Chapter 203: The Patriarch of Yun Manor’s Five Hundredth Birthday

“As for ‘Mortal World’…”

Chen Changsheng felt a bit dazed. If that was the case, it did match his temperament.

He reached out and held the Taiqing Sword, asking, “But why would my past self leave behind a sword meant for killing?”

The Taiqing Sword didn’t answer. It seemed unfamiliar with the ‘Chen Changsheng’ before it, pausing in uncertainty many times.

He was not him. That was the simple truth.

“Has Yu Xuan visited recently…?”

About this, the Taiqing Sword didn’t hide anything, telling Chen Changsheng that this place hadn’t seen anyone for a very long time.

Then Chen Changsheng understood. If that was so, perhaps Yu Xuan had simply placed those memories elsewhere, taking that Shangqing Sword away with her.

Chen Changsheng didn’t press the Taiqing Sword further. After carefully putting both swords away, he searched the main room thoroughly.

But the result left him disappointed.

Whether corners or the whole room, everything was empty. Absolutely nothing was there.

Maybe…

the Southern Garden within the Thirty-Three Heavens was only forged later, while the true Southern Garden lay elsewhere. That’s why it was inevitably so bare here.

Chen Changsheng sighed softly, then walked out of the room.

He came to the Main Hall and sat down.

This courtyard had witnessed untold years of change. Perhaps long, long ago, it had seen lively times, filled with the bustle of life. But for ages beyond measure, it had been nothing but solitude.

Though the blazing sun and bright moon hung overhead, it felt darker than anywhere else.

“This place hasn’t really answered my questions either…”

Chen Changsheng sometimes felt that the Old Dragon King’s words back then, ‘the answer lies on the journey,’ might have been just a pointless remark, yet they led him down this rather unpleasant path.

Thinking about this, Chen Changsheng pondered again.

Old Dragon King Ying Zheng…

what role was he actually playing?

Chen Changsheng suddenly remembered the flood dragon called ‘Ah Man (nickname)’ in Yu Xuan’s memories.

Ah Man couldn’t possibly be Ying Zheng. Chen Changsheng had seen the Old Dragon King’s true form before; they were completely different. But was there truly no connection at all between these two?

In Chen Changsheng’s view, maybe not necessarily.

Yet the Old Dragon King’s mouth was notoriously hard to pry open. He would probably rather die than reveal those things.

What could push him to such a point…

Chen Changsheng frowned. He couldn’t shake the feeling that this had something to do with Yu Xuan as well.

“This long passage of time… If I just go look for it, where will I ever find the end…”

Chen Changsheng sighed. He shook his head, leaned back in the chair, and closed his eyes.

The quietness of this place made him feel a bit sleepy.

So he simply shut his eyes for a nap.

How long he slept, that was entirely up to his mood.

…

Today, the Qingyuan Yun Manor was exceptionally lively.

It just so happened to be the day the Patriarch of Yun Manor turned five hundred years old. Many sects and Immortal Mountains from the Cultivation World sent people to offer birthday congratulations. It was bustling!

Everyone in Yun Manor was a cultivator. The pile of birthday gifts was as tall as a hill, and the entire manor radiated peace and joy.

Yun Li bustled about managing everything. Every now and then, he snagged some Spirit Fruits and tossed them into his mouth, thoroughly enjoying himself.

After returning from the mortal world last time, he had reported everything to the Patriarch. He didn’t get punished, just told to investigate that cultivator some more later, and if things got difficult, he must still give the man a proper reply.

Although Yun Manor had lost face, not many people knew about it, so it wasn’t really a big deal.

It could be brushed off as a minor matter, turned page.

But later events were quite beyond Yun Li’s expectations.

At noon, guests from all sides arrived steadily.

The Patriarch of Yun Manor, Yun Ze, chatted with the guests. Cups clinked together amidst their conversations, smiles gracing every face.

All the cultivators listed in the guest registry had arrived.

Just as the banquet was about to start, a voice suddenly rang out from outside.

“The Water Demon of the Desolate Sea, Fuxi, has come to celebrate Patriarch Yun’s birthday!”

At these words, everyone present turned to look outside.

Fuxi, hands clasped respectfully, walked into Yun Manor. The gathered immortals all frowned at the sudden appearance of this monster.

Patriarch Yun Ze frowned slightly and said, “Our Yun Manor did not send you an Invitation Card.”

Fuxi smiled warmly. “Indeed. Fuxi ventures here uninvited, but I brought a gift. Would Patriarch Yun refuse my presence?”

Yun Ze thought for a moment. He couldn’t figure out what kind of idea this monster had, but since it was his birthday, he didn’t want trouble. So he said, “A guest who comes is still a guest. No need for gifts. Seating is being set right now; please take a seat.”

“Thank you, Patriarch Yun.”

Fuxi smiled. “But perhaps others are still coming? Might I suggest you wait a little longer?”

Yun Ze paused. “More coming…?”

“Correct.”

The moment Fuxi finished speaking, another voice came from outside.

“Lv Shan of Tianji Mountain, here to celebrate Patriarch Yun’s birthday!”

The name “Tianji Mountain” was like thunder to their ears. Known for staying aloof from worldly affairs, Tianji Mountain was actually sending birthday wishes! Everyone was shocked.

“Brother Yun, do you have ties to Tianji Mountain too?”

“Brother Yun truly is extraordinary!”

Yun Ze was utterly confused. “I… have never been involved with Tianji Mountain…”

“Hmm?”

The hallful of guests grew puzzled.

Lv Shan stepped down from the back of a Divine Crane and walked straight into Yun Manor. No one dared stop him.

“My master ordered me to come to congratulate you, Patriarch Yun. I came in haste and didn’t bring a gift. I trust you won’t mind, Patriarch?”

“Of course not! Of course not!”

Yun Ze stood up. “But… Yun Manor hasn’t had dealings with Tianji Mountain for many years. Daoist Friend, why would…?”

Lv Shan smiled gently. “My master said we could discuss it after everyone arrives.”

“More people…”

Yun Ze snapped to awareness. “Daoist Friend, please be seated first!”

Lv Shan shook his head. “No need to sit. I likely won’t stay long.”

“Is that so…”

Even as Yun Ze remained baffled, yet another arrival was announced from outside the manor.

“The Dragon Lord is here!”

A clear, loud voice echoed throughout Yun Manor.

The Turtle Prime Minister followed the Old Dragon King into the manor.

“Why is he here…?”

“This feels wrong!”

The immortals present all paused, sensing that something serious was about to happen.

The Dragon Lord had only just stepped inside when another announcement came.

“The Fox Sovereign of Yuan Mountain, here to celebrate Patriarch Yun’s birthday!”

Su Junhan walked into Yun Manor, his attendants behind him.

Old Dragon King Ying Zheng glanced at him over his shoulder and snorted softly. “You are a step slower than me.”

Su Junhan smiled affably. “Yuan Mountain is a long way from here. We can’t compare to the closeness of the Tongtian River.”

“Fascinating,”

The Old Dragon King chuckled. “Are there any more behind?”

“Seems like there’s still one,”

Su Junhan thought for a second. “Probably someone remarkable enough to overshadow everyone here.”

“Is that so?”

The Old Dragon King couldn’t guess who it might be.

Yun Ze faced one Dragon Lord and one Fox Sovereign. He hurriedly bowed. “Yun Ze greets the Dragon Lord and Fox Sovereign!”

“Patriarch Yun doesn’t seem to know how to speak very well,”

The Old Dragon King remarked. “Mentioning me first? Doesn’t that embarrass the Fox Sovereign?”

Yun Ze swallowed. “A slip of the tongue, my apology!”

Su Junhan waved a hand dismissively. “Order doesn’t matter. It’s fine.”

“So, I wonder why you two…”

Yun Ze was filled with dread. He had no idea what could have drawn these two great figures here.

But before he could finish his question…

Tap tap.

Another figure entered Yun Manor.

Every gaze swept towards the entrance. Instantly, the place erupted in silent shock.

The entire Yun Manor fell completely quiet.

Tap… tap… tap…

The sound of footsteps fell clearly into every ear.

Zhao Yuqing walked slowly, his eyes taking in every face present.

He uttered one phrase, calmly.

“Such a lively scene.”