Chapter 984: The First Fishing Festival of the Five Aggregates Sect |
"Tian Yun, follow me closely." Chu Zhen smiled warmly, well-acquainted with Tian Yun's nature. Over the centuries, Tian Yun had caused quite a few amusing incidents, making him a rather interesting cultivator.
No one had ever dared to investigate the bamboo tube on his back, as the sect's rules strictly forbade coveting fellow disciples' possessions or engaging in internal strife. Violators would be brought before the Frog Heavenly Sovereign for punishment.
Death.
This prohibition was personally decreed by the First Ancestor of the Five Aggregates Sect. An immortal's words were etched into the very fabric of the world, leaving no room for compromise, as if it touched upon the old man's reverse scale.
The two ascended into the air, and half an hour later, they stood before the majestic ninety-nine ring-shaped mountains.
No matter how many years had passed, Tian Yun still looked up with awe, just as he did the first time he saw it. Each ring was a world, nine was the ultimate, and ninety-nine represented the endless Dao.
Above the sea of clouds atop the mountain.
Gu Lisheng and Tian Yun finally met, their gazes different yet equally intense, both shaken to the core.
"You!"
They spoke in unison, even stepping forward simultaneously, yet both hesitated to speak further.
Song Heng gently shook his head, watching the two of them. It seemed they shared an untold story, one even he was unaware of.
"Hmm..." Little Chi squinted slightly. Wasn't this the same impoverished Tian Yun without spirit stones from before? How did Brother Xun bring him into the Five Aggregates Sect?
However, it didn't ask further questions, having only met him once and not being particularly familiar.
Chen Xun cast a deep glance at the two of them. "Young Master Gu, this young man has been searching for you. I brought him here from afar just to fulfill a beautiful event."
"After being away for hundreds of years, did you find that million..."
"Fishing Emperor!"
Gu Lisheng raised a hand to interrupt Chen Xun, his expression unusually grave. "Could you give us some time?"
Tian Yun's clear gaze gradually faded, replaced by a steadiness and maturity. He lowered his head and performed an unusually strange salute, saying, "Fu Shi, Tian Yun, pays respects to the prince."
Chen Xun pondered for a long time before waving his hand. "Let's leave for now."
With that, everyone ascended into the air, leaving the two alone. Chen Xun wasn't worried about anything happening, as this was the sect's stronghold, the safest place.
On the way.
Chen Xun introduced Chu Zhen to Little Chi and the others, causing Little Chi's eyes to widen in surprise. It turned out that while it was away, Brother Xun and Brother Bull had experienced so much.
It felt a twinge of regret, thinking that if it had been there, it could have at least shouted at Chu Zhen back then, "You little girl, how could you be so ungrateful!"
However, given Chu Zhen's current status, it was now intimidated, putting on a friendly, harmless demeanor.
Song Heng discreetly glanced at Chu Zhen. This fellow Daoist seemed to have something off about their spirit, tainted with something unspeakable.
But he maintained his smooth demeanor, getting acquainted with Chu Zhen without saying much.
This person was the factory owner's junior sister, and just the term "junior sister" carried too many implications. He had followed the factory owner from Trash Island, knowing the ins and outs, and this person was entangled with significant karma.
He, Master Dao, would never get involved, except for Gu Lisheng.
While Chen Xun was taking them on a sightseeing tour, Mo Fuyang arrived on a peculiar Five Elements Immortal Puppet via the teleportation array, having heard of Little Chi's return.
"Manager Mo!! Hoho~~"
Little Chi howled from afar, its face full of joy. "You've learned the great art of refining now?"
Mo Fuyang landed with a cheerful smile, waving. "Senior Little Chi, this is the 'Earth-moving Immortal Puppet,' attuned to the earth's energy and the Five Elements' wood attribute. It can move mountains and mine!"
"The disciple greets the Dao Ancestor and everyone."
He finished with a respectful bow to all directions, neither arrogant nor impatient, showing signs of great potential.
"Oh, Manager Mo has arrived." Song Heng chuckled, patting his belly. "It's been years, and the manager's demeanor remains unchanged. No wonder he's been with the Dao Ancestor for so long."
He scrutinized Mo Fuyang, always suspecting that Manager Mo had betrayed them during the grave-building and mourning incident, but lacking evidence.
For some reason, Qionghua Shuiyu quietly stuck out her tongue on the side. Over the years, Master Dao had mentioned this matter dozens of times, always suspecting Manager Mo.
She didn't know who this person was, only meeting him today, and immediately recalled Master Dao's inquiries over the years.
Master Dao's fierce demeanor, rolling up his sleeves without regard for decorum, was just short of grabbing a butcher's knife. If he found out it was her who spoke... she'd surely be sent away.
This matter had to be kept secret, only to be revealed before her own end.
"Old Mo, come over here."
Chen Xun laughed, waving with an exceptionally bright smile. "After Young Master Gu and the others meet, the sect's first fishing festival will officially begin. Call Liu Han, Ji Zhao, Shi Wujun, and all the peak masters and elders to witness the sect's grand event!"
"The Dao Ancestor will surely take first place!" Old Mo declared with a firm gaze. "Now that Immortal Absolute is gone, no one can hinder the Dao Ancestor from catching the mysterious fish of the heavens. The disciple will surely accompany the Dao Ancestor."
"Damn, Old Mo sure knows how to talk."
Chen Xun clasped his hands behind his back, eyes filled with a domineering aura. "And without Bull causing trouble, this time it's certain. I'll show Ji Yan how the title of Fishing Emperor was earned."
"Dao Ancestor, where will it be? The ring-shaped river or the illusion of the East Sea?" Mo Fuyang's thoughts raced, already considering the venue preparations. "I'll go prepare right away."
"Old Mo, the illusion of the East Sea beneath the mountain gate! Find a spot with plenty of fish!"
"Understood, disciple!"
Old Mo's long beard trembled as he hurriedly departed, leaving everyone dumbfounded. Little Chi was especially stunned, having wanted to chat more with Manager Mo about the mining puppet.
Since Bull went into seclusion, Chen Xun hadn't felt this refreshed in a long time. He never liked solitude, nor did he enjoy it, preferring the lively company of familiar people.
Even when practicing boxing atop the mountain, seeing the countless brightly lit halls and cave abodes below the sea of clouds, and hearing the disciples' cries and discussions, he would silently smile knowingly...
Half a month later.
Tens of thousands of disciples gathered in the illusion of the East Sea, with various spell effects and a giant Crane Spirit Wood sign erected on the sea and in mid-air—the Five Aggregates Sect's first fishing festival.
The sky's glow was unending, spreading across the illusion of the East Sea. Indeed, the Great Elder of the Zhi Tian Sect, a late-stage Great Ascension venerable, had taken action. The Five Aggregates Ancestor personally appointed a special effects master, ensuring a top ranking.
Even the Domain Crossing Space Boat Zun Wu was forcibly brought out, elevating the entire Five Aggregates Sect festival to a climax. This was the foundation, the mark of a Nouveau Riche!
Crowds thronged the various islands, discussions never ceasing, just short of jumping up to watch.
Frog Daoist also brought White Spirit to represent the Five Aggregates Sect's spirit beasts and fierce beasts in the competition. The southeast was a dark mass, filled with spirit beasts and fierce beasts coming to witness the grand battle.
At this moment, the illusion of the East Sea was a scene of tension and grandeur, making everyone hold their breath, their eyes wide open.
