The Ferocious God in the Celestial Master's Mansion

Chapter 28 begins

The clouds and mist over Jingxin Cliff never dissipate, forming an invisible barrier that completely isolates the world on the cliff from the hustle and bustle below.

Zhang Yulei was squatting by the vegetable patch, a hoe in his hand, carefully loosening the soil around the newly sprouted greens. Morning light filtered through the gaps in the clouds, casting a soft golden glow on his gray hair. His movements were slow and steady; each stroke of the hoe was precise, without a trace of unnecessary force. Decades had worn away the fierceness in his brow and the sharpness of his youth. Now, he looked like an ordinary old Taoist priest from the mountains, his eyes carrying the peacefulness that comes with age.

Footsteps came from below the cliff, very light, yet very familiar.

Zhang Yulei didn't turn around, but a slight smile appeared at the corner of his lips. At this time, there would be no one else but Zhang Zhiwei.

Sure enough, a moment later, a cheerful voice rang out: "Junior brother, tending to your dishes again?"

Zhang Zhiwei appeared at the edge of the cliff. He was still wearing his apricot-yellow Taoist robe, his beard and hair were all white, but his face was still ruddy. His eyes were as deep as an ancient well, carrying an air of domineering majesty, yet they softened when he looked at Zhang Yulei. Behind him were two young disciples, carrying food boxes and wine jars.

Zhang Yulei put down his hoe, stood up, patted the dirt off his hands, and laughed, "Senior Brother, what brings you up the mountain today? Did you steal Master's brewed wine again?"

Zhang Zhiwei laughed heartily, stepped forward, and handed the wine jar in his hand to Zhang Yulei: "What stealing? This is what I, the Celestial Master of the Celestial Master's Mansion, took openly and honestly!" He paused, then added, "Before Master passed away, he specifically said that this wine should be left for you and me, brothers, to reminisce about old times."

Zhang Yulei took the wine jar, the rich aroma of the wine filling his nostrils, his eyes slightly glazed. The wine brewed by his master was mellow and smooth, the taste he loved most in his youth. But decades had passed, and he rarely drank anymore.

The two walked to the stone table by the cliff and sat down. The young disciple placed some side dishes from the food box and poured them a full glass of wine.

As the liquor entered his throat, a warm sensation spread from his throat to his entire body. Zhang Yulei couldn't help but sigh, "It tastes just like it did back then."

Zhang Zhiwei looked at him, a hint of nostalgia flashing in his eyes, then said seriously, "Junior Brother, besides drinking with you today, there's something else I need to tell you."

Zhang Yulei paused slightly in her hand holding the wine glass, then looked up at him: "Oh? What is it?"

Zhang Zhiwei took a sip of wine and slowly said, "I plan to hold a grand Taoist ritual at Longhu Mountain."

"The Grand Ritual of Luo Tian?"

These four words struck Zhang Yulei like a thunderbolt. His fingers, gripping the wine glass, tightened abruptly, his knuckles turning white. Decades of peace were shattered by these four words.

Of course he knew about the Luo Tian Grand Ceremony.

That was a grand event that had been passed down for thousands of years at Longhu Mountain, and a major event in the world of supernatural beings. But he knew even better that Zhang Zhiwei was holding this Luo Tian Grand Ceremony not for any kind of inheritance, but for one person—Zhang Chulan.

That boy who possessed the Qi Source Flow but pretended to be a rogue.

Zhang Huaiyi's grandson.

Zhang Yulei's gaze became complex. He was a transmigrator, and he knew the plot of "Under One Person" by heart. However, decades of time on Jingxin Cliff had blurred many details. Only those unforgettable names and events remained clearly etched in his mind.

Zhang Huaiyi, the creator of the Qi Body Source Flow, was one of the main culprits of the Jia Shen Rebellion and a traitor to Longhu Mountain. His grandson, Zhang Chulan, inherited his Qi Body Source Flow but hid his strength, mingling among ordinary people and living like a carefree hoodlum.

Zhang Zhiwei organized this Luotian Grand Ceremony to bring Zhang Chulan back to Longhu Mountain, pass on the position of Celestial Master to him, and place the responsibility of Longhu Mountain on his shoulders.

Then there's Biyou Village, and Ma Xianhong, that naive yet obsessive young man who single-handedly created the Body Cultivation Furnace, attempting to change the entire landscape of the supernatural world. And Ma Xianhong's sister, Qu Tong. That woman with dual-wielding hands, deep in thought and ruthless in her methods, is one of the biggest variables in the entire supernatural world.

These people and events flooded into Zhang Yulei's mind like a tidal wave, causing his heart to pound uncontrollably.

The real story is about to begin.

Zhang Zhiwei, oblivious to his unease, continued, "This Luo Tian Grand Ceremony is not only for selecting outstanding disciples of Longhu Mountain, but also for inviting extraordinary individuals from all over the world to gather at Longhu Mountain to discuss important matters concerning the extraordinary world. The extraordinary world may seem peaceful now, but undercurrents are surging. Holding this Luo Tian Grand Ceremony is also to deter those with ill intentions."

He paused, looked at Zhang Yulei, and said solemnly, "Junior Brother, I know you haven't left the mountain for thirty years, but this Luo Tian Grand Ceremony concerns the reputation of Longhu Mountain and the stability of the entire world of supernatural beings. I hope you can come out of the mountain and preside over this grand event with me."

Zhang Yulei remained silent. He picked up his wine glass and downed the wine in one gulp. The spiciness of the liquor irritated his throat and his nerves.

To leave the mountain?

He longed to leave the mountain.

During his decades at Jingxin Cliff, he had considered descending the mountain. He wanted to see the world below, to see if the people there truly lived peaceful lives. He wanted to see if the world of extraordinary beings was really as calm and serene as he imagined.

But he dared not.

He was afraid he wouldn't be able to control his temper, afraid he would lose control again.

Especially when I think of Zhang Chulan.

That boy who resorted to all sorts of shameless tricks at the Luo Tian Grand Ceremony, even risking his own reputation, just to win the competition. That kid who clearly possessed unparalleled martial arts skills, yet insisted on acting like a carefree scoundrel, disgracing the Celestial Master's Mansion.

Thinking of this, Zhang Yulei felt a surge of anger.

He could almost see it: that slovenly-looking boy with a messy head of hair, a cigarette dangling from his mouth, and a roguish air, performing underhanded tricks against a group of disciples from prestigious sects at the Longhu Mountain arena.

If it were him in his younger days, he probably would have rushed up and pinned the kid to the ground, giving him a good beating and teaching him what it means to respect one's teacher and what it means to be a member of a prestigious family.

Even now, decades of quiet cultivation have worn away his fierceness, but the thought of Zhang Chulan's actions still makes his fists itch.

He feared that if he went down the mountain and saw Zhang Chulan in that state, he wouldn't be able to resist taking action. That would not only ruin Zhang Zhiwei's plans but also cause Longhu Mountain to lose face.

"Junior Brother?" Zhang Zhiwei looked at him for a long time without speaking, and couldn't help but call out.

Zhang Yulei snapped out of his reverie, shook his head, and said with a wry smile, "Senior brother, thank you for your kindness. However, I haven't descended the mountain for decades and have long been accustomed to life on the cliff. With you presiding over this Luotian Grand Ceremony, it will surely be a complete success. I won't cause any trouble."

Zhang Zhiwei frowned: "Junior brother, why are you so stubborn? Decades have passed, those things are long gone. You shouldn't live with guilt forever."

"I'm not living in guilt." Zhang Yulei's voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable firmness. "I'm upholding my path. Senior brother, you don't understand."

Zhang Zhiwei sighed. He knew Zhang Yulei's temperament; once he made up his mind, nothing could change it. He was silent for a moment, then said, "Fine, if you don't want to go down the mountain, I won't force you. But there's one person I think you should know."

Zhang Yulei looked up at him: "Who?"

"Zhang Chulan," Zhang Zhiwei slowly uttered these three words, "He is Zhang Huaiyi's grandson."

really.

Zhang Yulei felt no surprise whatsoever. He picked up his wine glass, poured himself another glass, and drank it all in one gulp.

"Zhang Huaiyi's grandson..." he repeated the words in a low voice, his eyes growing deep. "Where is he now?"

"I've already sent Lingyu to find him," Zhang Zhiwei said. "That child is a bit impulsive, like his grandfather, and likes to hide his strength. However, he has excellent potential and is a promising talent."

Zhang Lingyu.

In Zhang Yulei's mind, the image of a young man dressed in white, with a cool and aloof demeanor, yet also a hint of awkwardness, appeared. He was Zhang Zhiwei's personal disciple and a rising star among the younger generation of Longhu Mountain. Unfortunately, he cultivated Yin Five Thunder, carrying a flaw that had always bothered him.

The feud between him and Zhang Chulan is also a major highlight of the Luo Tian Grand Ceremony.

Zhang Yulei didn't speak, but silently drank his wine. He knew that Zhang Zhiwei told him all this in the hope that he could understand Zhang Chulan better, and also in the hope that he could let go of the past and accept this grandson of Zhang Huaiyi.

But he couldn't do it.

Zhang Huaiyi's actions back then brought immense infamy to Longhu Mountain and caused his master, Zhang Jingqing, endless worry. Zhang Chulan, having inherited Zhang Huaiyi's Qi Source Flow, also inherited his forbearance and cunning. How could he possibly trust such a person?

Moreover, he also thought of Qu Tong.

That woman with the dual-wielding hands has always coveted the Qi Source Flow. She will absolutely not let Zhang Chulan get away with this opportunity. The Luo Tian Grand Ceremony is destined to be anything but peaceful.

He couldn't tell Zhang Zhiwei about these things.

Although Zhang Zhiwei possessed immense strength and was renowned throughout the world of supernatural beings, he was sometimes too protective of his own and too idealistic. He believed he could control everything, unaware that the hidden forces lurking in the shadows had already laid a trap.

Zhang Yulei had his own plans.

Although he was reluctant to descend the mountain, he couldn't ignore the Luo Tian Grand Ceremony. He wanted to watch the beginning and end of this grand event from Jingxin Cliff. He wanted to see how Zhang Chulan would distinguish himself in this Luo Tian Grand Ceremony. He wanted to see how those hidden forces would gradually emerge from the shadows.

If it really comes to the last resort, he wouldn't mind drawing his sword, which has been gathering dust for decades, once again.

"Senior brother," Zhang Yulei put down his wine cup, looked up at Zhang Zhiwei, his eyes calm, "you are in charge of organizing this Luotian Grand Ceremony. Although I will not leave the mountain, I will stay on the cliff to guard this place for you and Longhu Mountain."

Seeing the determination in his eyes, Zhang Zhiwei knew he had made his decision. He sighed and nodded, "Alright. Since your mind is made up, I will not force you. However, if you feel lonely on the cliff, you can always come down the mountain to find me. The gates of the Celestial Master's Mansion will always be open for you."

Zhang Yulei smiled and said, "Thank you, Senior Brother."

The two chatted about some trivial matters on the mountain before Zhang Zhiwei got up to take his leave. He knew that Zhang Yulei needed some time alone.

Watching Zhang Zhiwei's figure disappear into the clouds, Zhang Yulei slowly stood up, walked to the edge of the cliff, and looked down the mountain.

The area was shrouded in mist, obscuring the view below the mountain.

But in his heart, a storm was brewing.

The Grand Ritual of Luotian.

Zhang Chulan.

Qu Tong.

Biyou Village.

These names, like brand marks, are etched into his mind.

Decades of quiet meditation have strengthened his resolve in the Dao. But he knows that some responsibilities cannot be shirked. Some things must be done.

He turned and walked towards the stone cave at the top of the cliff.

Inside the cave, the light was dim. A dark-colored sword lay quietly on the stone platform, its scabbard covered in dust, yet it still couldn't conceal its sharp and fierce aura.

Zhang Yulei reached out and gently brushed away the dust from the scabbard.

The cold touch from his fingertips made his heart tremble slightly.

decades.

He hadn't touched that sword in decades.

His fingers slowly gripped the hilt of the sword.

A familiar sensation emanated from the sword hilt, flowing into his limbs and bones. The Qi within his body seemed to sense this as well, and began to slowly surge.

Zhang Yulei's gaze gradually sharpened.

The power he had suppressed for decades, the sharpness he had dulled, quietly revived at this moment.

He did not draw his sword, but simply held the hilt quietly, standing in the cave, gazing at the clouds and mist outside.

The Grand Ritual of Luotian.

It’s just a good show.

And he, Zhang Yulei, although he was on Jingxin Cliff, was already an observer of this grand drama, and also... a player who was ready to take action at any time.