Archfiend

Chapter 136: Legion Inauguration Ceremony (7)

“According to this Fellow Daoist’s arrangements, I’ll be convening an auction in a month.” Xu Yangyi shook his head: “He won’t be coming.”

As these words were said, there were no few gazes on the floor that deepened. Thousandedge realized it. There were some people in the crowd that also realized it. If the pill master wasn’t coming, then on that day… Commander Xu would quite possibly be confronted with a chance of fortune as the sole person able to contact the pill master. A mobilization of clouds in all directions!

A direct meeting with a Core Formation ancestor!

Lost for nearly two centuries, the Dao of Pills had reappeared and shocked the entire cultivation world. If these ancestors couldn’t obtain the answer they fancied, how could Xu Yangyi still be capable of going to the auction hall as the only contact?

This was the resurrection of a craft! This was an overture of cultivation transformation! A trifling A-rank legion commander couldn’t shoulder this responsibility! The pill master wasn’t coming… so all questions had to be answered by Xu Yangyi, the sole liaison. Questions weren’t only words, but words were never spoken from the mouths of the same people. They possessed different strengths. 

A single word from a Core Formation cultivator was law! Nonetheless, how was this related to their matters?

“Fellow Daoist, is it that our bids are insufficient?!” Vulture stood out without the slightest hesitation: “Be at ease! As long as you shout it, we will pay it!”

“Hehe…” A middle-aged woman laughed dryly: “What a good tone, Fellow Daoist. I’m unaware, which party does Fellow Daoist represent?”

Vulture smiled faintly: “The Bountiful Treasures Pavilion.”

Grass mud horse! This mythical beast galloped in everyone’s hearts. Afterwards, they were collectively silent. [1]

“Yes! Just shout it, and we’ll pay it!” Lilac stood out too. Her gaze was scorching as she looked at Xu Yangyi: “Old friend, won’t you grant this little face?”

“You…” The middle-aged woman was stunned, however, she wouldn’t be so direct this time: “You are?”

“The CSIB.” Lilac laughed sarcastically. Double the grass mud horse! The cultivation world’s two local tyrants were actually here!

At the entrance, Lu Gandang was just about to walk in. He paused in step, his face deathly pale. He had arrived earlier, yet he dared not enter. He was truly ashamed to go in! Downstairs, a vast sum had been squandered, and now, he was better off putting nets at the entrance to catch sparrows to sell! Upstairs had been dull and colorless, yet the present scene was flowing with guests! [2]

Right now, he suddenly discovered… he truly didn’t even have someone downstairs that could compare to the Bountiful Treasures Pavilion and the CSIB! The quantity of people he had was many, but in terms of quality with Xu Yangyi, it was at most equally matched! And now… he didn’t even have quantity...

He stood at the entrance, his face ashen as he looked into the lounge. He didn’t utter a single word.

Why… did such a thing as the Dao of Pills actually have to show up?! Since it’s been dead for two hundred years, weren’t things fine for it to continue to be gone? Why did it have to appear?! Why did it have to show up today?! Xu Yangyi… you really got great luck… I got to this stage one step at a time, but a coward like you only relied on luck to get here!

“Today’s Legion Inauguration Ceremony ends here.” Xu Yangyi looked at his watch and cupped his hands: “Many thanks to all the Fellow Daoists for their deep affections. The first batch of medicinal pills will be a total of ten. Next month, please be on time, everyone.”

He glanced at the person from the Golden Dipper Hall: “Fellow Daoist of the Golden Dipper Hall, if you don’t mind, could I ask you to step aside for a chat?”

“I don’t mind… No! How could my humble self mind?! Many thanks! Many thanks Fellow Daoist for granting our hall this opportunity!” The face of the Golden Dipper Hall broker was originally colored full with disappointment, but at this instant, he appeared as if he had won endless prizes, directly jumping up!

On the other side, Luo Sanfeng and Gao Ye finally let loose a long sigh.

Mother… This kid actually actually had such an ace up his sleeve! The Dao of Pills had been recreated… This month was crazy enough. This information would thoroughly blow over the cultivation world! As for the Golden Dipper Hall, their hall master and the rest would personally heft their spears and go into battle this month! They would promote next month’s auction with their own powers! However, as Luo Sanfeng’s and Gao Ye’s eyes radiated light, Chu Zhaonan’s brows began to furrow deeply.

“Brother Chu!” Luo Sanfeng and Gao Ye shouted with low voice: “Are we not contending?”

Chu Zhaonan’s face was heavy like water, and he rocked his head: “We can’t vie for these things.”

“Why?” Luo Sanfeng said excitedly: “A medicinal pill! This is a medicinal pill! You and brother Xu’s relationship…”

“It’s not our turn.” Chu Zhaonan looked into their eyes, his voice deep: “Have you guys thought… about what will happen in this month?”

“What?” Gao Ye was a bit daft and asked.

Chu Zhaonan sighed. He made a gesture to depart and said softly as he walked: “Ten medicinal pills, ten great Core Formation masters. Who do you think… is the master of the cultivation world’s pill elixirs?”

“The ten great Core Formation ancestors?!” Luo Sanfeng and Gao Ye gasped coldly: “Y-you’re saying…”

“That’s right.” Chu Zhaonan’s gaze twinkled: “The next month is in no way for normal cultivators to prepare for the auction gala. The ten great Core Formation masters are definitely going to make a move!” 

“What they want aren’t these pills, but whether or not they can cooperate with the pill concoctionist. If it’s possible to penetrate the medicinal pill’s refinement method. Once it’s grasped is when the heavens will change for the cultivation world.”

Gao Ye suddenly realized something and suddenly froze in step: “If collaboration isn’t possible, they…”

No one continued to speak. Everyone understood the cruelness of cultivation. If they couldn’t work together… the pill master, harboring this important treasure on his person, was already standing on the edge of a cliff!

“No! Brother Xu is the only person in touch with the pill master…” Luo Sanfeng pursed his lips, his voice low.

Chu Zhaonan looked at Xu Yangyi for a few seconds and took a long, deep sigh. What do you want to accomplish?

Ten great Core Formation ancestors… Perhaps a single incarnation isn’t something a Qi Condensation cultivator can shoulder! In the world, a majority of spirit stone gathering methods are pinched between the fingers of these true apex authorities. Yes… it’s by this hand that countless people scramble about for the unobtainable like ducks. Even Thousandedge has no choice but to let go of his attitude and talk with you as equals, but… have you ever once thought of the consequences?

What if the pill master doesn’t agree with a Core Formation master? What if the Core Formation master can’t find him? Not to mention you… even my Chu Clan dares not confront a Core Formation ancestor’s wrath at will! 

“I really didn’t expect this hand you were keeping… The cultivation world is destined to go crazy for the Xingtian Legion this month. But have you thought about how your own situation will be the month after?”

Inhaling heavily, Chu Zhaonan was just about to leave. This business was too great; he simply didn’t have the chance to participate. At this time, Li Zongyuan’s voice suddenly rang out from his side: “Mr. Chu, the commander is requesting a meeting with you.” 

The Legion Inauguration Ceremony dispersed. Xu Yangyi didn’t wait on the Foundation Establishment cultivators to rush over. Of course, none dared advise him. Before the Core Formation masters hadn’t declared their positions, no one ventured to pull this tiger’s whisker!

“Commander!” Peony’s voice was so excited that it caused her mouth to dry: “Next month, next month is the time our Xingtian Legion becomes famous!” She seemed to suddenly recall something: “Right! We seemed not to have spoken about the business of signing newcomers?”

“No worries.” Xu Yangyi narrowed his eyes: “As soon as the auction is over… we’ll talk about this matter again.”

“Good thinking!” Peony’s eyes shined: “Once they’re done contesting, and the great Foundation Establishment cultivators make a move, we’ll bring up exploring Danxia Temple then! No matter what, we’ll be able to recruit suitable people!”

“Great Foundation Establishment cultivators?” Xu Yangyi had visualized it all in his mind. He looked at Peony with a smile that wasn’t a smile: “You think… it’ll only be Foundation Establishment Seniors?” [3]

Peony was dumbfounded. In the next second, her entire face blushed deep red! It seemed the mention of these few words caused her heartbeat to rise, and she said tremblingly: “C-C-C-Core Formation Ancestors…?” 

She couldn’t be blamed for her fear and trepidation. The world’s apex, China’s ten grand supremacies! A turn of the hand for clouds and a cover of the hand for rain. A single thought to exchange heaven and earth. To Qi Condensation cultivators, Dao Masters only existed in legend.

“They’re, they’re really going to come? Which one? Commander? Which one do you suppose is coming?”

“Which one?” Xu Yangyi faintly smiled: “All of their proxies or an incarnation.”

All of them! Peony went soft at the legs, her footing unsteady. Her face was flushed as she grabbed onto Xu Yangyi’s arm: “A-a-a-all o-of them?”

Daomaster Blackmountain, a longevity of 521 years. The Great Circle of Core Formation!

Daomaster Mountainlord, a longevity of over six hundred years. Late-stage Core Formation!

Daomaster Droughtbringer, a longevity of 399 years. The peak of the initial stage of Core Formation!

The Northwest King, Flowing Light Imprisoning Shadow, Daomaster Ancientpine, a longevity of 353 years, the guild master of the Featherwood Guard! Middle-stage Core Formation!

The Riversouth King, Five Phases Cardinal Extreme, Daomaster Cloudcrane, a longevity of 283 years, chairman of the CSIB! The peak of the initial stage of Core Formation!

The Northeast King, Still Shadow Sinking Jade, Daomaster Hiddenscent, a longevity of 398 years. Middle-stage Core Formation!

The Far-east King, Motionless Wisdom Monarch, Daomaster Floatingcloud, a longevity of 366 years. Middle-stage Core Formation! [4]

The Southwest King, Mad-Eye Vajra, Daomaster Titanspirit, a longevity of 358 years. The Great Circle of Core Formation!

The last… were the Cultivation Court’s twin powerhouses!

Lower President, Might Quakes Eight Desolaces, Daomaster Earthcleaver. The Great Circle of Core Formation!

Upper President, Sweeping The Six Directions, Daomaster Skybearer… Half-step Nascent Soul! 

Thinking of the names of these people… Thinking of their legions… Peony’s throat went dry!

“M-m-m-many of them have engaged in arcane combat, t-they just w-w-won’t fight, right?” Her brain had already turned mechanical. Unable to restrain her emotions, she fired out like a machine gun: “Daomaster BlackMountain has battled against the Riversouth King, the Northeast King, and the Southwest King! Commander, you might not know, but that time of fighting practically collapsed the sky and split open the earth! Also, when the upper president was at the middle stage of Core Formation he sought out Daomaster Mountainlord in arcane combat. A level-ten tsunami… and…”

“They won’t.” Xu Yangyi laughed and cut her off: “Fellowship is number one. There is importance in participation.” Saying this jest, his eyes began to narrow, as well.

Perhaps… that day at the Four Great Joint Pools, Daomaster Floatingcloud’s lesson still hadn’t been deep enough.

Checkmate? That was right, but also wrong! On that day, he was in a checkmate. Now, he was in even more of a checkmate! Dual chariots killing the king! [5]

With so many Dao Masters arriving… what will you think, Floatingcloud? With the gazes of so many Dao Masters on my body, what will you do, Ancestor Floatingcloud? On that day, I let you know that you didn’t have the courage to kill me. After that day, you won’t have another chance! Earthcleaver saw you, and there’s the deterrence of the Emperor Armament below Mingshui Province. Floatingcloud, you don’t dare make a move.

If you were truly determined in heart, a Qi Condensation cultivator like me could be settled by the tip of your finger, but you’re scared and worried about every single thing. You want to gracefully wipe away at your mouth and escape the intimidation of the Cultivation Court’s half-step Nascent Soul upper president. You dread the Umbran Armament and the origin crystal in my hand. In the world… how could these two completely beautiful things exists!

Either way, I’ll be standing here. If you got the guts, slap me to death on the day of the auction! But in any case… wait for the day I reach Core Formation… I’ll be coming to demand compensation for everything!

Thinking of this, Xu Yangyi began to smile faintly.

“He dares not.”

Concerning Daomaster Floatingcloud, the Motionless Wisdom Monarch, Xu Yangyi already had a definite understanding. He was a person that desired both a fish’s fins and a bear’s paws. Perhaps he was a perfectionist or he didn’t have such great courage. Xu Yangyi dared to gamble that in no way would the other venture to slap him to death!

Strength wasn’t the only power. Wisdom, courage, cleverness, and adaptability, it was these added characteristics that summed a person’s true power. To be wanting but possess realm, this was called bold but guileless. To be wanting but possess intelligence, one had no choice but to be a single force destroying myriad methods. 

“Go prepare…” Xu Yangyi and Peony had unwittingly arrived below the Featherwood Guard building: “Next month is the time our Xingtian Legion recruits personnel.” Pushing open the door to a room, he saw Chu Zhaonan sitting in his seat. Chu Zhaonan was somewhat fidgety as he played with a pen.

“Help me get in touch with someone.” Xu Yangyi cut straight to the chase.

Chu Zhaonan’s pen stopped: “Who?”

“Someone I can’t get into contact with given my current status.” Xu Yangyi propped both his hands on the table and looked into the other’s eyes. He said earnestly: “Help me bring a word…”

[1] The infamous grass mud horse. Some of you may be unaware, but in Chinese memes, grass mud horse is the phrase used to get around a Chinese internet censor for “f*ck your mother” or “Cao ni ma” The pinyin of grass mud horse and this curse is almost the same, just differing in tones. A grass mud horse is allegedly an alpaca. If you’re interested in reading more. Look up “grass mud horse” on wikipedia. 

[2] “Putting nets on the door to catch sparrows.” This is a line from a Qing era author named Ji Yun (1724-1805). The idea behind this is that the person has so few visitors that he might as well put a net up on his door to catch sparrows. 

[3] “Visualized it all in his mind” - This idiom in Chinese literally translates to “In chest form bamboo”. This phrase itself dates back to the Song Dynasty’s Su Shi (1037-1101), a poet and a calligrapher. The concept behind is that in Chinese, paintings of bamboo is popular. If you want to paint bamboo, you need to visualize it.

[4] Motionless Wisdom Monarch - Unlike some of the other nicknames/titles, the author uses a combination of idioms/cool sounding things to describe people. The Motionless Wisdom Monarch just happens to be named after a deity in Buddhism named Acala. I didn’t want to really explain too much of the other names, but the only one I feel that I should elaborate more on is Daomaster Hiddenscent’s. Her title comes from an idiom describing the shadow cast beneath the water’s surface looks like still jade. 

[5] This is a move in Chinese Chess which locks down on both sides I believe.