Everlasting Immortal Firmament

Book 8: Chapter 106: Sha Takes Disciples

The Myriad Age Daoist Sect:

Five days flew by. As the news of Essence Genesis’s widespread invitation reached every corner of the world, leaders from various factions made their way to the Myriad Age Daoist Sect.

Five days might seem neither long nor short, but for individuals of extraordinary prowess like Gu Hai, crossing the vast Divine Continent took but a short while. However, the journey was long and arduous for regular cultivators. These five days not only allowed the unparalleled experts to deal with their own affairs but also eliminated many ordinary experts who could not even make it in time.

“Announcing, the Nine Sun Sect’s sect master from the land of the living!”

“Announcing, the Blazing Sun Imperial Dynasty’s sovereign from the land of the living!”

…

Disciples of the Myriad Age Daoist Sect called out, announcing the names of experts from around the world. Simultaneously, they guided all these formidable figures to Essence Genesis Hall’s plaza.

After all, those who had managed to arrive here within these short five days were among the strongest individuals in the world. As for those who chose not to come, that was their own decision.

At this moment, Essence Genesis Hall’s plaza had already gathered the leaders of eighty factions. They were all imperial dynasty sovereigns and sect masters of middle-tier sects, all in the Upper Heavenly Palace Realm.

In the plaza, experts greeted each other and engaged in dialogue.

Some faction leaders who were usually antagonistic now restrained their hostility. Those old friends who seldom met now congregated at Essence Genesis Hall’s entrance, catching up with each other in lively conversations.

The experts formed small cliques, chatting while keeping an eye on people coming from all directions.

“Announcing, the hall master of the Spirit Mountain’s Deity Seizing Hall from the land of the living!”

Another loud cry resounded.

Buzz!

Essence Genesis Hall’s somewhat noisy plaza instantly quieted.

Deity Seizing Hall’s hall master? Isn’t that the mysterious Jiangchen?

Everyone here was of high status—people like imperial emperors and mid-tier sect masters—and had some knowledge of ancient texts, particularly regarding the war between the shamans and the animal spirit race. Furthermore, they had taken time to research Jiangchen’s history after his grand display of might in the Spirit Mountain.

This was a legendary figure.

The former commander of the shaman race, who had led it to a resounding victory over the animal spirit race and dominated the world. He was reputed to be the strongest in the world back then and had lived for millions of years?

Everyone turned to Jiangchen.

Only two people arrived—Jiangchen and Long Aotian.

Although Jiangchen seemed mild-mannered, he exuded an imposing aura that made many uneasy.

“Greetings, Deity Seizing Hall Master!” someone spoke up.

“Greetings, Deity Seizing Hall Master!” various other experts greeted.

Jiangchen smiled faintly and nodded.

Jiangchen’s arrival was low-key, without any ostentation and bringing only Long Aotian, but no one dared to comment. After all, he was Jiangchen, previously the strongest person in the world. What would be the point of showing off in front of him? That would just be humiliating oneself. His mere presence alone was the grandest display.

“Deity Seizing Hall Master, Sect Master specially prepared the frontmost seat on the left column for you!” a Myriad Age Daoist Sect disciple announced respectfully.

“Oh? The front seat? Very well.” Jiangchen nodded, accepting the gesture.

There were six seats placed on Essence Genesis Hall’s plaza, three on the left and three on the right.

Everyone who arrived had seen these six seats and understood these were meant for the six most important individuals, those who held great strength in the world.

As for the others, even if they were imperial emperors or sect masters of middle-tier sects, they had to stand.

While this might be considered extremely impolite, and many people grumbled inwardly, no one dared to complain.

Some had inquired about whom the seats were intended for, and the Myriad Age Daoist Sect disciples had explained that these seats were prepared for the six most powerful individuals, but anyone who thought they could challenge these six could try to take their seats. Essence Genesis would not mind if people competed for them.

However, despite this invitation, no one had chosen to claim those seats yet. It was not due to humility but rather a desire to wait and see.

If someone sat down and was later forced to give up their seat, that would be truly embarrassing.

Jiangchen took a seat without hesitation, settling on the frontmost seat on the left.

Even then, no one dared to dispute it because he was Jiangchen. Who would dare to challenge Jiangchen?

With five seats remaining, many speculated about who the others might be, but the identities of these people remained a mystery.

Jiangchen sat calmly on the seat, sipping the spiritual tea prepared by Long Aotian. As he sipped, he observed the experts in the surroundings and occasionally glanced at Essence Genesis Hall’s tightly closed doors.

“Veritable Lord, there are six seats in total? However, from my analysis, it seems like there aren’t that many factions in the world at the level of a heavenly dynasty or holy land. There are less than five, right?” Long Aotian asked curiously.

“Not enough factions? No, there are not enough seats.” Jiangchen smiled faintly.

“Not enough seats?” Long Aotian looked puzzled.

However, Jiangchen simply casually savored his tea while watching one expert after another arrive.

------

Heavenly Access Hall, Heavenly Access Peak, the Myriad Age Daoist Sect:

Gu Hai had arrived early, accompanied by Lin Waner. However, instead of going to Essence Genesis Hall’s plaza, he brought Lin Waner to Sha’s residence.

Although these five days might seem short, they equated to fifty years in the Gu’s Immortal Firmament. They had been separated, and the reunion was sweet. Naturally, there had been a wedding and a touching honeymoon. During this time, when coital cultivating with Gu Hai’s Worldly Sorrowful Endowment, Lin Waner’s cultivation had soared, reaching the Upper Heavenly Palace Realm.

Although the Vermilion Bird Deity was no longer with them, Lin Waner found more value in being by Gu Hai’s side.

Not long ago, when the officials requested to accompany Gu Hai to the Myriad Age Daoist Sect, he chose to bring only Lin Waner along. Strictly speaking, Lin Waner was still the current-generation Supreme Ascendant of the Myriad Age Daoist Sect’s three lines of inheritance.

Gu Hai led Lin Waner to find Sha in Heavenly Access Hall.

Sha courteously prepared a pot of tea for the two.

“Gu Hai, I heard you acquired Sa’s energy in the East Spiritual Fire Sea and killed Zhu Qiqi?” Sha fixed his gaze on Gu Hai, a hint of surprise in his eyes.

Gu Hai nodded. “We got lucky. Sha, have you recovered Sect Master Heavenly Access’s memories? The Severed Sect’s Heavenly Access!”

Sha frowned slightly.

“We know. You are you, and the Severed Sect’s Heavenly Access is the Severed Sect’s Heavenly Access. However, if you have regained your memories, you should also know things about the Six Paths Immortal Firmament that others are unaware of,” Gu Hai stated solemnly.

Sha remained silent for a moment before finally nodding. “I have seen the memories of the Severed Sect’s Heavenly Access, but I am still myself.”

“You single-handedly carry the legacies of both Sect Master Heavenly Accesses but are yet independent of them. That is indeed extraordinary. However, you should also know what our real threat is,” Gu Hai asserted.

Sha hesitated slightly. “Sa?”

“Look at the East Spiritual Fire Sea. The seven Vermilion Bird Primes used to be Sa’s pets. They were initially furious, but suddenly, they don’t even mention Zhu Qiqi’s death at all? I’ve inquired, and those six doted on Zhu Qiqi immensely. Now, they don’t seem to care? Only one person can suppress their hatred. There’s no need to guess; you also understand who it is,” Gu Hai said gravely.

“You mean Sa has made contact with them?” Sha knit his brows.

Gu Hai nodded lightly.

“The Six Paths Immortal is still two years away from coming out. So, according to your theory, Sa will also appear soon. Haha! It seems that chaos is looming over this world,” Sha mused, a hint of melancholy in his voice.

“Sa, the Six Paths Immortal? They are terrifying but at the same time not!” Gu Hai shook his head.

“Huh?” Sha looked at Gu Hai with curiosity.

“They possess immense strength, the strongest in this world, which makes them terrifying. However, they also fear losing everything they have. That’s why they are harsh and oppressive towards all beings. The more they oppress, the stronger the resistance becomes. Isn’t that true?” Gu Hai smiled.

“Gu Hai, you truly are daring!” Sha eyed Gu Hai with a strange expression.

“I’m not daring. Aren’t you the same? Never rely on others; personal strength is the key,” Gu Hai asserted.

Sha fell into momentary silence before nodding in agreement.

“While it’s true that neither of us fears Sa or the Six Paths Immortal, their strength is undeniably formidable. I have a request in this regard,” Gu Hai said solemnly.

“Oh?” Sha looked at Gu Hai inquisitively.

“I have four foreign affairs department leaders in the Han Nation. They have achieved some level of proficiency in the sword Dao, and they are deeply obsessed with it. However, they have hit a bottleneck in their progress. I would like them to accompany you and receive your guidance, to become your sword attendants,” Gu Hai said earnestly.

[TL Note: I could not find details on what sword attendants are, but I’m guessing this refers to a status similar to that of soldiers under a commander, so there would not be a formal master-disciple relationship but more of on-the-job training.]

“Sword attendants?” Sha frowned.

Gu Hai waved his hand, instantly summoning four figures from the Gu’s Immortal Firmament: Zhang Sanfeng, Dugu Qiubai, Dongfang Bubai, and Ximen Chuixue.

“Salutations, Your Holy Eminence!” The four bowed to Gu Hai while holding their swords.

“Salutations, Your Heavenly Majesty!” Then the four bowed to Lin Waner.

Lin Waner smiled faintly, sitting silently at the side.

“Greetings, Azure Lotus Sword Master!” They greeted Sha with a bow.

“Oh? It’s you?” Sha said in surprise.

The four individuals stood respectfully to the side. Although they were renowned figures in the Gu’s Immortal Firmament, they understood there were always greater heights to reach.

“Have all of you reached the peak of the Upper Heavenly Palace Realm?” Sha asked in amazement.

“They have some talent, but they haven’t been able to form a sword physical soul. My understanding of the sword Dao is limited, so I have come to request your assistance,” Gu Hai stated solemnly.

“Speaking of which, when I was enlightening myself in the sword Dao, I was also inspired by them,” Sha commented.

“Although these four are the foreign affairs department leaders of the Han Nation, you can rest assured. I can promise right now that they will never draw their swords against the Myriad Age Daoist Sect. Your mastery of the sword Dao is unparalleled. While I might be pressuring you into this, I hope you can understand,” Gu Hai added earnestly.

Sha remained silent for a moment before nodding. “I understand your intention. Haha! There are no more grudges between sects over there. The harm caused by Sa transcends everything. We don’t even know if we’ll survive Sa’s return. We should treasure what we have.”

“So, you agree?” Gu Hai’s eyes lit up.

“Very well, you four can follow me from now on. I’ll do my best to guide you, but it all depends on your aptitude,” Sha said gravely.

“Thank you, Azure Lotus Sword Master!” The four individuals’ eyes sparkled with excitement.

While they each had their own path in the sword Dao, they had seemingly reached their limits, unable to form a sword physical soul. Hence, they were thrilled to have the guidance of someone who had formed a sword physical soul.

“Alright, from now on, the four of you will be by Sha’s side and be his sword attendants. Train diligently!” Gu Hai instructed.

“Sword attendants? No, if you don’t mind, be my disciples!” Sha declared solemnly.

Gu Hai was momentarily surprised but quickly understood that Sha was offering assurance of his wholehearted commitment.

“Thank you!” Gu Hai said gratefully.

“Disciple Zhang Sanfeng salutes Master!”

“Disciple Dugu Qiubai salutes Master!”

“Disciple Dongfang Bubai salutes Master!”

“Disciple Ximen Chuixue salutes Master!”