Chapter Forty: Arrival at the Destination

After disembarking from the flying vessel, they found themselves upon a vast expanse of grassland. Delegations from various sects had already arrived, some even having camped here for several days. It was clear that the early arrivals had begun to form their own small circles, exchanging ideas and engaging in spirited discussions. Others had taken out treasured objects and rare artifacts, commencing lively trades.

As the disciples of Star-Gazing Valley made their appearance, the other sects looked on with curiosity. This time, Star-Gazing Valley had brought sixty-three people—neither too many nor too few, placing them solidly in the middle ranks. Some of the weaker sects, observing that Star-Gazing Valley had more than a dozen disciples at the late Foundation Stage, and especially when they noticed Gufeng, who had reached the peak of the Foundation Stage, were filled with a sense of awe.

Yet, when they saw Chen Mu disembark, the crowd’s expressions grew strange. Here, among disciples all at the Foundation Stage, there was a youth whose aura did not even reach the Foundation Stage; how could a mere Vessel-Opening Stage disciple find himself in such company? Was Star-Gazing Valley truly so short-staffed, or did this boy possess an exceptionally powerful backer ensuring his participation?

The elders of the various sects also took note and exchanged surprised looks. Some of the older, more cunning individuals began to mockingly address Gu Xingyuan: "Brother Gu, has Star-Gazing Valley run out of people, or are you showing contempt for the Grand Gathering hosted by the Great Xia Empire? How else does a Vessel-Opening brat end up here causing mischief?"

"Old Gu, who is this boy to you? Even favoritism has its limits! Soon, entry to the Netherworld Secret Realm will be determined by performance in the competitions. Even if he’s here, it’s all for nothing."

The commotion also drew the attention of the hosts, the royal family of the Great Xia Empire. A burly, richly-robed middle-aged man frowned and said, "Gu Xingyuan, what is the meaning of this? Why have you brought a mere Vessel-Opening youth? Are you disregarding the rules?"

Gu Xingyuan seemed deaf to these questions, and even appeared somewhat pleased with himself. "Do not underestimate him," he said, "though this boy is only at the Vessel-Opening Stage, his combat prowess allows him to challenge those above his rank. He is the most extraordinary disciple I have seen in years. If you do not believe me, ask the representatives from the Silent Moon Blade Sect."

The crowd erupted with laughter, as if they had heard a joke. "So what if he can fight above his rank? Could he possibly defeat a late Foundation Stage cultivator?"

Yet, when the Silent Moon Blade Sect was mentioned, their master, Liu Zhongdao, bristled with fury and roared, "Gu Xingyuan! My Silent Moon Blade Sect will never stand with Star-Gazing Valley again! So many of my young disciples were slain at your hands! Especially that little wretch Chen Mu! He only managed to defeat a mid-Foundation Stage cultivator—do not embellish Star-Gazing Valley’s reputation! This gathering is for late Foundation Stage only, and even if he’s reached mid-Foundation Stage, he has no place here!"

Hearing Liu Zhongdao’s relentless outburst, the other sect leaders regarded the Vessel-Opening Chen Mu with newfound curiosity.

"To surpass those at the mid-Foundation Stage is indeed a rare talent at his level, but it is no justification for his presence at this gathering. Perhaps he might be suited to a future event," one master said, shaking his head in doubt.

Gu Xingyuan was unperturbed. "Rest assured, everything will proceed according to the rules. If, during the competitions, he fails to meet the requirements, he will not enter the Netherworld Secret Realm and will only have come to sightsee. Does this satisfy you? But let me say this: if Chen Mu demonstrates the strength required, he must be allowed entry into the Netherworld Secret Realm. Agreed?"

Though many wished to continue debating, the matter was settled. If Chen Mu lacked the strength yet still entered the competition, he would make a fool of himself and only disgrace Star-Gazing Valley. Despite Gu Xingyuan’s unwavering confidence, no one really believed this Vessel-Opening Chen Mu would achieve anything remarkable. The crowd shook their heads and scoffed.

Chen Mu sat alone in a corner. Disciples from other sects eyed him with amusement and mockery, while his own sect’s members wished they could bury their heads in the ground from sheer embarrassment. Only the Silent Moon Blade Sect and the Azurefall Daoists ignored him; the former still harbored some fear toward Chen Mu.

As for the Azurefall Daoists, they already knew Chen Wuhen had been defeated by Chen Mu, so they had some understanding of his abilities. Chen Wuhen himself was present at this gathering, having advanced to late Foundation Stage. His gaze toward Chen Mu was a mixture of complexity and venom.

Among them, Meng Rushan also glanced at Chen Mu, his eyes narrowing. He had deduced that the little medicine boy from years ago was likely Chen Mu. This was information Chen Wuhen had provided: the Star-Gazing Valley’s Daoist Mu had taken a registered disciple by the name of Chen Mu, and that Daoist Mu was none other than the alchemist who crafted the Vitality Pill.

The disciples of Star-Gazing Valley had come prepared to integrate into the larger group, but now, thanks to the derision of others, they glared at Chen Mu with resentment, blaming him inwardly for their predicament.

Unperturbed, Chen Mu sat in meditation, chatting with Rou’er inside the Spirit Beast Bracelet. "Rou’er, do you think the so-called Netherworld Secret Realm truly has anything to do with the land of the dead? Can one really witness glimpses of a past life there?"

"The Netherworld Secret Realm? Hard to say. If the spatial node here truly overlaps with the Lesser Netherworld Domain, then... it’s not impossible. Or perhaps some great power has deliberately set up a connection..." Rou’er pondered for a moment, then replied with gravity.

Chen Mu pressed on, "So, can one see scenes from a previous life?"

"No—wait... unless the waters of what you call the Yellow Springs Pool are actually drawn from the River of Forgetfulness. And even then... under certain rare circumstances, perhaps. For example, if one comprehends the Dao of Reincarnation, or if there is some karmic causality... I’ve only heard rumors, and know little of such secrets. Why do you ask?"

"Heh, I’m just curious. I wonder what kind of person I was in a past life—maybe some mighty immortal from the Upper Realm?" Chen Mu chuckled.

Little Dragon Fox Rou’er burst out laughing. "You, an immortal of the Upper Realm? Young man, not to dampen your spirits, but don’t aim so high. The road ahead is long—walk it with steady steps."

With that, Chen Mu quickly changed the subject, chatting with Rou’er about other oddities and tales.

The official qualifying competitions had yet to begin, but the disciples of various sects had already grown lively, especially with all manner of trading leaving everyone satisfied. After half a day, three more sects arrived in succession. The third among them, the Azurecloud Mountain Sect, was a renowned powerhouse in the Great Xia Empire.

As the Azurecloud Mountain Sect’s airship touched down, a group of young disciples leapt out. Leading them was a scholarly youth with a resolute gaze—none other than Chen Mu’s long-absent elder brother, Chen Feng.

Chen Feng immediately sought out Gu Xingyuan, wishing to inquire after his troublesome younger brother, a testament to the deep bond between the siblings.

"Chen Feng of Azurecloud Mountain Sect greets Sect Master Gu. My younger brother, Chen Mu—has he been well under your care? We have not seen each other in years. Truly, I ask for nothing more than his safety," Chen Feng said respectfully, bowing and inquiring after his brother’s wellbeing.

"So, it’s Chen Feng! I am an old friend of your father, Haoran. Just call me Uncle Gu. Your father is blessed to have two such outstanding sons. Your brother Chen Mu is doing well; his cultivation issues have been resolved, and his combat prowess is nothing short of extraordinary. I brought him along for this gathering."

"Truly?" Upon hearing this, Chen Feng immediately searched the crowd for his long-lost brother.

Scanning the assembly, he spotted Chen Mu sitting cross-legged in a corner. A flood of familiar yet unfamiliar emotions surged within him. Uncertain, Chen Feng approached. The figure before him was taller than he remembered—his little brother had indeed grown up.

Sensing someone approach, Chen Mu opened his eyes. Their gazes met, and Chen Feng called out with emotion, "Brother!"

Chen Mu rose and looked at the now more mature, refined youth before him, his eyes turning faintly red. "Brother!"

Chen Feng rushed forward and gave Chen Mu a bear hug. "Brother, you’ve suffered these years."