Volume 1, Chapter 59 – A Grand Display

Seeing that the matter had been settled, Yun Yun delayed no longer.

With a flip of her palm, the Cloudsea Spirit Vessel appeared in her hand. She then gently tossed it into the air.

Buzz!

Under countless astonished gazes, the flying vessel model, which had been no larger than a palm, instantly expanded!

In the blink of an eye, it transformed into a colossal vessel a hundred zhang long and roughly thirty zhang high!

Its streamlined, silvery-white hull gleamed beneath the sunlight with a cold yet noble luster.

Natural cloud patterns flowed across the vessel, while formation runes flickered faintly upon its surface, radiating a vast power of space and steady defensive fluctuations.

The deckhouse had three levels, complete with upturned eaves, interlocking brackets, carved beams, and painted rafters. It was exquisitely magnificent.

Dozens of portholes lined the vessel’s sides. All of them were now open, offering glimpses of the spacious and comfortable interior.

“Heavens… Th-This is a flying vessel?!”

“It’s enormous! I’ve never seen such a huge flying treasure before!”

“This aura… It must be at least an earth-rank artifact, right?”

“An earth-rank flying artifact?! Heavens!”

Cries of astonishment rose one after another throughout the square.

Even Zhao Ling’er, Xiao Ya, and the others from respectable backgrounds were stunned by the enormous spirit vessel.

Flying artifacts were already precious, let alone a vessel of such immense size and high rank!

It was not merely a means of transportation, but also a symbol of power and heritage!

Wang Zhaojun tightly clutched her mother’s hand and tilted up her small face, her clear eyes shining with yearning.

Xiaocao held her new clothes in her arms and stared blankly, as though she were looking upon an immortal treasure ship from legend.

Yun Yun’s voice rang out once more, reaching the ears of every new disciple with perfect clarity.

“Everyone, board the vessel in order!”

Under the guidance of the Liu family stewards, Liu Ruyan, and Gu Luoli, more than a hundred new disciples began boarding in an orderly manner, filled with excitement, unease, and curiosity.

The moment they stepped inside the spirit vessel, many of the children from ordinary families could not help exclaiming in wonder.

The interior was far more spacious than it appeared from the outside!

Beneath their feet lay smooth spirit-jade flooring, polished brightly enough to reflect their faces.

Rows of comfortable seats filled the cabin. Small spiritwood tables stood between them, already set with fresh spirit fruits and warm water.

Gentle spiritual light radiated from the cabin walls and the luminous pearls embedded in the ceiling, illuminating the entire space. The temperature was pleasant, and the spiritual energy was abundant.

How could this be called a flying vessel used for travel? It was practically a mobile immortal abode!

“So… so beautiful…”

“It’s so comfortable…”

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The children looked around in endless fascination. Even much of their sadness at leaving home for the first time was washed away.

As soon as Xiao Ya boarded, she immediately began “studying” the formation patterns on the cabin walls, her eyes sparkling with wonder.

“A space-expansion formation… stabilization runes… and even a mechanism that automatically regulates spiritual energy…”

She murmured to herself as though she had discovered a priceless treasure.

Zhao Ling’er appeared much calmer. She chose a seat by the window and quietly looked outside.

Wang Zhaojun was seated beside Gu Luoli, while Xiaocao sat together with several girls around her age.

After all the new disciples, Liu Ruyan, Gu Luoli, and Xiao Minghai, who had insisted on personally accompanying his granddaughter for part of the journey, had boarded, Yun Yun cast one final glance at the members of the Liu family seeing them off below and the countless onlookers.

Her figure flickered, and she appeared inside the control chamber on the top level of the spirit vessel.

She formed a hand seal and gave a soft command.

“Rise!”

Buzz!

The Cloudsea Spirit Vessel trembled slightly. Ripples spread through the air around its hull as it slowly rose into the sky.

Its enormous shadow loomed over Qingyang City, blotting out the sky and sun and creating an unparalleled visual spectacle.

“It’s leaving! The Immortal Palace’s spirit vessel is leaving!”

“Children, make sure you cultivate diligently!”

Below, countless people raised their heads and waved. Shouts and blessings merged into a single chorus.

Liu Beihai, Liu Beichuan, and the others also gazed up at the massive vessel as it climbed higher, their hearts filled with emotion and anticipation.

The future of the Liu family, and even that of the entire Great Yan Dynasty, had now become closely bound to the mysterious Yaochi Immortal Palace.

Once the Cloudsea Spirit Vessel had risen high enough, its hull trembled lightly before turning into a streak of white light.

It tore through the sky toward the Wanjue Mountain Range!

Its speed was astonishing, yet the journey remained exceptionally smooth.

Inside the vessel, the new disciples had initially been nervous when it began moving.

However, they soon discovered that the vessel was as steady as solid ground. Even the scenery rushing past the windows seemed strangely gentle, and they gradually relaxed.

Some curiously leaned against the portholes, watching mountains, rivers, cities, and villages flash past below.

Some quietly chatted with their companions, imagining their future lives in the Immortal Palace.

Others sat in silence, missing the families from whom they had just parted.

Gu Luoli and Liu Ruyan walked through the cabin, comforting the uneasy disciples and answering their innocent questions.

Xiao Minghai remained in the control chamber with Yun Yun. This former founding ancestor now resembled an eager student, respectfully seeking Yun Yun’s guidance on certain cultivation questions with an exceedingly humble attitude.

Time passed during the smooth flight.

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About four hours later, the lush forests below gradually became more rugged. Mountain ridges rose and fell like dragons amid swirling clouds and mist.

They had arrived at the Wanjue Mountain Range.

“We have entered the territory of the Wanjue Mountain Range.”

Liu Ruyan’s voice spread throughout the entire spirit vessel.

“This is where the Immortal Palace is located. There are many demonic beasts in these mountains, but there is no need to panic.”

Upon hearing this, the new disciples crowded around the portholes and looked down with curiosity and a trace of nervousness.

Majestic mountains filled their view. Ancient trees towered into the sky, and faint roars of beasts and cries of birds occasionally echoed through the wilderness.

Was this the legendary Wanjue Mountain Range, a place said to be fraught with danger?

Was this where they would live and cultivate in the future?

The spirit vessel had traveled several hundred li into the mountain range and was flying above a relatively open valley when a sudden change occurred!

“Roar!”

“Screech!”

“Hiss!”

Without warning, an unbroken chorus of beastly roars and avian cries, some shrill and others deep, erupted from the forests below!

Immediately afterward, under the terrified gazes of every new disciple aboard the vessel, countless demonic beasts surged out from between the sprawling mountain ridges like a tidal wave!

There were winged tigers several zhang long, with wings growing from their flanks!

There were fire rhinoceroses with crimson bodies and single horns upon their heads!

There were Azure-Feathered Eagles circling in the sky, each with a wingspan of more than ten zhang!

Even more numerous were the countless apes, wolves, pythons, and many other species. There were tens of thousands of them!

Among them were many powerful third-tier, fourth-tier, and even fifth-tier demonic beasts!

They were packed densely together, covering several li of forest and sky below!

“D-Demonic beasts! There are so many!”

“Are they going to attack us?!”

“We’re doomed…”

The cabin instantly descended into panic. Many children turned pale with fright and trembled uncontrollably.

Xiao Minghai’s heart also tightened, and he looked toward Yun Yun.

Yet Yun Yun’s expression remained unchanged. She made no move whatsoever.

Then, in the very next moment after this suffocating “beast tide” appeared, every demonic beast, whether a land-bound creature or a bird in the sky, lowered its head toward the Cloudsea Spirit Vessel high above!

Their postures were respectful, like ministers paying homage to their sovereign!

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Their vicious roars and shrieks instantly transformed into low, docile whimpers and gentle calls.

Then a voice, deep as muffled thunder yet filled with unmistakable respect, rose from below and resounded across the wilderness.

“We respectfully welcome the Deputy Palace Master! By Lord Mo Lin’s command, all creatures of the Wanjue Mountain Range offer their congratulations to the Immortal Palace’s newcomers!”

“May the Immortal Palace’s Dao fortune flourish, and may the new disciples enjoy brilliant futures!”

Those words seemed to serve as a signal.

In the next instant, tens of thousands of demonic beasts roared, hissed, and cried out in unison!

Their voices merged into a mighty torrent that surged into the heavens, brimming with untamed vitality and pure reverence!

This was not an attack.

It was a welcome!

The spirit vessel fell deathly silent.

Every new disciple stood frozen, staring blankly at the breathtaking scene below, where ten thousand beasts bowed their heads and offered congratulations in unison.

Zhao Ling’er’s small mouth fell slightly open.

The silhouettes of countless beasts were reflected in Wang Zhaojun’s clear eyes.

Xiaocao hugged her new clothes tightly, her eyes filled with disbelief.

When had any of them ever witnessed such a spectacle?

What grandeur was this? What overwhelming prestige?

And all of it was merely because they were about to become disciples of the Yaochi Immortal Palace!

An indescribable surge of excitement, pride, and unprecedented belonging welled up within them.

Like scorching magma, it raced and crashed through the chest of every new disciple!

After a brief silence, irrepressible cries and excited discussions erupted throughout the cabin.

“Heavens! Are they welcoming us?”

“Lord Mo Lin? Do they mean Demon King Mo Lin?”

“Th-This is incredible!”

“I’m really… going to become a disciple of the Yaochi Immortal Palace…”

The fear on the children’s faces vanished, replaced by flushed excitement and pride at sharing in the Immortal Palace’s glory.

Even the children who had been saddened by parting from their families found their melancholy swept away by the magnificent sight.

On the top level of the deckhouse, Xiao Ya also set down the jade slip in her hand and rushed to the window. She stared wide-eyed at the extraordinary scene below and murmured to herself.

“Consistency in group behavior… temporary suppression of territorial instincts… pheromonal guidance?”

“No, this seems more like a direct command imposed by a higher-level will…”

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“So this is ‘hierarchical suppression’ and ‘group domination’ in a world of cultivation? It has tremendous research value!”

Liu Ruyan was equally shaken, but she quickly thought of something and looked toward Gu Luoli.

Gu Luoli nodded slightly and said softly, “This was probably arranged by Elder Mo Lin.”

She remembered that their Master had once told Mo Lin and Elder Fushan that they could return to their respective territories and select talented young demons to join the Immortal Palace.

Presumably, after Elder Mo Lin learned that the Immortal Palace’s new disciples would be returning by vessel today, he had notified the demonic beast clans along their route in advance.

At that very moment, the countless beasts in the forests below were also quietly conversing among themselves.

“See that? That’s the Immortal Palace’s flying vessel! Lord Mo Lin personally ordered us to welcome it with the utmost respect!”

An old ape demon spoke to the younger demons beside him, its eyes filled with reverence.

“The Immortal Palace… Even the three demon kings became elders there…”

An Azure-Feathered Eagle gave a low cry.

“Those human children are incredibly fortunate to be able to join a sect like that.”

“I heard the spiritual energy inside the Immortal Palace is a hundred times denser than it is here! How wonderful would it be if I were chosen to become a Sect-Protecting Spirit Beast…”

A fire rhinoceros spoke in a muffled voice, its eyes brimming with envy.

“Stop dreaming! Being able to watch from afar and receive a little of the Immortal Palace’s good fortune is already enough!”

“Come on, everyone, put some spirit into it! Roar louder! Don’t embarrass the Wanjue Mountain Range!”

The roars of beasts and cries of birds grew even more enthusiastic.

Amid this grand welcoming ceremony of ten thousand beasts crying in unison and mountains and rivers trembling, the Cloudsea Spirit Vessel continued steadily through the skies above the Wanjue Mountain Range without slowing down.

It sped toward the deepest reaches of the mountain range, heading for the valley where the Yaochi Immortal Palace lay hidden behind natural poisonous miasma and formations.

Inside the vessel, the new disciples could not calm down for a long time.

They pressed against the portholes and eagerly watched the unforgettable sight below.

Those ferocious demonic beasts, which cultivators would ordinarily need to confront cautiously in groups, now lay submissively among the forests like docile pets, their heads raised as they watched the spirit vessel disappear into the distance.

The new disciples’ hearts filled with unprecedented reverence for the Yaochi Immortal Palace they had yet to see.

Yun Yun took in every reaction of the disciples aboard the vessel, and a trace of satisfaction flashed through her eyes.

Mo Lin had handled this matter well.

It had both demonstrated the Immortal Palace’s control and prestige in this region and taught these disciples a lesson, greatly strengthening their sense of belonging.

She raised her eyes and looked ahead.

Through the clouds and mist, the majestic outline of the Yaochi Immortal Palace could already be faintly seen.

The Immortal Palace was just ahead.