Chapter 1428: Lost in the Shanhai Wanderings

Having traveled far from the region of the tsunami,Jiang Wang's heart was still filled with lingering fear.Fortunate it was to be in the company of Zuo Guangshu.Fortunate that Guangshu's mastery over water had reached a transcendent level,Verging on the peak achievable within his current cultivation,And that he possessed the top-tier water manipulation divine ability of the River Earl.Otherwise, his predicament would not have been so easily resolved.The Great Flood summoned by the Yu's instinctive response,Amidst the vast oceanic expanse,Had forged a terrifying display of Heavenly Might.Within such an all-encompassing tsunami,Though he possessed a multitude of killing arts,He would have found no readily applicable method of response.It seemed his only recourse was to forcibly cleave a path with the Unyielding Wind,And charge headlong in his Celestial Mansion state…If he charged in the correct direction, all would be well,But if he were to become lost and wander aimlessly in the tempestuous waters,He feared he would be consumed alive.Yet, becoming lost was precisely a fate most difficult to avoid.For within such terrifying Heavenly Might,It was exceedingly difficult to connect with the Star Tower standing in the distant starry sky.One moment of carelessness, and one's sense of direction would be lost.Zuo Guangshu, having manifested the form of the River Earl, had no such worries.As long as he was within the water,The water would grant him answers.Furthermore, had Zuo Guangshu reached the Divine Proximity realm today,And his River Earl divine ability blossomed,This great flood would not have occurred at all.

*Whoosh whoosh*

When the winds calmed and the waves subsided,The entire River Earl's divine chariot also reverted to water,And flowed into the sea.The Flood Dragon pulling the chariot subsequently vanished,Zuo Guangshu also dispelled his River Earl form,His battle armor and cloak having already dissipated.Only the tips of his hair remained damp, clinging to his face,Appearing exceedingly weary.Jiang Wang, though he had not truly exerted himself much beside him,Having merely focused his attention on observing the surroundings throughout,Having traversed a tsunami,Could not help but appear disheveled at this moment.

The two brothers looked at each other,And both burst into laughter.

Before entering the Mountain Sea Realm,One had declared his intention to maintain the Impervious Smoke Armor at all times,Always preserving his peak state,The other had vowed to sweep through the Mountain Sea Realm…Having just entered, they were both immediately shown their place,Taught a clear lesson by the strange beasts within the Mountain Sea Realm.Zuo Guangshu had even lost the strength to manifest the Impervious Smoke Armor,And Jiang Wang was utterly devoid of any sharpness.

"It is indeed best to be low-key when one is a person!" Jiang Wang sighed deeply.Zuo Guangshu directly sat cross-legged,And began to regulate his breath upon the surface of the water,Weakly saying, "Brother Jiang, I have always been very low-key. It was you who said you would sweep through the Mountain Sea Realm…"Jiang Wang made a gesture with his finger,And the True Samadhi Fire traced a circle of fiery line upon the sea's surface,Encompassing both himself and Zuo Guangshu within it."You first attend to your recovery properly, do not speak idle words!"

This circle of fiery line,Served both as a warning and a deterrent.At this moment, Zuo Guangshu, having dispelled his River Earl form,His temples were damp from the water vapor,And his blue brocaded robe clung to his body,Making him appear even more slender.Furthermore, he had sustained some injuries earlier,His complexion inevitably pale.Though "delicately pitiful" might not be a suitable description for a man,There truly was no more appropriate term to describe him at this moment.Jiang Wang, on the other hand, was still in complete and full state,Leisurely contemplating a question.If viewed from high above, this scene would be worthy of a painting.With the sea surface, as blue as a mirror, as the backdrop,A circle of fiery line formed a conspicuous landscape upon the canvas.Crimson flames burning upon the azure sea.Within the vibrant flames,One, clad in a fluttering green robe, his demeanor calm and composed, stood gracefully erect,The other, draped in a blue robe, handsome and refined, sat in focused meditation…The scene was surprisingly harmonious.It would have been even better if they had not spoken.

After "fleeing" to this point,Jiang Wang had thought and thought,And at this moment, suddenly recalled,Why he felt some familiarity with the "Records of Mountain Sea Strange Beasts" that Zuo Guangshu had mentioned.General Xiu Yuan Xiu of the Imprisoning Lightning ArmyHad once specifically instructed himTo take the time to read a book called "Records of Strange Beasts,"Said to be foundational reading for the Jixia Academy,Which could deepen his understanding of this world.He had originally intended to do so,But Feng Gu's sudden death,And his entanglement in that terrifying vortex,Had momentarily made him forget everything else.Later, when he recalled it…The storage box containing the "Historical Blade Cleaving the Sea" had already been opened.All are karmic debts.

"Little Guangshu." Jiang Wang directly asked,"What is the difference between the 'Records of Mountain Sea Strange Beasts' you mentioned, and the 'Records of Strange Beasts'?"To save face in front of his younger brother,He added another sentence:"It's the 'Records of Strange Beasts' that records the Bird that Bears Rain."

Zuo Guangshu, while regulating his breath,Casually said, "'Records of Strange Beasts' is considered elementary reading.'Records of Mountain Sea Strange Beasts' is a bit more complex;Its full name should be 'Mountains, Seas, and Strange Beasts,'It records many things, and is also very ancient."

The foundational reading of the Jixia Academy,Had become elementary reading to Young Master Zuo here!And Marquis Jiang had still only heard a mention of it,Never having turned a single page…Of course, with the profound heritage of the Marquis of Huai's manor,The knowledge Zuo Guangshu had been exposed to since childhood was certainly extraordinary,Indeed incomparable.

"Ahem, when I return to Qi, I will also find it to read."Big Brother Jiang, being very studious, said,"In fact, I often read books, it's just that matters are truly busy,Sometimes I am unable to keep up."Zuo Guangshu, however, did not doubt it,Merely said casually, "It should be quite difficult to obtain in Qi.This book is quite ancient. I'll give you a set when we return.Before entering the Mountain Sea Realm, I should have had you read it thoroughly,But there wasn't enough time.Since I have already read it, then it is better to focus on cultivation and preparing for battle."Qi, having newly risen as the dominant power in the Eastern Domain,Is certainly not as deep in historical heritage as Chu.This is reflected in many aspects, ancient texts are just one of them.

Jiang Wang naturally had nothing to take offense at,What made him sensitive was another term: "A set?"

"Yes, the Book of Mountains, the Book of Seas, the Book of the Great Wilderness, the Book of Strange Beasts…Collectively referred to as the Records of Mountain Sea Strange Beasts."Zuo Guangshu said casually,"Each book is further subdivided into many sections.It's difficult to explain in a few words; you'll know when you read it."

One or two books might have been acceptable, but a set…

"You said earlier we were in the Yang Water, where should we be now?"Jiang Wang asked with a serious tone.He stared at Zuo Guangshu,His gaze containing a considerable degree of criticism.The urgent matter at hand was the situation within the Mountain Sea Realm,And how to seize the Chapter of the Nine Phoenixes…Where was the room for idle chat?Young people are truly talkative, and keep drifting further and further!

Zuo Guangshu did not perceive Big Brother Jiang's criticism,Shaking his head, "I do not know anymore.The方位 (direction/location) within the Mountain Sea Realm is very difficult to ascertain.Only when a definite landmark is sighted,Or when encountering a strange beast with a strong territorial sense like the Yu,Can one know where they have arrived…"

"Then where are we to search for the Chapter of the Nine Phoenixes, do you know?" Jiang Wang asked again."Whether the Chapter of the Nine Phoenixes will appear this time is still debatable."Zuo Guangshu said, "But I know where the Nine Phoenixes are.According to the records in the 'Records of Mountain Sea Strange Beasts,'They should be on Mount Tian Gui in the far north.That place is also very dangerous.Besides the Nine Phoenixes, there is also a god in the mountain,With the head of a tiger, the body of a human, four hooves, and holding a snake in its mouth,Named Qiangliang…However, my grandfather has made some preparations for me."

Jiang Wang was aware of Mount Tian Gui in the far north.Xiang Bei possessed an extremely powerful defensive Dao art bearing the same name,Which he himself had personally broken at the River Viewing Platform.

"Is the Chapter of the Nine Phoenixes related to the Nine Phoenixes?" Jiang Wang asked.He also wondered about the strength of that Nine Phoenix.But if the beings within the Mountain Sea Realm were all as powerful as that Yu,It would indeed be difficult for them to achieve anything.Perhaps they could truly only rely on the Marquis of Huai's means.

"It should be related, since they both have Nine Phoenix." Zuo Guangshu said,"But actually, I cannot be certain."

Jiang Wang pondered,"Is this Mountain Sea Realm constructed according to the 'Records of Mountain Sea Strange Beasts'?Then what we see and experience,Is it real or false?"

Zuo Guangshu thought for a while,And very seriously shook his head, "I cannot distinguish.Brother Jiang, can you?"

"If I could distinguish, I would not ask you." Jiang Wang said.The Mountain Sea Realm was too fantastical and too magnificent,It was almost like a place where all imagination was accumulated and realized,And not like a truly existing world.Yet, being here,Everything seen, heard, smelled, and felt, was undeniably real…It was clearly a real world!Does a world truly exist in this realm called the "Mountain Sea Realm,"And the Nine Chapter Jade Tablet is merely the key to traverse between the two worlds?Or is it that the mountains and seas are all empty?When the real is false, the false is real,When the false is real, the real is false.

What kind of person was Huang Weizhen after all?The more one learned, the more mysterious he became.The more one experienced within the Mountain Sea Realm,The more vast and unfathomable this person felt.Jiang Wang could not help but ask this question.

After thinking it over, Zuo Guangshu said,"Actually, for us Chu people, Huang Weizhen is also a mystery.After all, he has been dead for nine hundred years,And the flower of historical truth,Always withers continuously in the passage of time.We, of this day and age,Know part of his achievements,Know his legends,But cannot know all of his past.""Nine hundred years ago, he suddenly died,And many theories still circulate to this day.There are conspiracy theories, there are tragedy theories,But all lack evidence.Perhaps the most convincing one is –He made a desperate attempt,To assault a realm beyond the peak of the extraordinary,But unfortunately failed.""As for the origin of the Mountain Sea Realm,There are also two theories.One is that after Huang Weizhen's death, he left behind a key,Connecting to the mysterious Mountain Sea Realm.The other is that Huang Weizhen used his remaining strength upon his death,To create the Mountain Sea Realm.And there are many who believe both of these theories."

How truly strange and peculiar.Even the people of Chu,No one could be certain what kind of place the Mountain Sea Realm truly was.Perhaps it was because cultivators above the Divine Proximity realm could not enter,And cultivators below the Divine Proximity level,Lacked the ability to perceive the truth…

While they were speaking, Zuo Guangshu stood up,His divine radiance shining."Recovered?" Jiang Wang asked."Almost. I merely needed to replenish some strength."As Zuo Guangshu spoke, he activated the Impervious Smoke Armor,Suspended within the light blue smoke.Jiang Wang was also enveloped in fiery red smoke.Judging solely by their appearance, these two truly possessed formidable aura.It would not be an exaggeration to say they were the "strongest looking combination" in the Mountain Sea Realm.

"Which way shall we go next?"Marquis Jiang very naturally set aside his dignity as a battle-hardened warrior,And surrendered the right to lead the way—Who told him he hadn't read the "Records of Mountain Sea Strange Beasts"?Unexpectedly, Zuo Guangshu was also very hesitant,"Mount Tian Gui in the far north, it should be in the north, right?Looking at the name, 'North's Extremity'?"

"Didn't you read the 'Records of Mountain Sea Strange Beasts' thoroughly?" Jiang Wang asked angrily.Zuo Guangshu had an innocent expression,"The records on the 'Records of Mountain Sea Strange Beasts' are very simple ah,It just says, 'There is a mountain, named Mount Tian Gui in the far north,'There are no other details."

"Then bring out the means your grandfather prepared." Jiang Wang said with a heavy tone,"Although like you, I do not wish to rely on elders…But as things stand, we have no other choice."

Zuo Guangshu shook his head,"Grandfather only prepared the means to interfere with Qiangliang,He didn't concern himself with anything else.This time in the Mountain Sea Realm, I prepared everything myself,The Mountain Sea Purgatory was also built by others after I gathered information."

Jiang Wang fell silent.

"Mount Tian Gui in the far north, it should be at the northern end, right?"Zuo Guangshu asked tentatively again.

"Should be." Jiang Wang was even more hesitant.

"Then it is the north!" Zuo Guangshu nodded vigorously,As if affirming himself, and also as if giving Jiang Wang confidence.

"Then here's the problem." Jiang Wang pointed to the sky,"The sky has no Great Sun, which way is north?"

Zuo Guangshu was silent for a moment,Looked at Jiang Wang and said,"Brother Jiang, you are an Outer Tower realm cultivator."

Jiang Wang was also silent for a moment.After silently connecting with the Star Tower for a while,He spoke, "I can still draw upon the power of the Star Tower,But I cannot determine the direction of the Star Tower.It might be because of the Mountain Sea Realm…"

Zuo Guangshu thought for a moment,Said, "You said that after nightfall, when you respond to the Star Tower again,Will you be able to see your starlight in the night sky?That way we can determine the direction."

Jiang Wang had wanted to say, my Star Tower is incomparably brilliant,Even the blazing sun cannot conceal its radiance.But upon second thought,Perhaps the starlight in the Mountain Sea Realm is relatively dim.Then perhaps it is indeed only at night that one can clearly see the starlight.

"Perhaps." He could only say so.

Suddenly, he had no confidence in this trip to the Mountain Sea Realm…Little Guangshu is still too young ah.Before entering the Mountain Sea Realm, training eight and seven times,This purgatory and that purgatory,Why did he not practice how to determine direction in the Mountain Sea Realm?!

"Then let's wait until even…"

Zuo Guangshu's words were cut short mid-sentence,Without any warning—the sky suddenly darkened.It was not the darkness of the tsunami summoned by the Yu obscuring the sky,But the darkness of night descending, without light.It was a celestial phenomenon of day and night intertwining.Of course, this did not affect the gazes of the two extraordinary cultivators.Zuo Guangshu cast an encouraging look—Shall we try?So Jiang Wang tried.He mustered all his strength to respond to his First Star Tower,He could even faintly hear the sound of the chains of the old dragon at the base of the Star Tower.The sky was still so black that there was nothing to be seen.He could feel his Star Tower,And could also draw upon the power from the Star Tower,But he simply could not see his own starlight in the sky of this Mountain Sea Realm,And could not distinguish direction.

"Brother Jiang, what is that you see? Is that your Star Tower?"Zuo Guangshu suddenly raised a finger and asked.Jiang Wang followed the direction of his finger,And only saw a point of light twinkling in the sky.

"It is not…"

*Rumble!*

A thunderous roar that shook the heavens and the earth,Interrupted his words.Subsequently, that point of light in the sky,Expanded into a huge lightning bolt,Traversing the long sky.Jiang Wang, using the utmost power of his Pure Sun Eye,Saw in the extremely distant high altitude,A single-legged bull, azure and ancient in color, without horns,Its body shining with a radiance like the sun and moon.It was driving the violent lightning and thunder,Approaching with terrifying speed.Horrifying electric light emitted from its body,Spreading throughout the entire sky.In the long night, it flashed a brief daytime.And every time it roared, it was rolling thunder.An earth-shattering roar.

Jiang Wang and Zuo Guangshu silently withdrew the conspicuous smoke enveloping their bodies,Such a strange beast that controlled lightning and thunder,Hiding in the water would surely not work.What if it, like that Yu, conveniently decided to feed?A single strike of lightning could cover the entire water area, leaving one nowhere to hide.But the sea surface was boundless,And there was indeed nowhere to hide.

Jiang Wang flipped his hand and shook out the Concealment Robe,Draping it over Zuo Guangshu,And placed the Rouge Mirror into his palm:"Hold onto this, and do not move."Then he himself hid within the Rouge Mirror.This series of actions was smooth and flowing like water.

*Rumble!*

The sound of thunder approached.*Splash splash*, in an instant, the rain poured down.Zuo Guangshu, clad in the Concealment Robe, holding the Rouge Mirror,Stood silently in the rain.He felt a little lonely.A little helpless.Honestly, he had already known that the environment of the Mountain Sea Realm was dangerous,But he had certainly not expected it to be this dangerous.Wasn't the Mountain Sea Realm infinitely vast?Wasn't it that the land was vast and the beasts were sparse?People who had entered before seemed to rarely encounter a strange beast.How was it that they two were encountering them again and again, one after another?Feeling wronged, nervous, daring not to move.

Jiang Wang, hiding within the Rouge Mirror,Did not even dare to directly observe the lightning and thunder beast with the Rouge Mirror,Only letting his gaze fall upon the electric light behind that strange beast.He patiently waited for a while,Seeing the electric light travel far away,Only then did he leap out of the Rouge Mirror.

The Concealment Robe's effect was already very limited for those at the Divine Proximity level.But this strange beast that controlled lightning and thunder had not come specifically for Jiang Wang and Zuo Guangshu,Therefore, it merely flew past rapidly, without paying much attention.

Zuo Guangshu had not dared to observe the Kui Ox at close range earlier, for fear of being detected.At this moment, he turned to look back,But he could not even see the electric light anymore,And could not help but ask, "Has it already gone?"

Jiang Wang activated his Ear Perception Immortal State again,Listened quietly for a while,Only then said, "It should have gone. The lingering sounds are already very far away.What is the origin of this big fellow?It feels much stronger than the Yu…"

Zuo Guangshu returned both the Concealment Robe and the Rouge Mirror to Jiang Wang,Also with lingering fear,"This is the Kui Ox, it should live on Mount Liubo.But at this moment, it is flying in the air,I do not know where it is going."

"Where it goes is not our concern." Jiang Wang sighed,"The problem is, where should we go now…"

Zuo Guangshu thought for a moment,Said, "Brother Jiang, you are experienced and knowledgeable.Look at the current situation…"

Jiang Wang said, "You have read many books."Zuo Guangshu said, "Brother Jiang, your cultivation is profound, and your strength is formidable."Jiang Wang said, "You have read many books."Zuo Guangshu: "You are the elder brother, I, as the younger brother, must still rely on you."Jiang Wang said, "You have read many books."

Zuo Guangshu: …

"How about we just walk around casually,Walk and see, and decide based on the situation?"

"That is precisely my intention!"

I recommend a fan song, search for "Red Maple Song" on Bilibili.Be sure to listen to the "White Bones Without Life" section of the song; that's what struck me.