BOOK 2: CHAPTER 412: AN ARROW IMPOSSIBLE TO STOP, LU CLAN’S DIRECT DESCENDANTS

Vol 2 Chapter 412: An Arrow Impossible to Stop, Lu Clan’s Direct Descendants

Zheng Fa walked from Shi Nandang’s residence toward the Three Palaces, feeling troubled.

He came to Haori Mountain intending to infiltrate the Tianhe Sect, but this was not up to him—it depended on when Immortal Yun would depart and whether that person was willing to take him along.

Besides that, he had another goal at Haori Mountain: to explore the secret realm and see if he could figure out the current situation of Lu Mo.

But he hadn’t acted rashly. Haori Mountain definitely had formations, and he was carrying suspicion on him;

recently, he’d been quite conspicuous, so Immortal Yun might be watching him.

Acting recklessly would risk exposure.

Zheng Fa had been cultivating quietly at his residence for several days. Today, when he went out, it was Immortal Yun who sought him again.

“Master Shi!”

As he ascended the jade steps, someone called out to him via sound transmission.

Zheng Fa looked up and saw a stranger disciple walking down the steps.

A Nascent Soul stage cultivator—Zheng Fa didn’t recognize him, and judging by the robe, he wasn’t from the Three Clans.

This disciple’s lips didn’t move, and his gaze didn’t even fall on Zheng Fa, seeming very ordinary as he brushed past him.

Yet Zheng Fa was certain this person had just called his name—only once.

He glanced at the disciple’s back once more and then continued walking upward.

Soon, two or three more disciples greeted him similarly, all non-direct descendants of the Three Clans.

Of course, not everyone acted this way;

most still kept their distance.

Zheng Fa felt somewhat emotional but didn’t dwell on it and walked straight to the entrance of the Three Palaces.

“Disciple Shi Nandang requests an audience.”

“Enter.”

Inside the palace, Immortal Yun sat alone on a high seat, looking at Zheng Fa with a complicated gaze.

It seemed that after two or three days of thought, he had formed new ideas about him.

Zheng Fa stepped inside, and Immortal Yun calmly said, “You exceeded my expectations.”

Before Zheng Fa could speak, Immortal Yun added, “But if you want to keep your life, that’s still not enough.”

“Please, Patriarch, show me the way.”

“The Luo Clan.”

Zheng Fa understood clearly and said nothing, only nodding.

Immortal Yun didn’t elaborate further;

he waved his hand, dismissing him.

Watching Zheng Fa’s figure gradually disappear, the Yun Clan cultivator who had been outside came back out.

“Holy Patriarch, isn’t this a bit too risky?”

Immortal Yun turned his head, seemingly gazing at Haori Mountain’s rear. After a long silence, he said, “Too long.”

“Holy Patriarch?”

“He achieved the Demon Ancestor’s path. We waited.”

“Then achieving the Buddha Ancestor’s path, I waited again.”

“But Luo Clan Junior Disciple wants me to wait once more.” Immortal Yun’s voice grew colder. “Why?”

The hall fell silent.

After the time it took to drink a cup of tea, the Yun Clan cultivator said, “But Shi Nandang’s thoughts are unpredictable.”

“He has the strength, and he is naturally at odds with the Luo Clan.”

“What if he causes a major incident?”

“Just Corpse Liberation stage.”

Confidence filled Immortal Yun’s tone.

Immortal Yun was somewhat brave.

Zheng Fa left the Three Palaces, still pondering the other party’s reasoning.

As far as he knew, the key to resurrecting Luo Sanxian lay in resources and Luo Clan cultivators.

Resources were naturally controlled by Immortal Yun. Previously, he seemed to be making excuses to delay, which caused some controversy.

Now, he wanted to use Zheng Fa as a pawn to stir up trouble for the Luo Clan.

No one knew what exactly he intended.

Although he knew Immortal Yun was using him, Zheng Fa was quite willing.

If something could throw Haori Mountain into chaos, he wanted to help no matter what.

“We must speed up the resurrection of the Holy Patriarch.”

In a cave dwelling, several Luo Clan cultivators gathered to discuss.

The speaker was Luo Gan.

He was a direct descendant of the Luo Clan, at the Corpse Liberation stage, and one of the thirteen Soul Formation cultivators who had besieged Shi Nandang that day.

“Master Yun’s selfishness is excessive.”

“This era, our relationship with the Yun Clan has always been uneasy.”

“No matter. No matter what Master Yun does, he can only delay for a bit. Once the Holy Patriarch is resurrected, all will be well.”

“And what about Shi Nandang?”

“Just a madman. Let him have a day or two. When the Holy Patriarch is resurrected...”

As they spoke, a Luo Clan cultivator hurried in, his face pale with panic.

“What’s the panic about?”

“Shi Nandang!”

“What happened to him?”

“He sent a battle challenge!”

Luo Gan leapt up, eyes burning with fury.

“Bring it!”

The disciple held out a challenge paper with both hands.

Luo Gan opened it and found only one sentence:

“The grievance from the other day remains unresolved. Prepare for three days. In three days, I, Shi Nandang, will come to seek your teachings—Luo Gan.”

Luo Gan’s face turned ashen. He cursed, “How dare Shi Nandang insult me!”

The disciple added, “This paper...”

“What about it?”

“This paper was shot by Shi Nandang onto the cave dwelling’s entrance.” The disciple whispered. “Many disciples saw it.”

The cultivators inside the cave instantly erupted with rage and curses.

After a moment of silence, Luo Gan sighed, “We have no choice but to accept.”

“If we avoid it, how can the Luo Clan raise its head in the future?”

“Even the clan members will lose their spirit.”

Another Luo Clan Soul Formation cultivator nodded, “Shi Nandang gave us three days’ preparation. It seems like he’s allowing us to gather spirit treasures and magical tools, but he’s also backed us into a corner.”

“Probably Master Yun supporting him behind the scenes.”

Luo Gan thought for a moment, then said, “Shi Nandang’s arrows are sharp, but not invincible.”

“I remember, the clan still has a defensive spirit treasure! It was personally forged by the Patriarch back then!”

Three days later, Zheng Fa arrived in front of Luo Gan’s cave dwelling.

Luo Gan was already waiting there.

Outside the cave, over a hundred disciples watched, including many from the Lu and Yun Clans.

More were non-Three Clans disciples.

Seeing Zheng Fa come, their eyes showed complicated emotions.

Countless tens of thousands of years ago, even hundreds of thousands, he was the only cultivator from outside the Three Clans to challenge the direct descendants of the Three Clans at Haori Mountain.

Zheng Fa walked to the crowd’s center but didn’t focus on Luo Gan. Instead, he looked at another Luo Clan cultivator at Corpse Liberation stage.

The Luo Clan members were stunned.

Luo Gan said, “Your opponent is me.”

“I know,” Zheng Fa nodded. “But my next opponent is him.”

Everyone was stunned. Luo Gan turned this phrase over in his mind twice before understanding, his face flushing red.

“Arrogant!”

Red light bloomed from him. His Yang Spirit arm bore a Five-Dragon Ring.

Even more remarkable, in front of his Yang Spirit body was a spirit shield flashing with bright blue light.

Some Lu Clan members recognized this spirit treasure.

“Didn’t expect Luo Gan to bring this out.”

“What shield is that?”

“The Black Tortoise Shield, the defensive spirit treasure forged by Patriarch Luo. It’s said to be indestructible below Dao Fruit stage.”

Their eyes grew reverent looking at the Black Tortoise Shield.

Haori Mountain always prided itself on artifact forging secrets.

Not to mention Luo Sanxian was at Dao Fruit level;

even this early spirit treasure of his was no ordinary item.

“Shi Nandang is getting a bit overconfident.”

Zheng Fa heard their comments and looked curiously at the Black Tortoise Shield, feeling a bit envious.

After reaching Soul Formation, he had some ideas about forging spirit tools, but he still couldn’t compare to Haori Mountain’s experience.

Luo Gan seemed to misunderstand his gaze and coldly said, “Afraid?”

Zheng Fa snapped back to reality and nodded at Luo Gan.

“If you’re afraid...”

“No need to compensate if it breaks, right?”

Zheng Fa muttered, “If the Trapping Immortal Sword breaks, it’s my fault. If this Black Tortoise Shield breaks...”

Between the lines, he insulted Luo Sanxian again.

How could Luo Gan tolerate this?

He threw the Five-Dragon Ring high toward Zheng Fa’s head.

Zheng Fa nocked an arrow and shot.

The Five-Dragon Ring fell to the ground with a clatter.

Luo Gan groaned and the Black Tortoise Shield on his chest met the golden arrow.

A divine beast, the Black Tortoise, faintly appeared on the shield.

Golden and blue light exploded before everyone’s eyes.

Water and fire energies surged over them. Everyone felt extreme heat and cold alternately. Even Soul Formation masters had to raise their protective spiritual light.

When the light faded, everyone looked between Zheng Fa and Luo Gan.

They all widened their eyes.

The golden arrow had vanished, but the Black Tortoise Shield lay on the ground, sharing fate with Luo Gan’s Five-Dragon Ring.

Luo Gan’s face was golden-purple, as if his soul had suffered some damage.

Zheng Fa stood calmly, his expression indifferent.

Zheng Fa’s gaze returned to the Black Tortoise Shield and nodded, “Not broken.”

This spirit shield honestly wasn’t suited for this level of battle power.

But three days was not enough time for Luo Gan to fully control this treasure.

After speaking, Zheng Fa’s nine-bright Yang Spirit condensed another golden arrow, pointing it at Luo Gan.

“I admit defeat!”

Luo Gan gritted his teeth and said.

Zheng Fa nodded lightly and looked at the Luo Clan Soul Formation cultivator nearby, kindly asking, “Are three days enough?”

The Luo Clan Soul Formation cultivator was momentarily at a loss for words.

“Those above Soul Formation in the Luo Clan are all in seclusion!”

In the Three Palaces, the Yun Clan cultivator joyfully said, “Shi Nandang is truly formidable, earning the nickname ‘Haori Mountain’s Hard to Face.’”

Immortal Yun was also somewhat surprised.

Recently, Shi Nandang had nearly challenged every Luo Clan Soul Formation cultivator one by one.

At first, some accepted the challenge.

But no one could withstand Shi Nandang’s arrow.

Later, most Luo Clan Soul Formation cultivators claimed seclusion and hid.

Now, those above Soul Formation were either recuperating or secluded.

Those who had been pestering him before had all disappeared.

Thinking of this, he felt very pleased and said, “Shi Nandang is indeed a good weapon.”

“However, there are some opinions within the clan. Shi Nandang is too arrogant.”

Immortal Yun fell silent for a moment, then shook his head, “Let him be. Let him suppress the Luo Clan.”

The Yun Clan cultivator suddenly froze, “Shi Nandang only shoots one arrow. Could it be...”

“A bit clever.”

Immortal Yun commented.

“Immortal Yun will not always block Luo Sanxian’s resurrection.”

Inside Shi Nandang’s cave dwelling, Zheng Fa and Senior Sister Zhang discussed the situation.

“He probably has some plan, wanting to monopolize some benefits...” Senior Sister Zhang replied.

Zheng Fa thought for a moment, then his spiritual light flashed, “Tianhe Sect?”

“Very likely.” Senior Sister Zhang agreed with his judgment and added, “Now Haori Mountain’s resources are insufficient. Gains from Tianhe Sect are precious to them, especially possible Tianhe relics.”

Shi Nandang spoke, “Sect Leader, if Luo Sanxian is resurrected, Immortal Yun definitely won’t protect you.”

Zheng Fa agreed in his heart.

Haori Mountain’s Three Clans were supreme. Zheng Fa’s strong stance supporting the Luo Clan was actually shaking Haori Mountain’s foundation.

Not to mention Immortal Yun used him, even if he appreciated him, he wouldn’t allow him to go this far.

In his eyes, Zheng Fa was probably a scapegoat, someone to take the blame in the future.

But Zheng Fa didn’t care.

The one taking the blame was Shi Nandang—what did that have to do with him?

After a few more exchanges, Shi Nandang stared at the Tongjian, his expression deep in thought.

“What’s so funny?”

Xie Qingxue saw a smile on his lips and asked.

“‘Haori Mountain’s Hard to Face’ with one arrow.” Shi Nandang’s face looked a bit embarrassed. “I was thinking, once I reach Corpse Liberation, it’d be nice to return to Haori Mountain.”

Xie Qingxue paused for a moment, then glanced sideways, “Others return home in glory, but no one said you’d wear someone else’s clothes back...”

Zheng Fa walked on the road.

More people greeted him, no longer by sound transmission but by formal bows and clasped hands in greeting.

Even those who didn’t greet him gave uncertain, flattering smiles when he glanced their way.

“Nandang!”

Suddenly, someone shouted.

Zheng Fa turned and saw several Corpse Liberation cultivators from the Lu Clan, including one of his senior brothers.

The one speaking was that senior brother.

“The Master calls you!”

Zheng Fa was stunned.

Since his return to the mountain, this was the first time his so-called master summoned him.

He had some guesses and sent a message via the Creation Jade.

Following the group, Zheng Fa arrived at a somewhat familiar cave dwelling—an exact replica simulated in the Jiushan Realm.

Zheng Fa entered the cave.

Shi Nandang’s master stood inside, looking at him with a complicated gaze.

Zheng Fa imitated Shi Nandang’s tone and said, “Master.”

“Do you know that great disaster is coming your way?”

Zheng Fa’s heart stirred but he showed nothing, only nodding.

“Good that you know.” Shi Nandang’s master narrowed his eyes at Zheng Fa and snorted, “Master Yun treats you like a tool, and you listen obediently.”

“Disciple only seeks to survive.”

Shi Nandang’s master expressionless, as if forgetting he had once given up on this disciple, said, “If you want to survive, there is only one way.”

“Please guide me, Master.”

“Surname Lu.”

In the Jiushan Realm, Shi Nandang fell silent, his face showing just three words: “Is this really possible?”

“Junior Brother is at Haori Mountain, unbeatable below Dao Fruit stage.” Senior Sister Zhang shook her head, “Besides, he cultivates the purest version of the Vermilion Heaven Jade Manual.”

“To the Lu Clan, Junior Brother is definitely not someone to be lightly given up.”

Shi Nandang shook his head in confusion. “But this breaks the rules.”

He understood the reasoning.

A Corpse Liberation cultivator, an unbeatable one below Dao Fruit stage, was no trivial matter to Lu Mo.

But recalling how he had worked himself to exhaustion, treated like a beast of burden, only to fail,

Now the Sect Leader had nearly stepped on one of the Three Clans, the Luo Clan, and in a short time had forged a direct descendant status for the Lu Clan, fulfilling his lifelong dream.

“If the Sect Leader is accepted into the Lu Clan, that will be Lu Clan’s oppression of the Luo Clan.”

Xie Qingxue said.

Shi Nandang suddenly realized.

If a non-Three Clans cultivator acted this way, it would disgrace the Three Clans.

If a Lu Clan cultivator did it, it would disgrace the Luo Clan,

But the Lu Clan’s status would become more solidified.

“Follow me.”

The little dream-maker Zheng Fa followed Shi Nandang’s master toward the back mountain.

“This is...”

“Do you think receiving a surname is that simple?” Shi Nandang’s master glanced at him and explained, “This is a major matter, requiring the Holy Patriarch’s decree.”

Lu Mo?

Zheng Fa grew alert and looked ahead, thinking, were they really heading toward that secret place?

What a coincidence.

Sure enough, Shi Nandang’s master led him around the snow peak to the back of Haori Mountain.

In front of them was an ordinary hillside.

Shi Nandang’s master threw out a magical talisman from his sleeve, and the scene before their eyes instantly changed—about a hundred people appeared.

Thanks to Shi Nandang’s introduction, Zheng Fa recognized most of them as direct descendants of the Lu Clan, many above Corpse Liberation stage.

They were scrutinizing Zheng Fa.

A few looked only curious, but most contained disgust. Judging by Zheng Fa’s recent actions, opinions about him varied.

Zheng Fa did not look at them but gazed behind them.

Finally, he saw what this forbidden area of Haori Mountain really was: a mountain cave.

The entrance had two golden doors, covered with countless runes.

What struck Zheng Fa as strange was that these doors seemed alive, sometimes large, sometimes small, very peculiar.

“This is our Lu Clan’s sacred ground, the Nine Luminaries Heaven.” Shi Nandang’s master introduced, then said, “Step forward and listen to the clan elder’s orders.”

Hearing this, Zheng Fa slowly approached the cave entrance and looked at a Corpse Liberation old Lu Clan elder.

The elder’s expression toward Zheng Fa was cold.

He did not speak to Zheng Fa but cast a spiritual talisman at the two doors.

Zheng Fa’s eyelid twitched;

he felt this talisman was very familiar, but now was not a good time to use the Void-Piercing Spirit Eye.

The Lu Clan elder spoke, “Holy Patriarch above, today disciple Shi Nandang, virtuous and respectful...”

A long-winded speech followed, finally ending with, “Please, Holy Patriarch, grant the surname!”

As his words fell, the two doors cracked open slightly.

A red light shot out, scanning Zheng Fa from head to toe.

Zheng Fa involuntarily slowed his breath.

This was the first time he truly faced Lu Mo.

The person’s strength was unfathomable. He worried if the Nine Nether Talisman Edict would work.

The red light first circled his Mud Pellet Palace, seemingly finding no anomalies.

Then it lingered long on his dantian, still no issues detected.

Zheng Fa sighed in relief but suddenly shivered—his Fusang Wood moved slightly.

That damn tree was restless again!

Zheng Fa cursed silently.

In front of everyone, the two doors suddenly burst open wide.

Red light surged like waves toward him.

He was startled, about to dodge, but the Fusang Wood transmitted a craving feeling.

Or rather, his Dharmakaya seemed to harbor a deep desire.

Zheng Fa gritted his teeth, stopped moving, and let the red light engulf him.

The red light gradually shrank and finally condensed into a rune on the back of his hand.

Zheng Fa frowned, puzzled, and looked up.

He saw a crowd watching him, no longer with disgust, but with shock or... fear.

Their eyes were all fixed on the rune on Zheng Fa’s hand.

“Sacred Blood Seal?”

In the Three Palaces, Immortal Yun shouted, face changing expression repeatedly.

“Holy Patriarch, what is the Sacred Blood Seal?”

Immortal Yun fell silent for a long time, his expression as if wanting to curse.

“Since Haori Mountain’s founding, only two people have ever obtained the Sacred Blood Seal.”

“Two?”

“One is me;

the other is Junior Disciple Luo.”

The Yun Clan cultivator was stunned, “The next Patriarch Luo?”

He looked at the Holy Patriarch’s face with only confusion inside.

Then why were they still fussing over fighting Patriarch Luo?