Ning Shi Huo couldn't help but glance at Qingwan, who was leading the way ahead, feeling slightly perplexed.
If it was about Su Yi being lustful, it didn't seem likely. Otherwise, how could he have spared someone as beautiful as Wen Lingzhao yesterday without any hesitation?
If he wasn't lustful, then why did he immediately take action upon hearing about Zhu Guqing's encounter?
Furthermore, there was also a breathtakingly beautiful girl by his side, who would serve as a dual cultivation partner in the future...
"This guy is really difficult to figure out," Ning Shi Huo shook her head inwardly.
Speaking of which, these matters had nothing to do with her. Moreover, as a practitioner, she naturally understood that even among the extraordinary individuals, there were those who enjoyed dual cultivation.
It was not worth being surprised about.
Instead, it was Su Yi's mention of the "realm of emperors" that piqued Ning Shi Huo's interest.
"Friend, do you think Qingwan has the potential to become an emperor?" Ning Shi Huo asked softly.
Su Yi casually replied, "What do you think?"
Ning Shi Huo pondered for a moment and sighed softly, "To prove the path to becoming an emperor, one must possess great determination, great wisdom, and great fortune. These three elements are indispensable. This path surpasses martial arts, elemental cultivation, and spiritual cultivation. It is regarded as the highest path in the heavens. However, throughout the ages, only a small group of people have been able to set foot upon it."
Su Yi glanced at her and said, "It seems like you know quite a bit about this realm."
Ning Shi Huo shook her head and said, "Most of what I know is hearsay. For someone like me at present, this realm is still too distant."
Then she asked in return, "What about you, friend?"
Su Yi smiled and said, "You don't need to test me. Currently, I am just a mid-stage Qi Gathering realm... youth."
Ning Shi Huo felt slightly disappointed. This guy was really tight-lipped!
"As long as I spend more time with him, I refuse to believe that I won't be able to uncover some secrets from the subtle hints," Ning Shi Huo thought to herself.
Along the way, Jin Xiaochuan remained silent, unable to understand what Su Yi and Ning Shi Huo were talking about. However, he became even more cautious.
One was the rumored mysterious Heavenly Origin Academy's Principal, akin to a divine being. The other was a mysterious youth who even made the head of the Zheng family respectful.
To Jin Xiaochuan, they were like two deities, and he couldn't help but be in awe.
Not far away, Qingwan suddenly said, "Master, not far ahead is the area with the heaviest Yin energy in this vicinity."
Su Yi raised his eyes and saw that dozens of zhang away, the river surface was surging with waves, and dense mist was billowing, forming a faint vortex.
With just one glance, Su Yi determined that this was a "living path" leading to the bottom of the Great Cang River.
It was also an "active gate" formed by utilizing the momentum of the mountains and waters.
"From this place, we can enter the ghost domain beneath the water," Ning Shi Huo also realized, her eyes brightening.
"Someone is coming. Let's hide first," Su Yi said, leading everyone behind a giant rock on the side of the bank.
"It seems... not human."
Ning Xiyan couldn't help but glance at Qing Wan, who was leading the way, with a hint of curiosity in her eyes.
If Su Yi was just after beauty, it wouldn't explain why he spared no effort to save Wen Lingzhao, a beauty like her, yesterday.
If he wasn't lustful, why did he take action as soon as he heard about Zhu Guqing's plight?
Furthermore, there was a stunning girl by his side who would eventually become his cultivation partner...
"This guy is really hard to figure out."
Ning Xiyan shook her head inwardly.
Speaking of which, these matters had nothing to do with her. Moreover, as a cultivator, she naturally understood that even among the extraordinary figures in the world, there were many who had a preference for dual cultivation.
It was not worth being surprised about.
Instead, Su Yi's mention of the term "Imperial Realm" piqued Ning Xiyan's interest.
"Do you think Qing Wan has the potential to become an emperor?" Ning Xiyan asked softly.
Su Yi casually replied, "What do you think?"
Ning Xiyan pondered for a moment and sighed softly, "To achieve the path of becoming an emperor, one must possess great determination, wisdom, and fortune. All three are indispensable. This path surpasses martial arts, elemental cultivation, and spiritual cultivation, and is regarded as the highest path in the world. However, throughout history, only a handful of people have been able to set foot on it."
Su Yi glanced at her and said, "It seems like you know quite a bit about this realm."
Ning Xiyan shook her head and said, "Most of what I know is hearsay. For me at the moment, such a realm is still too far away."
Then, she asked, "And what about you, fellow daoist?"
Su Yi smiled and said, "There's no need for you to probe. Currently, I am just a mid-stage Qi Gathering Realm... young man."
Ning Xiyan felt slightly disappointed. This guy was really tight-lipped!
"As long as I have more contact with him, I don't believe I won't be able to discern some of his secrets from the subtle clues!" Ning Xiyan thought to herself.
Along the way, Jin Xiaochuan remained silent. He couldn't understand what Su Yi and Ning Xiyan were talking about, but he became more cautious.
One was the legendary mysterious Heavenly Yuan Academy's Palace Master, and the other was a mysterious young man whom even the master of the Zheng family treated with utmost respect.
To Jin Xiaochuan, they were like two divine beings, and he couldn't help but feel awe.
Not far away, Qing Wan suddenly said, "Master, not far ahead is the area with the heaviest Yin Qi."
Su Yi looked up and saw tiny blue lights appearing among the distant mountains in the dark night, approaching this way.
It was a strange and eerie procession.
In the front were four blurry figures, with little demons covered in black miasma leading the way. They each held a white paper lantern with a gloomy green light.
Behind them were eight tall and sinister demons with green faces and fangs, carrying a sedan chair.
Seated on the sedan chair was a man with a bald head, blue eyes, and a fat, greasy face. He wore a black skull bead necklace around his neck.
As the procession approached, the Yin Qi in the air suddenly became dense, accompanied by a bone-chilling coldness.
Jin Xiaochuan was frightened, his whole body shivering, and his eyes widened.
What kind of spectacle was this? It was grand!
Soon, the procession reached the surface of the river. When they approached the swirling vortex formed by the mist, their figures gradually disappeared.
"This..."
Jin Xiaochuan rubbed his eyes, thinking he had seen an illusion.
"A fierce ghost formed by a resentful soul, at best comparable to a master-level figure," Ning Xiyan said disdainfully.
She was referring to the bald man sitting on the sedan chair, completely ignoring the little demons.
"Friend, your judgment earlier was correct. It is highly likely that beneath this water is a domain infested by impure spirits," Ning Xiyan couldn't help but glance at Su Yi.
Just as she spoke, a rustling sound came from the mountains in the distance.
Soon after, an old man with a staff and an ethereal presence walked out from the darkness.
Strangely, his eyes were a deep blue.
He stood by the side of the Great Cang River, surveying the surroundings for a moment, then stepped forward and walked into the mist on the river surface, disappearing in an instant.
"A monster formed by plants and trees, but judging from its appearance and aura, it's no different from an ordinary person. This clearly indicates that it has embarked on the true path of cultivation," Ning Xiyan said in surprise.
"This is indeed a spirit creature, judging from the situation. It seems to have some shallow knowledge of cultivation methods, but its strength is nothing to boast about," Su Yi nodded.
Spirit creatures, such as those born from plants and trees or flying animals, were classified as monsters.
These creatures were different from ordinary beasts in the world. They were naturally endowed with spiritual intelligence.
However, becoming a monster cultivator was not an easy task.
Especially for some special bloodline or uniquely gifted monster species, the road to becoming a monster cultivator was filled with unimaginable hardships.
For example, the dwarf Su Yi encountered in the peach forest of the Ghost Mother Ridge was a spirit creature born from a fire peach tree. Although he could transform into a human form, he was far from truly shedding his beast form and becoming a monster cultivator.
As for the old man with the staff who had just appeared, he was merely able to take on a human form and had some knowledge of cultivation methods, but he was far from being impressive.
"Interesting. This place not only has spirits roaming about, but also creatures like spirit creatures. What are they planning to do?" Ning Xiyan became increasingly intrigued.
In the world, the division between clarity and turbidity, and the presence of yin and yang are evident. Similarly, there exists a dark world corresponding to the mundane realm.
However, ordinary people live together in communities, residing in cities and towns.
During normal times, it is destined to be difficult to encounter the demons and monsters that walk in the darkness.
Only those who cultivate are somewhat aware of the intricacies of this dark world.
"We will know when we go and see."
Su Yi spoke, his gaze still fixed on the distance.
He had a premonition that tonight would not be quiet here.
Sure enough, before long, faint laughter could be heard in the distance.
"This Heavenly Cave Gathering convened by the Water Lord of the Wuhuan Tribe is said to have many powerful figures participating. It's hard to say if it's true or not."
"We'll know when we arrive at the Nine Turns City."
"Tao Shan Jun has obtained the guidance of an immortal and embarked on the path of transformation. With the support of the Sea-Swallowing King, he naturally does not care about this Heavenly Cave Gathering."
... The conversation grew clearer and gradually,
the two figures became visible. One tall and thin, wearing coarse clothes, with a narrow face and a long, slender silver snake coiled around his neck.
The other was a dwarf with white hair.
Two spirit creatures again!
Ning Xiyan saw through the identities of these two at a glance.
At this moment, Su Yi suddenly said, "How fortunate, we finally encountered someone who can lead the way."
As he spoke, he stepped forward.
"Who?"
A low shout echoed, and the tall and thin man, like a bamboo pole, was the first to sense the movement. His crimson eyes, like cold electricity, looked over.
Hiss!
The silver snake coiled around his neck raised its head, its snake tongue flickering, showing signs of restlessness.
"It turns out to be a naive human boy."
When the thin, tall man saw Su Yi's appearance, he secretly breathed a sigh of relief and sarcastically said, "The more you live, the more cowardly you become. I almost thought we were being followed by some enemy."
The dwarf on the side was stunned, his face filled with disbelief.
The thin, tall man couldn't help but laugh and tease, "Tao Shan Jun, what's wrong with you? Are you scared by this little guy?"
As soon as the words fell,
a thud!
The dwarf referred to as "Tao Shan Jun" by the thin, tall man immediately knelt down on the ground, with an excited and devout expression, saying, "I, Tao Qingshan, pay respects to the immortal master!"
The thin, tall man was stunned, his eyes widened. What's going on?
"Get up, I have something to ask you."
Su Yi spoke calmly.
This dwarf was none other than the spirit creature who guarded the Fire Peach Tree for Ge Changling, the Sea-Swallowing King, on the Ghost Mother Ridge.
Initially, Su Yi had taken the only three ripe pure yang fire peaches from his hands.
Of course, as a token of gratitude, Su Yi had also bestowed upon him a copy of the "Nurturing Transformation Scripture," a top-notch demon cultivation scripture.
Tao Qingshan quickly stood up and stood respectfully, with an undisguised expression of admiration on his face.
"Tao Shan Jun, is this person... the immortal who granted you 'enlightenment'?"
The thin, tall man seemed to recall something and exclaimed.
"That's right."
The dwarf said solemnly.
The thin, tall man was stunned for a moment, then suddenly knelt down on the ground, bowing his head and saying, "This insignificant Feng Yong has been blind, and I previously offended the immortal master. I hope the immortal master can forgive me!"
Su Yi ignored him and said to Tao Qingshan, "How did you come from the Ghost Mother Ridge to this place?"
"Reporting to the immortal master, a few days ago, I received an invitation stating that the Water Lord of the Wuhuan Tribe would hold a 'Heavenly Cave Gathering' in his Nine Turns City, and I was invited to come and witness it."
Tao Qingshan dared not hide anything and spoke respectfully.
Su Yi raised an eyebrow and said, "Tell me in detail about this Water Lord of the Wuhuan Tribe and the Nine Turns City."
Tao Qingshan hesitated for a moment and quickly explained.
It turned out that at the bottom of this stretch of river, there was a ghost domain called the "Nine Turns City," whose master proclaimed himself the "Water Lord of the Wuhuan Tribe" and controlled over ten thousand ghosts and spirits. It was also a well-known figure in the territory of Gunzhou.
The so-called "Heavenly Cave Gathering" was initiated by the Water Lord of the Nine Turns City, inviting prominent monsters and spirits within the Gunzhou region to gather.
It was said that during this Heavenly Cave Gathering, the Water Lord of the Nine Turns City would announce a major event.
As for what the major event was, Tao Qingshan was not clear. He only couldn't turn down the invitation due to face, so he decided to attend the gathering.
After listening, Su Yi couldn't help but laugh.
What Water Lord of the Wuhuan Tribe? Just a ghost cultivator in the mortal realm, yet he's actually hosting a Heavenly Cave Gathering, thinking of himself as a cultivator?