Record of a Demon's Cultivation Chapter 1267: An Impetuous Act
Previously on Record of a Demon's Cultivation...
Translator: CinderTL
The colossal ship tower, a structure of over twenty stories, pierced the sky.
Bai Wei guided Song Wen to a chamber situated on the uppermost level.
"The current state of the Turbid Spirit Realm remains shrouded in uncertainty. The Spirit Jade Palace, anticipating potential complications, has deployed merely two cultivators at the Body Integration Stage—myself and Wang Qiuyue—supported by five cultivators from the Void Refinement Stage and nine from the Divine Transformation Stage. The remaining crew aboard the Giant Flying Ship are drawn from the various families affiliated with the Spirit Jade Palace. However, these families are pragmatic; none of their Body Integration Stage Ancestors have joined this expedition. Consequently, Wang Qiuyue and I are the sole Body Integration Stage cultivators present. Wang Qiuyue and I share a close rapport. As long as you remain within this room until our arrival at the Cloud Passage Mountain Range, you will face no difficulties.
"The sect has already arranged for Elder Fan Kang to be stationed at the gateway to the Turbid Spirit Realm. He is a cultivator in the late Body Integration Stage, renowned for his unwavering adherence to regulations. Nevertheless, having been fellow sect members for millennia, with my influence, he should not obstruct you, thereby facilitating your smooth entry into the Turbid Spirit Realm. Upon entry, all individuals will be dispersed to random locations. You must bear this in mind...
" At this juncture, Bai Wei altered her tone, proceeding with her explanation, "The three major sects have reached a unified decision to designate the Turbid Spirit Realm as a jointly administered secret realm. This period of exploration is strictly limited to one month. Ensure you depart before the exit seals. As per the Spirit Jade Palace's directives, cultivators from affiliated families are obligated to relinquish fifty percent of any treasures acquired within the Turbid Spirit Realm. To circumvent Elder Fan Kang's demand for half your earnings upon exit, should our paths cross within the Turbid Spirit Realm, you may entrust your findings to my care for safekeeping. If we do not encounter each other, hold your exit until the very last moment before the passage closes. I shall await your emergence outside the Turbid Spirit Realm at that time."
"My gratitude, Senior. This junior shall strictly adhere to your counsel," Song Wen responded with genuine sincerity, executing a respectful hand-clasp bow.
Bai Wei's preemptive measures were truly thoughtful, considerably mitigating the risks he would otherwise face.
Following a brief period of informal conversation, Bai Wei excused herself and departed.
The voyage to the Cloud Passage Mountain Range proved to be extensive and demanding. Despite the Giant Flying Ship's velocity, comparable to that of a late-stage void refinement cultivator, it still required a month and a half to finally descend upon a vast expanse of towering summits.
Although this locale was remote, numerous imposing structures had been erected atop the surrounding mountains.
Their gracefully curved eaves and elaborate bracket systems were arranged in a staggered pattern, their glazed golden tiles radiating a brilliant sheen under the sun's rays. These recently erected edifices were unmistakably the creations of the cultivators from the three sects stationed here.
As the Spirit Jade Palace's Giant Flying Ship drew nearer, an elderly individual emerged from the pinnacle of one of the most elevated structures.
His hair was the color of untouched snow, yet his countenance bore the ruddy complexion of an infant.
"Salutations, Elder Fan Kang," Bai Wei and Wang Qiuyue conveyed in unison, swiftly disembarking from the vessel to offer a respectful bow.
"Elder Bai, Elder Wang, are the two of you spearheading this expedition into the Turbid Spirit Realm?" Fan Kang inquired.
Wang Qiuyue provided the response, "The other Body Integration Stage elders within the sect are all engaged in critical responsibilities and are unable to depart. We two, having only recently attained the Body Integration Stage, were the sole available individuals."
Fan Kang emitted a chuckle. "Elder Wang, your humility is noted. With your personal leadership, I am confident that the Spirit Jade Palace's acquisitions within the Turbid Spirit Realm will rival, if not surpass, those of the other two sects."
"Elder Fan, your praise is excessive," Wang Qiuyue responded.
Fan Kang offered no further words, merely lifting his hand to indicate the mountains spread out below.
"Esteemed Daoists and disciples from the various sects and families, please find rest in the areas below. The Myriad Swords Pavilion has yet to make its arrival; thus, we anticipate a delay of several more days before the Turbid Spirit Realm officially opens."
"All personnel, disembark immediately!" Wang Qiuyue commanded, turning her gaze back toward the Giant Flying Ship.
As her voice resonated through the air, nearly a hundred individuals ascended from the ship.
Once the entirety of the passengers had disembarked, the colossal ship rapidly diminished in size to a mere few dozen feet in length before being stored within Wang Qiuyue's storage ring.
"Elder Fan, please lead the way," Wang Qiuyue requested.
Without hesitation, Fan Kang initiated the descent, leading the way toward the imposing mountainous terrain below.
"Elder Fan, I perceive no immediate entrance to the secret realm in our vicinity. Has the gateway to the Turbid Spirit Realm been concealed?" Bai Wei suddenly inquired.
"For months, I've been diligently working here. I joined forces with fellow cultivators from the Myriad Swords Pavilion and the Profound Sky Sect to erect a formation that seals this entrance. Without the specific array disks held by these three major sects, even an cultivator at the Great Ascension Stage would find it exceedingly difficult to break through this seal," Fan Kang declared, a clear note of pride in his voice.
It was evident that his confidence in formation techniques was exceptionally high.
Descending from the sky, the group landed gracefully upon a grand plaza situated before a majestic pavilion crowning the mountain's summit.
Upon Fan Kang's invitation, Bai Wei and Wang Qiuyue proceeded to enter the pavilion.
The majority of the other cultivators, save for a select few who followed them inside, remained on the open plaza.
Song Wen, choosing solitude, walked alone towards the western edge of the plaza, a location marked by a precipitous cliff that plummeted into an endless abyss.
He positioned himself at the precipice, his gaze fixed upon the distant, undulating mountain ranges.
In stark contrast to Song Wen's solitary stance, the rest of the cultivators congregated in small clusters of three to five, engaging in hushed conversations.
These cultivators were either fellow disciples from the same Sect, members of the same clan, or individuals who had known each other for extended periods. By sharing information at this juncture, they aimed to enhance their prospects of survival and secure mutual support should they face perils within the Turbid Spirit Realm.
Song Wen, however, deliberately opted to maintain a distance from these individuals. His primary concern was that excessive dialogue might inadvertently reveal his true identity, thereby drawing unwanted suspicion.
Despite his efforts to remain withdrawn, a cultivator approached him, initiating a conversation.
"My name is Xue Cong, hailing from Hanling City. Might I inquire about your honorable name, esteemed fellow daoist?"
The newcomer was a middle-aged male cultivator, positioned at the late-stage Void Refinement realm. His refined and genial bearing instantly put those around him at ease.
"Greetings, Esteemed Fellow Daoist Xue Cong. I am Gou Jun, a humble rogue cultivator," Song Wen responded, clasping his hands together in a gesture of respectful salutation.
"Oh? Fellow Daoist, you are a rogue cultivator? Then, what prompts your participation in this expedition to the Turbid Spirit Realm?" Xue Cong inquired.
"I have been fortunate enough to gain the favor of True Lord Bai Wei from the Spirit Jade Palace," Song Wen stated. "She has expressed her intention to recommend me for membership. With the recent emergence of the Turbid Spirit Realm, I am venturing in to explore its depths. Should I manage to achieve some notable merit, I believe it will solidify the Spirit Jade Palace's acceptance and pave a smoother path for my eventual induction."
This explanation had been pre-arranged with Bai Wei, ensuring it was not a fabrication on Song Wen's part.
A subtle flicker of admiration graced Xue Cong's expression.
"If you have indeed earned the favor of True Lord Bai Wei, you must possess exceptional qualities. Once we enter the Turbid Spirit Realm, I hope you will extend some consideration and protection towards me."
"Fellow Daoist Xue Cong, your words are too kind," Song Wen replied. "As a mere rogue cultivator, while I possess a certain level of Qi cultivation, I am unfortunately lacking in potent spiritual artifacts and powerful secret arts. My personal strength is quite limited, and I fear it will be I who requires your assistance."
As the two engaged in these polite, albeit insincere, exchanges, another female cultivator approached their vicinity.
After offering her own introduction, Song Wen learned her name was Hong Yi. Much like Xue Cong, she was also in the late-stage Void Refinement realm and happened to be affiliated with the Spirit Jade Palace.
"Fellow Daoists, what are your respective objectives for entering the Turbid Spirit Realm?" Hong Yi inquired, her question posed after a brief round of greetings.
Her directness in probing their goals was rather unexpected.