Chapter 133: Chapter 122 Shenxiao Peak
The moment Liu Suiyun saw Chen Xingrui's embarrassed expression, he knew there must have been something incredibly awkward the first time his second senior brother had boarded the flying carriage. "Second Senior Brother, I've never ridden a flying carriage before, so I'll be counting on you today!"
Chen Xingrui lowered his voice. "Little Junior Brother, that time wasn't my fault—it was all because Master drove the carriage too fast and wild."
As they spoke, the group had already reached the edge of the cliff where the grand Qingyun Carriage was parked. What an imposing vehicle! It was about six or seven zhang long, over two zhang wide, and adorned with nine layers of canopies, its entire body gilded, radiating brilliance. In terms of sheer size, it could rival a massive ship from the mortal world, capable of carrying dozens of cultivators and warriors.
Pointing to the mist-wreathed Qingyun Carriage, Chen Xingrui remarked, "Junior Brother Liu, don't underestimate this carriage. Though our Chonghua Peak only has one, unlike the flying carriages from other peaks, this isn't merely a means of transportation. Once Master and Mistress board, and with us supporting in battle, even Nascent Soul cultivators wouldn't dare come close to this carriage!"
Liu Suiyun nodded, understanding from the powerful aura emanating from the Qingyun Carriage that it wasn't just a flying vehicle but also a force to be reckoned with in the sky, a floating battleship. With the presence of Master and Mistress and the added strength of his two senior brothers, even Nascent Soul experts would find no advantage here.
Chu Nanhua silently brushed his sleeve, stepping out into the void as if it were solid ground, and made his way directly to the Qingyun Carriage. Just as he took his seat, Mistress Shen Yaqin arrived right on time, her elegant feet in phoenix-patterned shoes landing precisely at the carriage door. Liu Suiyun, however, had no recollection of how she had made her way over.
Fang Mingyue, with a single leap, landed on the Qingyun Carriage like a large bird, while Chen Xingrui hesitated and asked nervously, "Junior Brother Liu, are you sure you're up for this? Below us is a thousand-zhang cliff!"
The carriage was suspended in the sea of clouds at the cliff's edge, with no solid ground in sight—a true treasure of the immortal world. But Liu Suiyun was confident. "Don't worry, Senior Brother Chen. Even if I fall, Mistress is right there on the carriage—she'll just pull me up. You go ahead!"
Chen Xingrui grumbled under his breath, summoning a talisman that enveloped him in a glow before transforming into a pair of massive wings. With a few flaps, he flew over, leaving only Chu Cangshan behind.
Liu Suiyun gripped his Heavenly Tears Starfall Sword and thrust it forward, creating a rainbow bridge barely an inch wide, connecting the cliff to the Qingyun Carriage. Without hesitation, he dashed across the narrow bridge.
Though a deep abyss yawned beneath him, Liu Suiyun felt no fear, his steps steady. He could feel the bridge weakening underfoot, but his grin was short-lived—soon, he sensed the bridge was on the verge of collapse. "Damn it!" he muttered.
He had overestimated his eleventh-level Qi Refinement skills and was forced to speed up. Just as he approached the carriage door, the bridge was nearly an illusion. He was about to shout when a sleeve, embroidered with intricate golden and silver threads, appeared before him. A delicate hand grasped his, guiding him forward. Instantly, Liu Suiyun relaxed.
"You silly child," Shen Yaqin said with a smile, casting Liu Suiyun a sidelong glance. "At least you didn't wet yourself like your Second Senior Brother!"
So, Second Senior Brother had a history after all. At this moment, Chu Cangshan entered the Qingyun Carriage as well. "It's rare to use the Qingyun Carriage—will Master or Mistress be driving this time?"
Chu Nanhua replied immediately, "I'll do it. After forming my False Nascent Soul, I've yet to fully test its powers."
"Very well," Chu Cangshan responded. "I wonder what kind of flying carriage the sect will grant you once you ascend to the Nascent Soul stage."
As they spoke, the Qingyun Carriage accelerated at an astonishing speed, swiftly ascending into the clouds and leaving Chonghua Peak far behind.
For Liu Suiyun, it truly was his first time on a flying carriage. He curiously looked around, frequently asking Chen Xingrui questions.
Unlike riding a flying sword, driving a flying carriage was much more suitable for long-distance travel—not only more comfortable, but it also allowed several cultivators to take turns, ensuring everyone could rest.
In terms of comfort, the flying sword couldn't compare to the Qingyun Carriage. Spacious enough to carry dozens, perhaps even hundreds of cultivators, it was outfitted with plush seats so comfortable one wouldn't want to stand. There were even storage rooms for belongings, and rumor had it that some larger flying carriages came equipped with lounges and bathing areas.
On a flying sword, the cold wind buffeting your face, combined with the sword's unsteady motion, always made for a less-than-pleasant ride. If you encountered turbulence in the sky, it could be downright miserable. But now, on the Qingyun Carriage, everyone was reclining in their seats, enjoying the warm, spring-like atmosphere. Outside, they could admire the sea of clouds and mist-covered mountains below, all while their tea cups remained perfectly still, not a drop spilling.
The most thrilling part, however, was the speed of the flying carriage. As they soared through layer after layer of clouds, the three disciples of Chonghua Peak couldn't help but let out cries of amazement. After roughly two ke, Mistress suddenly spoke. "We've arrived!"
"We've arrived!" Liu Suiyun immediately leaped from his seat, and the sight before him was one he would never forget for the rest of his life—a spectacle of countless flying carriages, swords, and spirit beasts filling the skies.
Everywhere he looked, there were great cultivators soaring through the air. At this moment, near Lingxiao Peak, there were at least hundreds of cultivators maneuvering their flying carriages, swords, spirit birds, and other magical treasures, all attempting to land on Shenxiao Peak.
It was breathtaking—thousands of flying shadows. Liu Suiyun finally understood the significance of this seemingly minor entrance ceremony, to the extent that even his reclusive master had come out to oversee it.
"So many guests!" Shen Yaqin remarked disdainfully, her gaze sweeping over the outer-sect cultivators showing off their flying techniques near Shenxiao Peak. "It seems Shenxiao Peak will be bustling with activity this time."
Unfazed, Chu Nanhua added calmly, "For this entrance ceremony, Sect Leader Li has ranked me eleventh."
"Eleventh?" Chu Cangshan exclaimed. "Congratulations, Master! Breaking into the top ten of Shenxiao Sect!"
Liu Suiyun grasped the significance—regardless of Sect Leader Li's criteria, Chu Nanhua's overall strength had now placed him eleventh in the entire Shenxiao Sect.
While eleventh may not seem impressive at first glance, it carried two profound implications. First, it meant there were ten cultivators stronger than Chu Nanhua, but it also revealed the depth of Shenxiao Sect. Despite his False Nascent Soul and the budding power of his Nascent Flame, Chu Nanhua had only ranked eleventh.
What kind of earth-shattering abilities did those ten great cultivators ahead of him possess? Liu Suiyun couldn't help but wonder.
Though Chu Nanhua wasn't one to flaunt his strength, that didn't mean he lacked confidence. "I'd like to see who dares block our path on this journey. Let them experience being shattered to pieces."
As they spoke, Shenxiao Peak came fully into view before Liu Suiyun. His only thought was, "It's like a small kingdom!"
The true name of this mountain was Suspended Mountain, once the ancestral home of the Supreme Demon Sect. Now, Liu Suiyun finally understood why it was called Suspended Mountain—floating high above the clouds, a vast plateau stretched endlessly, spanning thousands of li.
A thousand-li plateau—this place could support a kingdom!
This was Shenxiao Peak. Liu Suiyun saw countless medicinal fields, lakes, spirit herb gardens, caves, high towers, and pavilions—too many unfamiliar structures to name. This was the heart of the Shenxiao Sect.
At the very center of Shenxiao Mountain sat a massive city, spanning hundreds of li, from which all the flying swords, carriages, birds, and magical treasures ascended and descended. If Liu Suiyun wasn't mistaken, that was the main sect of Shenxiao.
At every moment, flying swords, carriages, and birds landed and took off. Only now did Liu Suiyun truly understand the phrase: "First came Shenxiao Sect, then the Han Dynasty!"
Without the immense power of the Shenxiao Sect, what would the Han Dynasty even be?
Just as Liu Suiyun's thoughts were racing, the Qingyun Carriage had already hovered near a towering pavilion that seemed to touch the sky. Shen Yaqin turned to Liu Suiyun and said, "We've arrived! Let's head out. Hold my hand this time, so you don't fall!"
"Let me help you!" Liu Suiyun immediately responded. Mistress Shen was especially captivating today, so much so that even her usually stern demeanor softened.