Chapter 609
"Haori Mountain? What's going on with Haori Mountain?"
"Is it true that the Three Saints of Haori Mountain are passing down their techniques in a family-like manner?"
Zhang Shijie widened her eyes, her expression one of surprise.
Old Han nodded gently, noticing Zhang Shijie's reaction, and chuckled, "They say it's a family, but in reality, it's not entirely about blood relations."
Zhang Shijie's confusion deepened.
"At Haori Mountain, there are the Three Saints of Lu, Yun, and Yang, and with them, there are the three major clans. However, these clans are not connected by blood; in fact, most of the inheritance is through master-disciple relationships."
Hearing this, Zheng Fa's expression turned more enlightened, but Zhang Shijie couldn't help but ask, "Master-disciple relationships?"
"Yes, to be precise, it's about granting surnames. The direct descendants of the three clans will recruit exceptionally talented disciples at Haori Mountain. If a disciple proves to be outstanding, achieving great feats or unparalleled cultivation, they will be granted the surnames of Lu, Yun, or Yang."
"Those who receive a surname are regarded as part of the direct lineage of the three clans. They usually have contributed significantly to the clan, enriching its foundation and ensuring a continuous flow of talent."
"Thus, for hundreds of thousands of years, the three clans have maintained control over Haori Mountain. The so-called true teachings of Haori Mountain are all from the people of these three clans."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Shijie finally understood.
"So... what about those who are not from the three clans?"
Old Han chuckled, a hint of sarcasm in his tone. "With the three clans being so powerful, other cultivators can only cling to their coattails."
Zheng Fa sighed inwardly, now understanding why Shi Nandang and those six transformation-stage cultivators had such a vast disparity in status.
The practices of the three major clans of Haori Mountain would only make them stronger, but the resources of Haori Mountain are limited.
How could other cultivators not feel oppressed and frustrated?
This model poses a significant problem in the modern world—if someone is exceptionally talented, they could easily take over.
However, with the control that Dao Fruit has over cultivators, the three major clans have no such worries.
In fact, the model of Haori Mountain offers a pathway for advancement, unlike the demonic sects.
"What about Shi Nandang?"
"He hails from the Lu clan and is a disciple of a direct descendant. I heard that if he achieves great merit this time, he will be granted the surname Lu."
Zheng Fa nodded slowly, saying, "Xie Xianzi mentioned the same."
"Were you just in contact with Xie Qingxue?"
"Yes, I asked her if the Dao Fruit at Haori Mountain has opened up the true teachings, and if so, who would be able to receive the inheritance?"
Zhang Shijie realized, "You were asking about Master Yan."
"Yes, Master Yan knows more about these matters."
Zheng Fa glanced at Old Han. This old man had sharp ears but dared not get too close to transformation-stage cultivators; he couldn't obtain high-level information.
"What did Master Yan say?"
"Master Yan said," Zheng Fa's expression turned peculiar, "that it seems the Three Saints of Haori Mountain intend to open the Dao Fruit inheritance, but... the people of the three clans seem to disagree."
"Huh?"
"The current situation is that the three clans have lowered the threshold for joining, but even if one doesn't join the three clans, they still cannot obtain the complete true teachings of Haori Mountain."
Zhang Shijie's expression was one of shock as she murmured, "Is it possible to resist the will of the Dao Fruit?"
"Perhaps it's not a direct resistance, but rather a case of outward compliance while inwardly defying. The Three Saints might also have to consider their own clans, or maybe resources are insufficient, so they took a step back..."
"Even so, the audacity of those cultivators from the three clans is astounding."
Zheng Fa nodded in agreement.
This was the first time he had heard of cultivators going against the Dao Fruit.
Spreading the teachings of the Dao Fruit would benefit Dao Fruit cultivators, but it would be detrimental to the three clans, potentially disrupting the long-standing power structure of Haori Mountain.
Their special status had always relied on the Dao Fruit techniques.
He never expected they could withstand the pressure from the Dao Fruit.
Could their private interests lead them to disregard life and death?
With this thought, Zheng Fa became increasingly certain that such formidable existences would not be allowed within the Hundred Immortals Alliance.
Setting aside his thoughts about the future of the Hundred Immortals Alliance, Zheng Fa continued, "It seems that to obtain the 'Chixiao Jade Record,' we can only approach the three clans."
"With my current cultivation talent displayed at Chongxuan Sect, I still can't impress Shi Nandang..."
"Let alone join the three clans."
According to Old Han, to join the three clans and gain the true teachings, one must become a disciple of a direct descendant. Right now, Shi Nandang probably doesn't even have that qualification.
From the performance of those six transformation-stage cultivators, this matter was clearly not that simple.
"Are you looking to 'advance' to the Yuan Ying stage?" Zhang Shijie seemed to understand Zheng Fa's intentions.
"Yes, I want to help Li Hao become a Yuan Ying cultivator, but it's not just that."
Zheng Fa looked outside the hall, where a portal appeared on Tiangong Island, and Xiao Yuying, along with an archaeological team, wandered into the Jiushan Realm in confusion.
"Is something wrong?"
She asked Zheng Fa.
Zheng Fa, however, didn't look at her but instead focused on the bewildered Mu Qingyan behind her, his eyes filled with anticipation. "Did you mention before that there are some caves left by Haori Mountain cultivators in the Hundred Immortals Alliance?"
Mu Qingyan nodded obediently.
"Do you know if any of those cultivators had the surname Yang, or the surnames Yun or Lu?"
Xiao Yuying still looked puzzled, clearly unaware of why Zheng Fa was asking this question.
Zhang Shijie and Old Han exchanged glances, both with their mouths agape, staring at Zheng Fa.
...
More than half a year later, a sudden beam of rainbow light shot out from a valley in the Hundred Immortals Alliance. The sky was filled with clouds and mist, and spiritual energy surged from the mountainside.
Dozens of nearby cultivators were drawn to this spectacle, soaring on clouds toward the valley.
"Is there a treasure emerging?"
Someone asked excitedly.
"It looks like a secret realm!"
As soon as the words were spoken, several streaks of light rushed eagerly toward the valley.
Seeing this, the others couldn't help but feel greedy, fearing that the treasure would be snatched away, and hurriedly followed suit.
The first few who crossed the mountain peak suddenly seemed to encounter something terrifying, rolling and scrambling back, shouting:
"Yuan Ying Tribulation!"
"Someone is undergoing the Yuan Ying Tribulation!"
Hearing this, the cultivators behind them quickly turned and fled.
The power of the Yuan Ying Tribulation was immense; just being nearby could mean death.
The presence of a Yuan Ying cultivator in that valley was even more terrifying!
The sky above the valley was thick with thunderclouds.
Golden tribulation lightning fell from the dark clouds like raindrops.
With each thunderous boom, the vegetation in the mountains withered, and stones flew in all directions.
"This thunder is indeed the Yuan Ying Tribulation!"
The cultivators watched the valley from a distance, their eyes filled with envy and hidden greed.
But to their disappointment, half a month later, as the thunder dissipated and the clouds cleared, two days later, a figure resembling a blazing sun rose slowly from the valley.
This cultivator had even easily passed the Heart Demon Tribulation.
The Yuan Ying of that figure shone brilliantly, illuminating the rocky walls of the mountains in a golden splendor.
He turned back to glance at the valley and proclaimed loudly:
"Zhongxuan Li Hao, today I have attained the Yuan Ying!"
After saying this, he seemed to have some reservations and quickly fled.
The nearby cultivators, however, lingered in the area.
"Li Hao? Zhongxuan Sect has gained another Yuan Ying cultivator?"
"I've heard of him; he snatched quite a few spiritual artifacts from the Hundred Immortals Alliance... and now he's a Yuan Ying."
"No wonder he ran so fast; he's afraid of being caught by Jiushan Sect."
Chattering among themselves, they curiously flew toward the valley.
"A secret realm! No wonder Li Hao could attain the Yuan Ying!"
"This... isn't that the mark of Haori Mountain?"
...
At the summit of Shenhuo Mountain, Shi Nandang suddenly furrowed his brow and asked a nearby transformation-stage cultivator, "Why is it so noisy in the mountain?"
The transformation-stage cultivator listened intently, his eyes widening in surprise. "It seems they're saying... Li Hao has condensed his Yuan Ying?"
Shi Nandang was taken aback, even pausing the hand gestures he was making, and listened for a moment before asking in confusion, "Is it really true?"
He flicked his finger, sending a message talisman down the mountain.
Half a stick of incense later, the sect master of Zhongxuan Sect, accompanied by two elders, arrived at the summit.
"Li Hao has attained Yuan Ying?"
He asked directly.
The sect master of Zhongxuan Sect wore a smile. "Reporting to the esteemed one, it's news from outside that Li Hao has already condensed his Yuan Ying."
"How could it be so fast? Li Hao didn't seem particularly outstanding when he was in your sect," Shi Nandang frowned, not pleased, and asked, "Is there something unusual about him?"
"...Unusual?"
The sect master of Zhongxuan Sect was momentarily speechless and looked toward Elder Jiu beside him.
Elder Jiu bowed and said, "Li Hao sent me a message talisman. He gained an opportunity and entered a secret realm, fortuitously condensing his Yuan Ying."
"A secret realm?" Shi Nandang's expression softened slightly, and a smile appeared at the corners of his mouth. "That makes sense; Li Hao seems to have some luck."
As he spoke the words "luck," his expression suddenly turned serious, and he murmured:
"The Holy Ancestor once said, 'The mysterious will change; it is the time when dragons and snakes rise on land.' This Li Hao was once ordinary, but now he soars to great heights..."
His voice gradually lowered, becoming barely audible.
But the people at the summit exchanged astonished glances, their minds racing with a legend:
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