Chapter 89: Amidst the Cloud Sea, Someone Lingers Deep Within

At the foot of Divine Lake Immortal Sect’s mountain was not a wilderness but a large city known as ‘Immortal Seeking Market.’ Initially, those living here were outer disciples who had descended from the mountain. Having lost their eligibility to remain within the Divine Lake Immortal Sect yet unwilling to return to their homelands, they settled down in this place.

Over generations, it gradually expanded to its current size.

The designated meeting point for the joint mission was within this Immortal Seeking Market.

In the heart of the market, atop a three-story tavern, hung the symbol marking the assembly location for the joint task. Chen Luo spotted it immediately upon entering the marketplace. As he walked through the door, he found the main hall already crowded with people. A rough count revealed at least thirty individuals present.

All wore attire signifying their affiliation with the Divine Lake Immortal Sect. Some sat quietly meditating in their seats, while others enjoyed wine purchased individually. Not a single person spoke aloud. In a corner near the window, several members from Wu Dao Peak were gathered; one of them acknowledged Chen Luo’s arrival with a gesture.

These individuals represented the disciples from the four main peaks participating in the joint mission.

The tavern served as the prearranged gathering spot.

“Thanks.”

As Chen Luo approached, one of the disciples willingly made space for him. Outside the peak, the Wu Dao disciples always stood united, fostering camaraderie even among those who did not personally know each other.

The sound of footsteps echoed from upstairs.

Soon, four individuals descended.

The crowd in the hall instantly quietened down and turned to look towards them.

Among these four, Chen Luo recognized one: Yuan Gang, the head disciple of Divine Fire Peak. Today, Yuan Gang wore a black short-sleeved tunic with iron armor on his arms and knees, adorned with flowing talismanic runes, clearly indicating its exceptional quality. Beside Yuan Gang stood a graceful female cultivator clad in purple robes, her beauty reminiscent of an ethereal fairy from a painting. However, upon seeing the character ‘Gu’ embroidered at her sleeve, everyone unconsciously averted their gaze.

She was a disciple of Guzzler’s Peak!

On the other side stood a stoic-faced man, expression cold, with a longsword strapped to his back. He was the Tian Jian Peak disciple responsible for this mission.

Lastly, there was the senior brother from Wu Dao Peak, who had been the first to step forward yesterday. A sixth-layer Qi Refinement disciple, though Chen Luo couldn’t recall his name.

As soon as these four appeared, all eyes in the hall focused on them.

“The senior members of the sect have already set out ahead,” Yuan Gang scanned the gathering. “Our task is to follow and eliminate any remaining rogue cultivators. Remember the objective of this mission - leave none alive!”

The female cultivator beside him cheerfully added.

Her words instantly chilled the atmosphere, causing everyone to stand up attentively.

The mission plan had already been set by these four individuals; there was no need to waste time here. The ordinary disciples simply needed to follow their lead on the task.

“Let’s go. The cross-domain flying boat is waiting outside.”

Yuan Gang led the way towards the door.

The other disciples swiftly followed, maintaining order as fellow sect members, unlike the chaotic gatherings of rogue cultivators.

Outside the Immortal Seeking Market, a small cross-domain flying boat hovered in mid-air, supported by only a few wood tendrils touching the ground.

It resembled a hemispherical vessel with wood tendrils encircling its base, appearing from below like an excavated tree root.

This was Chen Luo’s second encounter with a cross-domain flying boat.

Smaller than the one that initially brought him into the sect, it still seemed massive to most people, measuring nearly thirty meters in diameter. Divided into three sections—front, middle, and rear—the edges featured defensive array patterns inscribed by Xing Dou Peak experts. At the structural joints, craftsmanship from Divine Fire Peak reinforced the seams, while Tianjian Peak’s sword intent converged at the top to slice through gale winds, conserving energy. Even amidst the undulating tendrils below, Chen Luo sensed the influence of Wu Dao Peak.

This small inter-domain flying boat encapsulated the power of all ten main peaks within the immortal sect, embodying its collective strength.

The group ascended, swiftly boarding the flying boat.

As Chen Luo approached, the Wu Dao Peak disciple mark on his body briefly illuminated, likely indicating the boat’s security check.

“Li!” A sound echoed, followed by a tremor throughout the flying boat. An immense airflow surged outward, stirring up dust from the ground. The vessel rapidly ascended, its wood tendrils wildly swaying like frenzied snakes below—a truly spectacular sight.

‘Is this flying boat alive?!’

Instinctively, Chen Luo looked down. He hadn’t noticed it during his first flight, but now he clearly felt that the flying boat beneath him was not merely a crafted artifact but a living beast.

“All inter-domain flying boats are living creatures, masterpieces cultivated by Elder Ke from Beast Control Peak. I too was astonished when I discovered this secret for the first time.” A voice spoke beside him.

It was none other than the alluring senior sister from Guzzler’s Peak whom Chen Luo had seen earlier with Yuan Gang.

Now, Chen Luo realized that upon boarding the flying boat, everyone was divided into four groups, each led by a designated team leader. His group’s leader was this senior sister from Guzzler’s Peak. After speaking briefly to him, she moved to the front and addressed the entire assembly.

“My name is Chu Hongye, head disciple of Guzzler’s Peak and your leading senior sister for this mission. You may call me Elder Sister Chu.”

“Elder Sister Chu,” the group acknowledged respectfully, bowing their heads in compliance.

“Our team’s task is to proceed to Xixia Market’s central area and eliminate the rogue cultivators causing chaos there,” Chu Hongye succinctly explained the mission details.

Xixia Market was vast, with the most challenging location being the auction house. This tough nut would be handled by Yuan Gang, the strongest among them. The remaining areas - the market square, Pill Pavilion, and storage facilities - were to be dealt with by the three other teams. Chen Luo’s group was specifically responsible for the market square region.

Seeing no objections, she continued by outlining the terrain of Xixia Market and highlighting several key points to watch out for, providing meticulous instructions throughout.

These individuals were seasoned disciples with extensive mission experience, fully aware of the inherent dangers. Consequently, each one listened attentively to every detail.

Standing at the edge, Chen Luo gazed out at the swiftly passing clouds and mist from the flying boat.

As the flying boat ascended, its speed rapidly increased, leaving Immortal Seeking Market behind in the blink of an eye. Beyond the barrier, wisps of cloud enveloped them, while below stretched a vast sea of fog. Golden sunlight cascaded down, creating an ethereal ambiance akin to entering a celestial realm. Disciples in the Qi Refinement stage could not reach such heights; only those who had attained Foundation Establishment, possessing the ability to fly on their swords, were capable of ascending here.

‘Chu Hongye of Guzzler’s Peak, Qi Refinement seventh layer, carries three small porcelain bottles in his right hand, possibly containing gu insects.’

‘Disciple from Divine Fire Peak has spiritual fluctuations emanating from his bag of holding, likely indicating prepared talismans like thunder charms. The youthful-looking Tianjian Peak disciple possesses exceptional strength, with nascent sword qi. If engaging, prioritize attacking his divine soul first.’

Within Chen Luo’s mind, the two Foundation Stage intellects analyzed the capabilities of the surrounding individuals.

Chen Luo mentally noted their strengths, feeling his confidence in completing this mission surge considerably. His teammates were well-prepared and highly capable. However, before he could relax, the mummified brain provided another response.

‘People hidden within the depths of the cloud sea.’

This revelation caused Chen Luo’s heart to pound sharply as he instinctively scanned the surrounding clouds.

“People?!”

Unfortunately, all he saw was tranquil calmness; not even a hint of human presence or shadow could be detected. Observing his companions, none seemed aware of any movement either, with even Chief Chu Hongye continuing to discuss key points of the mission.

But Chen Luo knew that the mummified brain wouldn’t make unfounded claims. Although he hadn’t yet determined its cultivation realm during its lifetime, it was undoubtedly extraordinary. Its impact on his aptitude alone surpassed all other brains combined, including those of two Foundation Establishment cultivators.

Fortunately, the anticipated danger did not materialize.

“Well then, let’s finalize our plan for this mission. Lian Qiang from Divine Fire Peak will lead the attack, while I’ll contain their strongest adversaries. Wu Dao Peak and Tian Jian Peak disciples will provide support as needed.”

Chu Hongye had already assigned tasks to everyone.

Including himself, they formed a group of eight—two from Divine Fire Peak, three from Guzzler’s Peak, and one each from Wu Dao Peak and Tian Jian Peak.

Leading the offensive was Lian Qiang, a sixth-layer Qi Refining powerhouse second only to Chu Hongye. With his proficiency in Divine Fire Peak’s techniques, he boasted exceptional resilience, making him ideal for direct assaults. The remaining six, including Chen Luo, were all at the fifth layer of Qi Refining. Among them was a disciple from Tian Jian Peak who had recently broken through, with still somewhat unstable energy emanating from him.

Chen Luo took a deliberate look at this individual.

The Tian Jian Peak disciple appeared to be the youngest, likely around eighteen or nineteen years old. However, being singled out by a Foundation Establishment brain indicated that there was more to him than met the eye.

“Mowen Jian, a disciple of Tian Jian Peak. I heard you’re also a new disciple, having entered this year?”

As Chen Luo observed him, Mowen Jian noticed and returned the gaze, even initiating conversation first.

A newly promoted disciple?

Reaching the fifth layer of Qi Refining within half a year suggests this guy must have at least dual spiritual roots, possibly even single-rooted, an extraordinary talent.

“Chen Luo, Wu Dao Peak’s tomb-guarding disciple. Just recently broke through to the fifth layer of Qi Refining and learned a Soul Projection technique,” Chen Luo replied amicably.

“You’re quite strong. Why didn’t I see you at the last newcomers’ competition?”

Mowen Jian exuded an unmistakable air of arrogance, resembling a sword himself—direct and straightforward, typical of a sword cultivator’s demeanor.

“I had just entered the sect then, focused on refining my qi, so I didn’t participate.”

Several people had already asked him about the newcomers’ competition. Truthfully, he had no interest in such events; even now, he was unaware of the competition’s format or where to register.

“That makes sense. As cultivators, our path demands unwavering progress. While competitions are significant, one’s cultivation base is the foundation. Resisting the allure of fame and rewards from the competition shows your steadfast commitment to the Way. I look forward to facing each other in the next contest.”

Chen Luo fell silent for a moment, realizing that this Mowen Jian seemed somewhat naive.