Chapter 186: Infinite Charm
Chapter 186: Infinite Charm
Cheng Lingyu surveyed the terrain of Xingyun Ridge. The mountainous ridge stretched endlessly, its main peak coiling upward like a serpent for thousands of miles, dotted with canyons and forests teeming with spiritual birds and exotic beasts.
By merging the Four Immortal Souls, Cheng Lingyu detected mineral vibrations through the Glowing Star Seven-Colored Source. The Dreamy Thousand Tear Bamboo sensed clusters of spiritual herbs, while the Nine Nether King Sparrow and Jade Crystal Ice Wing Dragon pinpointed ancient beasts of monster king caliber lurking nearby.
Unfolding maps of Soul Gathering Valley, spirit beast rankings, ancient ruins, and dangerous zones, the trio analyzed Xingyun Ridge’s layout. Fang Ruohua noticed the spirit beast, ruin, and danger maps provided detailed markings for Feixing Ridge, Xuanmoon Ridge, Lou Ri Ridge, Mingmo Ridge, and Xingyun Ridge.
Youxing Ridge and Anmoon Ridge followed in detail, then Yunjir Ridge, while Fallen God Ridge’s map remained mostly blank.
“Elder brother, why does Fallen God Ridge’s map have so many gaps?”
“Few disciples reside there. They lack resources to explore,” Cheng Lingyu answered.
Lan Xiaozhu added softly, “Legends say it’s cursed. Disciples from other branches once ventured there… but rarely returned. Over time, everyone avoided it.”
Fang Ruohua gasped. “A cursed land? Could it be true?”
Cheng Lingyu dismissed, “Focus on Xingyun Ridge. The maps show two ancient ruins and three dangerous zones here.”
Lan Xiaozhu traced the parchment. “One ruin is the famed Nebula Lock—guarded and restricted. The other lies between the Third and Fourth Palaces, thousands of miles away. No teleportation arrays. The journey’s perilous.”
Fang Ruohua shrugged. “Those ruins were picked clean long ago. Better to risk the dangerous zones—they might hide treasures.”
Cheng Lingyu tapped the spirit beast rankings. “Four breeds here. All seem formidable.”
Lan Xiaozhu sighed. “We’re still at the Soul Martial Realm. Too weak for such challenges.”
Though Soul Martial Realm met Lou Ri City’s minimum recruitment standard, it paled against the city’s stronger cultivators.
“Let’s scout ahead.” Cheng Lingyu tucked away the maps. As the wind tousled his hair, his aura shifted abruptly.
“Elder brother… you’ve changed.” Fang Ruohua stared, entranced.
Lan Xiaozhu whispered, “He grows more mesmerizing daily, yet remains unaware.”
Cheng Lingyu frowned. “Why?”
Lan Xiaozhu murmured, “Why do mortals chase the dao’s pinnacle? Because its charm is boundless.”
“You mean… I emit a dao’s allure now?” Cheng Lingyu blinked.
“Before, your Magic Eyes gave you a bewitching gaze—wicked yet magnetic. Now, you’ve fused countless mysteries. I can’t define it. Perhaps only you grasp the dao’s essence.”
Fang Ruohua chimed, “Cultivation reshapes one’s aura. Higher realms radiate stronger allure. Spirit Martial experts exude dominance, tenderness, frostiness, or ferocity—all beguiling in their way.”
Cheng Lingyu fell silent. He’d long credited his transformation to the Magic Eyes. Now, their words hinted at deeper truths.
The dao—what was it?
Heavenly Way. Martial Way. Immortal Way. Demonic Way. What did they signify?
Besides that, what are the Heavenly Way, Dominating Way, Monster Way, and Ghost Way?
How many paths exist in this world, and what’s the ultimate purpose of cultivation?
Various doubts flooded Cheng Lingyu’s mind, leaving him silent for a time.
“Elder brother, what are you pondering?”
“I’m considering what the Dao truly means, and what cultivation represents.”
Lan Xiaozhu remarked, “This issue has occupied countless minds throughout history. Each person interprets it differently. There’s no need to hurry for answers now.”
Cheng Lingyu nodded. “True. Cultivation is a lengthy journey – we’ve ample time for contemplation. Let’s move.”
The trio soared toward the distant forest, Cheng Lingyu intending to investigate.
“Are you seeking spiritual herbs, elder brother?”
Fang Ruohua gazed at the looming woods while her Immortal Soul detected a monster king’s presence.
“All spiritual herbs are protected by monster kings. With our current cultivation level, confronting them would be unwise.”
“Then why are we going?” Fang Ruohua tilted her head.
Cheng Lingyu chuckled. “Patience. You’ll see soon enough.”
He summoned the flying spirit artifact Cloud Boat, carrying both women through the primordial forest of giant trees in search of specific terrain.
Though Lan Xiaozhu and Fang Ruohua made multiple guesses about his plans, their incorrect assumptions only deepened their curiosity.
Numerous monster kings – terrifying Giant Birds and beasts with overwhelming combat strength – were spotted during their journey. The Cloud Boat’s protection proved crucial for their safety.
After hours of exploration, they found a barren valley in the forest’s depths. Measuring two miles long and one wide, its lifeless expanse starkly contrasted the surrounding greenery.
As the Cloud Boat halted above the valley, Cheng Lingyu studied the terrain and smiled.
“Perfect. No giant creatures nearby.”
“What’s your scheme exactly?” Lan Xiaozhu pressed.
“All in good time,” Cheng Lingyu replied. “Let’s inspect it closely.”
Upon landing, they found the lifeless valley dotted with ancient corpses. Cheng Lingyu’s brow furrowed when his magic knife quivered faintly, though the sensation vanished upon scrutiny.
“Gather two hundred thirty-six stones of similar size,” he instructed.
“For what purpose?” Fang Ruohua blinked.
“Formation setting.”
“But why form a…”
Cheng Lingyu simply smiled, continuing his survey. While the women collected stones, he etched distinct Patterns onto each rock.
“Using engraved formations?” Lan Xiaozhu recognized the technique after traveling with him extensively. “What’s this large formation for?”
Cheng Lingyu’s eyes glinted. “Baiting prey.”
“What does that mean?”
Lan Xiaozhu and Fang Ruohua looked bewildered. Cheng Lingyu had set formations to lure enemies, but who exactly were they targeting?
Engraving formations consumed vast amounts of true essence. Cheng Lingyu spent half a day arranging two hundred thirty-six stones—a feat beyond ordinary cultivators.
With assistance from both women, Cheng Lingyu began constructing an intricate Composite Formation. By twilight, the framework stood complete.
“Night approaches. Shall we remain here?” Fang Ruohua suggested, eyeing the defensive formation approvingly.
Cheng Lingyu shook his head. “This valley holds hidden dangers. Withdraw while I finalize the core arrays.”
The two retreated a mile away, observing intently. As full darkness fell, radiant light suddenly erupted from the valley—the formation’s activation sent divine light pillars piercing the night sky.
“Move now!” Cheng Lingyu materialized beside them, dragging both into shadows. Moments later, their Cloud Boat departed through rippling spacetime, returning to Soul Gathering Valley’s entrance.
Meanwhile, Xingyun Ridge’s experts stirred at the luminous spectacle. Disciples from neighboring branches spread word rapidly. Within the hour, Lou Ri City’s major factions mobilized investigation teams toward the mysterious phenomenon.
Cheng Lingyu’s group already lurked near Seventh Palace of Xingyun, monitoring commotion. The primal forest’s glowing epicenter lay closest to Sixth Palace, then Seventh. Lower-ranked disciples swarmed toward Seventh Palace as staging ground for deeper exploration.
Watching the exodus, Cheng Lingyu wore a knowing smile. “Junior sister, where might we journey after leaving Xingyun Ridge?”
Fang Ruohua frowned. “Elder brother teases me. Countless possibilities exist.”
“Xiaozhu?”
The other woman’s eyes brightened. “Feixing Ridge.”
“Feixing Ridge?” Fang Ruohua protested. “Our sworn rivals? Why court trouble?”
Lan Xiaozhu chuckled. “Precisely. That valley’s formation draws all factions’ attention while we strike elsewhere. Feixing disciples here will report back immediately. Their experts will come both to investigate the anomaly and hunt us—two objectives achieved effortlessly.”