sense of peace to one’s heart.
Fang Cheng was slightly taken aback. He hadn’t expected the Mo Family’s Jade Snow Ice Banquet to be so sensual.
"Honored guest, this Jade Snow Ice Banquet must be presented on a virgin Female Cultivator. We usually select some Loose Cultivator Tripod Furnaces, but only when entertaining esteemed guests do we have a woman from our own clan serve personally."
Mo Yuan said slowly.
...