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5.98% Painting of the Nine Immortals / Chapter 60: That Woman

Chapter 60: That Woman

Editor: Rainystars

"The second Immortal is about to be awakened."

The words floated across the air and lit up Ling Xian’s face.

The second Immortal!

The second Immortal was known to be capable of refining the Sun, Moon, and Stars of the Universe, skills second only to Liao Cang Qiong. What a glorious past this Immortal must possess? How will he bedazzle us?

Liao Cang Qiong, the most accomplished of all Immortals, had given him so much guidance. This second Immortal, what will he bring for Ling Xian?

Seeing his excitement, Liao Cang Qiong fiddled with his beard and let out a soft sigh. "I had made immense sacrifices these past few days to wake him up prematurely. Waking him ahead of schedule was not my intention, but I encountered a minor accident."

"Almighty Master, who is the Immortal, can you tell me something about him? I can get ready for his awakening," Ling Xian inquired eagerly.

"If I tell you now you’ll miss out on the surprise." Liao Cang Qiong chuckled. He continued, "This is an extraordinary individual. I can only tell you that she’s a woman who inked her name into history. Singling her out, she’s amongst the most exceptional of us nine Immortals, so guess for yourself."

"A woman who wrote her own history, a mistress of alchemy, an extraordinary feat!" Ling Xian exclaimed. He paused, pondered for a moment then pulled out a frail, dust-covered book out of his traveler’s sack.

<An Encyclopedia of Famous People of the Nine Provinces>

As the title suggests, the book detailed the lives of the most extraordinary cultivators who ever lived throughout the millennia-long history of the Taoism Community. Each individual whose name was inked inside the pages of this book had achieved what would be unimaginable for the ordinary.

There lies a dream of achieving greatness within every individual, including Ling Xian. He had purchased this book from a humble street vendor years ago and carried it around with him ever since. His dream was to one day become a cultivator of this elite group and leave his mark in this history book.

"Hmm… even though only a handful of women made it into this book, most of them fit the criteria and description of the Immortal," Ling Xian mumbled, flipping from page to page. After examining quite a few awe-inspiring biographies of remarkable female figures of history, he gave up and shifted his gaze back to Liao Cang Qiong, "Almighty Master, this is too difficult to guess, can you advise some more?

"This is cheating! You carry the Encyclopedia of Famous People of the Nine Provinces with you? Now, let me see how it describes me." Liao Cang Qiong swung his massive sleeve and summoned the book from within Ling Xian’s grasp. The book halted obediently in front of him and slowly opened its pages.

Page 1, page 10, page 100… finally, on page 250, the name Liao Cang Qiong jumped off the page.

Two Hundred and Fifty…

Liao Cang Qiong was stunned, fuming at the mouth and lecturing angrily, "Damn, who assembled this list? Who wrote this goddamn book? Putting me on page 250, what an insult!"

Ling Xian grinned. He had misunderstood Liao Cang Xiong’s displeasure, thinking that he had been angered by his placement near the end of the book. Ling Xian thus tried comforting his Master, "The list was not compiled based on the level of achievement, but organized in chronological order. You have been around for over 30000 years, but many had lived long before you. Hence you are on page 250."

"Of course I’m aware the names are listed chronologically. I was upset about the number 250, this is a pure insult. This book must have been published by the Clandestine Clan. When I’m recovered, I shall go and burn it down!" Liao Cang Xiong was furious.

Ling Xian didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. He tried his best to comfort his Master, "Almighty Master, do not trouble yourself with minor details. Why don’t you read how they’ve described you first, then decide whether you still wish to burn it down."

Liao Cang Xiong felt a hint of embarrassment and tried covering this awkward burst of emotions with a couple of fake coughs. He proceeded to read a few lines, then a wide smile appeared on his face.

The book described him this way.

Liao Cang Xiong, a name that echoes through the ages, a name that stretched from both sides of the universe.

He was born to an ordinary family of mortals. Entering the world of Alchemy at the tender age of 13, he immediately displayed an extraordinary gift that propelled him to the top of the Cultivator realm in a mere hundred years. A Master cultivator of the first realm, he spent the next hundred years perfecting and spreading the art of alchemy, brewing and refining Dans from the most ordinary of objects, enriching the earth and future generations alike. His status can be compared to that of the Founder of Alchemy, Founder of the Taoism Community.

Upon ascending into the Heavens as an Immortal, he became known as the Immortal of Alchemy.

Just as the poem praised: If the Heavens hadn’t sent Liao Cang Xiong, the world of Alchemy would loom in darkness.

The poetic praises finally conquered Liao Cang Xiong, who became drunk on delight. He could not contain his pleasure, "I can’t believe they had given me such worthy praises! Ha ha, those old bones at the Clandestine Clan, they have a good eye for talent!"

Seeing this less than humble display of childish passion, Ling Xian let out a cough and reminded him, "Ehem, Master, you’re an Immortal, beware of your image."

"Oh beware my behind!" Liao Cang Qiong threw Ling Xian a harsh glare and proudly went on, "The one great weakness that has plagued me all my life is vanity. My timeless existence has never managed to diminish my desire for adoration; neither do I want it to. What matters will continue to matter, what’s the shame in that?"

"Well…" Ling Xian was taken aback by this honest display of emotion. Liao Cang Qiong was a passionate individual who did not live a life of pretense. This was an honorable quality. Indeed, why pretend otherwise? How exhausting would that life be?"

"Ha ha, ‘a name that echoes through the ages, a name that stretched from both sides of the universe’, what a great stanza. That poem, it describes me to the core. Just for that description alone, I guess I shan’t burn you to the ground." Liao Cang Xiong could not take his eyes off of the page, beaming with pleasure. He continued to mumble softly to himself, "This is indeed comforting, my cherished life and my great deeds will never be forgotten!"

"Ehem, Master, you’re getting carried away, let’s turn the subject back to the second Immortal." Ling Xian still did not know whether to laugh or cry.

"Since I am in a great mood, I’ll give you another hint. She lived some 200,000 years before me, during one of the darkest and most volatile ages of our history." Liao Cang Qiong fell into deep contemplation. In addition to the obvious admiration for this individual, Ling Xian had detected a curious hint of fear.

The renowned Almighty Master of Alchemy, the Immortal capable of refining the Sun, Moon, and Stars of the Universe, how can he show fear towards anyone? Ling Xian was immediately overwhelmed with curiosity. He dug deeper into his memory, narrowed the list down to that time period and searched for a clue.

Suddenly, a name jumped off the page and flew across his mind.

It was a name that sends shivers down the spines of heaven and earth, a name that spreads darkness across the land as the sun hides in fear. A mighty warrior, a fierce rebel.

She was a woman of legendary wisdom, ferocious determination, unstoppable strength, and remarkable passion. She was the most intriguing, desired woman history has ever known.

Her story began in a dark, warring period that nearly spelled the end of humanity. In an epic fight for dominance, armed with a lone sword, she paved a path to hell with the blood spatter and mutilated bodies of her enemies, defeating hundreds of beastly species of Heaven and Earth and saved humanity from the brink of extinction.

Ultimately, she united all of humanity under her banner, led them out of the dark ages and emerged as the dominant and most fearsome power that ruled Heaven and Earth.

Had she not lived, neither would humanity today. Had she failed, history would have long forgotten us.

Her name will always stand the test of time. Her name will never be forgotten.

Her achievements could be compared to those of the Founding Fathers of all humanity. She was known throughout history as the Keeper of Land and Sea.

Her life had been immortalized through poetry:

Her wisdom celebrated as the history’s keeper;

And courage that made the mountains and valley weep;

Her beauty lit up the Cosmos as the hours and years stopped;

The life of a hero was lonely at the top.

The first verse honors her character, the second applauses her skills, the third externalizes her beauty and the last acclaims her deeds. Time has eroded neither humanity’s faith nor their adoration for her.

For over 200,000 years, she had been the embodiment of perfection in the eyes and minds of men.

Legend has it, her unique skills and techniques had caused her to develop shifting characters that were defined by the desires of men.

Coldness, tenderness, charm, naivety… Today she showers you with the kindness of an affectionate wife, tomorrow she transforms into an object of your naughtiest desire, and the day after, she morphs into the naïve mistress of your fantasy. Her shifting appearance, temperament, knowledge, and character could fulfill the darkest desires of every man.

Since her existence on earth, no woman in history had ever come close to challenging her status as the Goddess of Feminine Virtues and Perfection.

"It appears that you have succeeded in correctly guessing who she is. During the dark periods of her life, her aura overshadowed that of every being that breathed," Liao Cang Qiong reminisced fondly. Suddenly, he let out a soft sigh, "It was both an honor and a tragedy to be born during her time – an honor to witness the makings of history, a tragedy that no one will ever remember you next to her."

"How incredible…" Ling Xian exclaimed, at a loss for words.

He had grown up reading about the lives and tales of the heroes and heroines of humanity. Had he been asked to choose his favorite, she would have been the unequivocal choice.

The heroine of his youth will wake right in front of him! What an exhilarating feeling!


Chapter 61: Territory Within a Territory

Editor: Rainystars

Inside the Painting of the Nine Immortals was a scene of peace and quiet, magnificent tree that touched the clouds were supported by miles of green and vibrant colors of nature.

Liao Cang Qiong was dressed in white, floating inside a ghostly shell and suspended between earth and cloud.

Ling Xian’s outward excitement hit a nerve with Liao Cang Qiong, who uttered bitterly, “A beauty female is indeed more alluring than an old fellow. You were nowhere near this excited when I announced my identity.”

Ling Xian stared at him blankly for a moment, then found his voice again, “No, no, of course not. When you announced yourself to me, and I realized you were the Almighty Master of Alchemy, my heart nearly jumped out of my chest.”

“Oh stop with the act, who’d believe that story?” Liao Cang Qiong threw a stern glance in Ling Xian’s direction and said, “Back then I wanted to make you my disciple, who knew you’d think that I was trying to rob you of talent, do I come across an evil sorcerer?”

“Impossible! Never! Master, you are the most just, most divine, like a reincarnated immortal, how can one ever mistake you for an evil sorcerer,” Ling Xian continued with determination, desperately trying to rock his solid stance.

“What do you mean ‘like a reincarnated immortal’, I am an Immortal.” Liao Cang Qiong pretended to fume at the ears but betrayed his pretense with a detectable smile. He continued, mockingly, “Overall, you have a good pair of eyes, you can see right through my just aura, ha ha ha.”

“Of course, you, my Master, is just and divine. Anyone who lays an eye on you can tell instantly,” Ling Xian continued chanting nonsensically. Secretly, he breathed a sigh of relief. Perhaps it was time to summon the Xuan Ming Snake back to his side, they shared a lot in common.

The thought of the Xuan Ming Snake led him to remember the secret location of the hidden treasure. “Master, I heard a rumor. There is this secret place, inside, the place is surrounded by a magical aura, spectra of nine bright shades of pink, neon, gold… and the Qi of Yin and Yang. The moment one steps inside, he would feel thousands of tons of magical powers effectuate him, and he would be unable to take a step.”

“Hmm?”

Digging deeper into his memory, Liao Cang Xiong suddenly lit up. He muttered excitedly, “Fortune favors the brave, you are indeed my disciple.”

Ling Xian’s expectations were instantly re-ignited. Filtering out the latter part of the statement, he pursued, “Master, there’s actually treasure hidden there?”

“I wouldn’t say ‘treasure’, but what you’ll find there will be more valuable to you than any earthly material, especially to you.” Liao Cang Xiong brushed against his beard and sighed. “Unbelievable, a tiny, unremarkable Yellow Territory could produce a Territory within a Territory, written in the stars!”

“A Territory within a Territory?” Ling Xian picked out the most intriguing term.

“Correct.” Liao Cang Qiong nodded. Sensing Ling Xian’s confusion, he explained, “It’s exactly as it sounds, there is a smaller Hidden Territory within this bigger one, the smaller one being the rarer and more powerful.”

“A smaller Hidden Territory inside this one? Incredible,” Ling Xian exclaimed, shocked, intrigued, and humbled.

“The world is filled with wonders beyond one’s imagination. After you’ve traveled the universe, you’ll understand the Taoism Community is not something you can possibly visualize with your mind.” Liao Cang Qiong smiled softly and continued, “If the place is truly as you have described it, then I congratulate you. You will experience a magical ride, and receive a handsome reward.”

“You must understand, the chance of encountering a Hidden Territory inside another Hidden Territory is slim to none, especially within this unremarkable yellow-grade Territory. In my entire life, I’ve only encountered this scenario three times. I can’t even begin to describe how fortunate you are. If it weren't for your mark, I would hasten to guess that you are the Star of his Generation,” Liao Cang Xiong proclaimed.

“Almighty Master, you exaggerate. I wasn’t able to practice alchemy as a child, and for that, I’ve experienced too much pain. I am no Star of any Generation.” Ling Xian shook head in disagreement.

“You crossing path with me is a fate you were destined for. Still a mortal, you were fortunate to have one, no, almost two, perhaps three, or even nine Immortals as your Master. You don’t believe that’s fate?” Liao Cang Xiong laughed.

“Well… I guess it is.” Ling Xian returned a smile. Indeed, chancing upon the Painting of the Nine Immortals, becoming a disciple of the Almighty Master of Alchemy, possibly meeting and learning from the other eight Immortals. How many can do the same?”

Those are the ultimate Immortals, and not one, but all nine!

Within the Taoism Community, no one had been immortalized for over 30,000 years. Immortality had become a myth, an unattainable dream.

Having a Grand Master who is capable and guiding and protecting of one’s disciple is a crucial factor in succeeding on this journey to immortality.

Unlike any ordinary cultivator, Ling Xian had learned both from the mightiest and most revered Immortals ever lived. His fortunate was unsurpassed by anyone of his generation.

“Be satisfied with what you’ve been given.” Liao Cang Qiong insisted sternly. “There is a smaller Hidden Territory waiting to be discovered as we speak. You have the fortunes of a hundred cultivators. Even I am a touch jealous of your prospects.”

“As you say, I am indeed fortunate.” Ling Xian touched his nose and continued, “Master, then tell me, what ought I expect from this type of Hidden Territory?”

“It is difficult to predict,” Liao Cang Xiong reflected. Pausing a moment to recall memories from the depth of his soul, he went on, “the only thing these types of territories have in common is that only one person may enter at a time. After that, it disappears. Due to the unpredictable environment inside which the smaller Territory exists, the environment of one smaller Territory naturally differs from others. But one thing is for certain. The danger that exists inside a small Territory is far beyond that of the large Territory.”

Ling Xian frowned. “What did you experience during your times inside?”

“The first time I arrived at a wasteland, it was occupied by terrible beasts that had long since become extinct. Danger lurked everywhere. I lingered on the brink of death the entire time, but I survived and grew immensely powerful as a result.” Liao Cang Xiong then turned his attention to the second encounter. “The second time I was inside an Earth-grade Hidden Territory. I nearly died inside. My Dan heart spared my life.”

He paused to stare at Ling Xian, as if waiting for something.

Ling Xian laughed bitter and shook his head, understanding his motive. He was creating drama for Ling Xian’s sake. “Master, please continue, I am beyond curious.”

“Ha ha, you’ve been well taught.” Liao Cang Xiong nodded in satisfaction and continued, “It was a fantasyland, capable of reading your thoughts and desires. It would make your deepest and darkest desires come to life, lure you into a world of fiction and forever trap you inside. I fell for the spell and was only saved by the heart at a critical moment.”

“If I had been an ordinary cultivator, my death would not have mattered, but I was an Immortal. If I had perished, this world would descend into chaos. My safe return guaranteed the progress of our world.” Liao Cang Xiong was so deeply moved by his own declaration of greatness that he failed to observe the impatient expression Ling Xian was trying to hide.

Filtering out Liao Cang Xiong’s inspirational proclamation of his self-importance, Ling Xian attempted to bring his Master back into reality. He said, half-jokingly, “Master, what is your deepest desire? It nearly killed you, it must have been the most powerful allure.”

“Ah, ahem, well…” Liao Cang Xiong blushed. Sensing half a joke hidden inside this question, he purposely lowered his gaze and replied angrily, “You don’t need to know. You only need to remember that the sub-Territory is the most precarious and treacherous place you will ever encounter. If you don’t survive it, I simply must cut my losses and find a new student.”

“Don’t curse me, Master,” Ling Xian responded with a laugh. Understanding the purpose of the threat was to halt his line of questioning, Ling Xian did not wish to persist. But how could he waste such a precious opportunity to lure some humanity out of this Immortal?

“You don’t have to tell me. But as you said, your weakest quality is your vanity, and you value most the path to the Dan. On that path, there is a giant obstacle in the form of a mountain, the legendary Founder of the Dan, therefore…” Ling Xian saw the color drain from Liao Cang Xiong’s face, and knew he was not far off, in a fit of laughter, he finished his thought.

“The image you saw must have been a scene where you stepped up to the peak of that mountain, defeating the legendary God of Dan with your will. Then you immersed yourself into that imaginary scene, being applauded for your bravery, slowly losing your mind.”

“Ha ha, you are correct. Perfect, in fact.” Liao Cang Xiong’s face was a dense shade of charcoal. Confronted with a proud expression from Ling Xian, he let out a sneer.

“Oh no.”

Ling Xian had begun to realize his mistake, an unfortunate feeling surged.

“When I was inside this sub-Hidden Territory, I was unable to summon my powers and defend myself. I never said I couldn’t do that inside the Painting of the Nine Immortals. You have a habit of misplacing your wit.” Liao Cang Xiong sighed heavily. Without lightening up his face, he swung his arm and in an instant bounded Ling Xian where he stood and with a flick of his hand, smacked Ling Xian on his rear end.

Pahhhh!

“You stink! You dare to expose your Master’s history. Had I not taught you respect? I guess I hadn’t. I’ll do that today!”

“I…I just said I respect… don’t twist my words, Master!”

From inside the Painting of the Nine Immortals, noises of howls and screams echoed in and out of the curious realm.

The relationship between Master and his beloved disciple grew stronger.


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