Chapter 755: The Gift of the Gap
Translator: Sparrow Translations Editor: Sparrow Translations
After the exploration by generations of powerful cultivators, the veil over the three celestial mountains was beginning to fade, and they laid in wait for a fortunate passer-by to control them.
Amongst the three, Penglai Celestial Mountain had a sea on its own. The waters were murky and dark, giving it the name 'Dark Sea'. There was no wind but yet there were powerful tides that surged up to over hundred feet high and moved with the mountain, protecting it wherever it went.
This Dark Sea was different from the Netherworld Sea and its real name was Vast Black Sea.
The intensity of its blackness was comparable to the darkness of the sky above. Its vastness was comparable to that of the void battleground where an ocean of space exists. Hence, it was given the name Vast Black Sea.
For the common folk who wanted to access Penglai Celestial Mountain, the Dark Sea was an effective deterrent.
Even for the Immortal Soul Third Level cultivators who tried bashing their way through, the pressure from the void of the Ying Sea would remain as a substantial challenge.
These obstacles applied to the other two mountains as well.
All three mountains were protected by some divine power. But just as the Fangzhang Celestial Mountain was subdued by the Zhou Emperor, the formations around Yingzhou Celestial Mountains were getting weaker, and people had found ways to cross the Dark Sea.
This amazed Lin Feng. The collective power of mankind was overwhelming. This was like a challenging game where while individuals failed, the combined abilities and intellect of additional players who joined in the fray would allow the group to solve one of nature's greatest puzzles.
As generation after generation of people came and passed, they solved the puzzles and had new breakthroughs. The final breakthrough seemed to be on its way for this difficult puzzle.
Logically speaking, even if Lin Feng and crew did not succeed in this attempt, it would not be long before someone actually gained control over them.
But it was difficult to ascertain yet who would have the final laugh.
Lin Feng looked and Red Dragon King and said, "If your methods really work, then I shall allow you to follow."
After all, one had to find the mountain even before conquering the seas.
Red Dragon King replied, "In actual fact, this method has been tested and proven by my clan’s Purple Sea Dragon King thousand of years ago."
"But the Hades Emperor’s sudden arrival resulted in Purple Sea Dragon King loingt contact with the Penglai Celestial Mountain, allowing the Dark Sea to regenerate and conceal the mountain thereafter."
"It was a lose-lose situation even for Hades Emperor," Red Dragon King continued with a sigh.
A thought flashed through Lin Feng's head. But he showed no expression and only nodded in agreement.
Red Dragon King added, "As the leader of the Celestial Sect, you ought to know that in the Ying Sea there exist a Space Monster that entraps anyone who enters. It will then proceed to kill them and feed on their energy."
Lin Feng nodded. He had encountered such creatures before and even slayed a few.
"These monsters can move freely through the mysterious space around the mountains, and could even swim in the Dark Sea. Purple Sea Dragon King knew this and captured thousands of this monsters, collecting their blood and soul and used it to pave a way to the Penglai Celestial Mountain." said Red Dragon King.
Lin Feng considered his words for a moment and ascertained that what the Red Dragon King had shared followed a sound logical before replying, "You may follow."
Solar Sage did not know what the other three immortal soul elders said to Lin Feng due to the usage of voice projection. But from their communication, there seemed to be nothing to hide, and from their expressions of delight, they must have provided substantial information for Lin Feng to allow them to follow him.
Solar Sage had his doubts. He had some information from Golden Roc Grand Sage, but did not know if it was worth sharing with Lin Feng.
He looked once more at the golden thread created by the Green Glass Soul before deciding to swallow his pride and proceed to share with Lin Feng, "The Zhou Emperor might have the Fangzhang Celestial Mountain, but it does not mean that their control over the mountain is firm."
"The shadows of dragons that float above the Fangzhang Celestial Mountain were created by the infiltration of countless dragons eons ago. Their attempt to penetrate the defenses left a serious dent in the defensive mechanism of the celestial mountain."
"The Zhou Emperor probably leveraged on those weaknesses to come up with a strategy to break through," said Solar Sage.
He continued, "If what Master Lin said about the dragon shadows being the same as before, then perhaps the Zhou Emperor himself has yet to mend those gaps in the defenses."
"To integrate the old and new defenses together would be an arduous process. The Zhou Emperor Liang Pan and the Marquis of Xuanji Zhu Hongwu did not have much time. Relying on the split of Immortal Stage Level 1 Liang Pan would take forever to complete the refining process."
After listening, and as Lin Feng recalled his encounter with the Fangzhang Celestial Mountain, he realized things started falling into place.
Lin Feng's lips pursed into a smile as he faced the onlooking crowd. "I’ll be making my move soon. Follow as you wish," he said as he gathered his disciples and headed in the direction of the golden thread.
Vivant Joy Holy Man and the others could only force out a bitter smile.
Lin Feng had used a single piece of information to exchange for four. A very worthwhile trade indeed.
This feat was only possible firstly because Lin Feng himself was powerful and credible; secondly because he possessed the Green Glass Jade Soul, the most valuable and trustworthy piece of information.
That alone made everyone else willing parties in the exchange.
They could only laugh bitterly. Lin Feng had permitted them to follow, but he was not about to act as a guide. Anyone who lost their way only had themselves to blame.
Li Yuanfang was not bothered by the crowd behind, he turned to Lin Feng and asked, "Master, are we going to focus on thinking of a way to subdue the Ying Sea Celestial Mountains?"
From Li Yuanfang's perspective, it was worthwhile to focus on doing one thing at a time.
Lin Feng calmly replied, "Fret not, I have a plan."
Lin Feng knew that he had a trump card up his sleeve that would aid him tremendously in his attempt to acquire the Celestial Mountains - Big Luo and the Heavenly Oyster's Golden Pearl.
Therefore, his main focus was to first locating the mountains. That first step was of utmost importance.
Zhu Yi and Li Yuanfang looked at each other and knew. If Lin Feng had a plan, they would definitely trust his judgment.
As they rushed towards the Celestial Mountain, Lin Feng relayed the information to Xiao Yan and the rest. Despite also being in the Ying Sea region, communicating with them was still difficult. But it was better than not having any communication.
As Xiao Yan and the rest were in the north-east region of the Ying Sea, Lin Feng instructed them to head in the same direction as them.
At the same time, he helped Zhu Yi to cultivate the Yang Heaven Lamp and the You Heaven Robe.
The amount of effort required to suppress and refine treasures were completely different. Of a magic treasure was willing to be refined, it simply meant that it was willing to bow down to the refiner.
The You Heaven Robe was amateur and more cooperative towards Lin Feng and Zhu Yi. It was obviously shocked by the powerful methods of Lin Feng and Zhu Yi.
The Yang Heaven Lamp, on the other hand, having spent a long time with Shao Qingcheng, and having once been a Metaplasia class treasure from ancient times, it had seen much of the world and formed its own opinions.
Even facing the Blood River Primordial Water, which could pollute its soul, it did not give in.
"Yang Heaven Lamp, you have a long history together with the Emperor of Violence. You are a treasure with a conscience and are aware of what goes on around you," shouted Zhu Yi.
"The Zhou Emperor wants to restore the Emperors of Man, but we all know that the time for that is gone and past."
"Heaven's Gate was the first to step out against the idea of the Emperors of Man, but here you are aiding the faction that supports the idea. And you call this loyalty? You dare to call this be faithful to your values and principles?"
"They are just thieves who have learnt their powers but not their ways. They behave nothing like the real Heaven's Gate’s people, and yet you are willing to collude with them?"
The Yang Heaven's Lamp fell silent, it's flame flickering with its thoughts.
Zhu Yi changed his tone, "Looking at your present condition, you don't look much better off than after your injury. I can only conclude that the people from the East Heaven's Gate did not pay much attention to you."
"Perhaps it's because of your differences in ideals? Or is it because of some concerns that we might not be aware of"
The flames flickered once again, but made no sound.
Zhu Yi continued, "If you trust me, I can help you and heal you. You can observe what I do. I just have to say that the beliefs and actions of the East Heaven's Gate are not representative of the entire Heaven's Gate. They might have inherited their techniques and cultivation but definitely not the values and spirit."
"The Heaven's Gate may or may not return, that I cannot say. But one thing is for sure, the East Heaven's Gate only spoils their reputation." said Zhu Yi.
Lin Feng glanced at the flickering flames and the lamp's softening attitude, and could not help but shake his head and smile as he looked at Zhu Yi.
"Zhu Yi does have the gift of the gab." thought Lin Feng.
Mount Yujing, from afar, added in, "My job here is complete."
"In that case, I'll be heading to the Ying Sea as well!"