Watching the Mountain

Chapter 319: Chapter 186: I Have My Own Plan

Xu Ran smiled faintly at Zhang Zhentian’s reaction. He recalled True Monarch Flowing Clouds saying that Shen Wuchen could one day become Zhang Zhentian’s arch-rival.

Although Zhang Zhentian had been acting perfectly normal since the loss of his grandfather, Xu Ran felt it would be better if Shen Wuchen were there to fight alongside him.

Then, Xu Ran turned to Shen Wuchen and said, ”You mentioned you had your own ideas. What are your plans? Let’s hear them.”

”Well...” Upon hearing this, Shen Wuchen glanced at Zhang Zhentian, a hesitant look on his face.

Seeing this, Xu Ran waved his hand. ”It’s fine. Just say it.”

Shen Wuchen’s expression stiffened. Then, he turned to Zhang Zhentian and said impassively, ”I’m going to support you.”

”Hm?” Zhang Zhentian grunted in surprise. Having fought alongside Shen Wuchen against the Demon Race before, he naturally understood his rival’s intentions.

He had originally intended to refuse. In the wake of his grandfather’s passing, amidst his grief, he had entered a state of Celestial-Human Communication. His comprehension of the Life and Death Reincarnation Law had reached a profound new Realm, and his strength now far surpassed what it once was.

But upon seeing the resolute gaze in Shen Wuchen’s eyes, he swallowed the words on the tip of his tongue.

He fell silent for a moment before nodding lightly. A smile touched his lips as he said to Shen Wuchen,

”I understand. In that case, let’s show the Cultivation Realm the power of our ’Chen Qing Team’ once more.”

A flash of joy glinted in Shen Wuchen’s eyes, but his face remained impassive as he nodded. ”Let’s see how much stronger you’ve become.”

Zhang Zhentian chuckled. ”I won’t disappoint you, Junior Brother Shen. I just hope you don’t get too discouraged. At my current level of strength, it’s only going to get harder for you to catch up and defeat me.”

Shen Wuchen stared at him, his expression proud and aloof. ”That’s just for now,” he said, his voice cold. ”In the future, I will defeat you.”

”And how far off is this ’future’? You don’t mean when I’m an old man, do you? Hahaha.”

Shen Wuchen’s gaze narrowed. ”I won’t make you wait that long,” he stated stiffly.

”I’ll be looking forward to it, then. You’d better work hard and catch up quickly, Junior Brother.”

*

*

*

Xu Ran was actually in a rather foul mood. Zhang Zhentian’s suggestion that he go to the Overseas Archipelago was a stark reminder of his own powerlessness.

’But this is the reality of the situation. Perhaps, countless years from now, I can become the Profound Pure Sect’s ultimate foundation, protecting it until the end of time, until the heavens and earth themselves decay.’

’But for now, I can only watch as the chosen geniuses of this era, like Zhang Zhentian and Shen Wuchen, step forward to shield me.’

’While they fight for the Sect and shine as beacons of this age, I can only remain here in obscurity, enjoying their protection. It’s not a good feeling.’

’And I know, now more than ever, that I must suppress these feelings. I have to focus on surviving, on living long enough to attain the Dao.’

’That is the only way. If Zhang Zhentian and Shen Wuchen grow old and pass on, there will be someone left to remember them, to ensure their legacy is never erased from this world. Only then can I, in the future, protect the Profound Pure Sect that they once fought to defend.’

’Right now, I can’t do anything. Trying to do more would only cause trouble.’ So, no matter how frustrated he felt, he could only force a smile, not letting Zhang Zhentian or the others sense his inner turmoil.

*

*

*

The news of Zhang Zhentian slaying five Nascent Soul Stage cultivators in a single battle outside the Profound Pure Sect’s gates had spread. This had a sobering effect on many, granting the Sect a rare period of peace.

During this time, while various rumors and threats circulated outside, no one dared to approach the Sect itself again. This allowed everyone in the Profound Pure Sect to breathe a collective sigh of relief.

Zhang Zhentian’s prestige within the Sect rose even higher, nearly reaching its zenith.

During this period of calm at the Profound Pure Sect, Luo Qianxue came to visit once more, seeking out Li Daoyi, Lu Mingchen, and Xu Ran.

This time, she had come to say farewell.

The recent events surrounding the Profound Pure Sect had led the Jade Radiance Immortal Sect to believe that Changqing County would not be peaceful in the near future. To avoid getting caught in the crossfire, they had decided to alter their plans and relocate the Sect to Cyan Cloud County ahead of schedule.

They were already making preparations and expected to leave in about three months.

Xu Ran and Li Daoyi both understood the Jade Radiance Immortal Sect’s decision. They figured the other sect must have also sensed that something was amiss with the recent events concerning the Profound Pure Sect.

The fact that so many Nascent Soul True Monarchs from beyond Changqing County, and even outside the Eastern Domain, were targeting the Profound Pure Sect was strange enough. But the fact that these people were complaining about Sword Dao Ye Shan—the very man who had saved the Immortal Ancient Cultivation Realm and silenced the world with a single slash of his sword—clearly indicated some hidden circumstances were at play.

Although the Jade Radiance Immortal Sect had recently become a Divinity Transformation Influence, they were still new and lacked a deep foundation. If they remained here, they would likely be used as pawns and forced into a confrontation with the Profound Pure Sect.

With Divinity Transformation Stage experts unable to make a move, the Jade Radiance Immortal Sect would be at an absolute disadvantage against the Profound Pure Sect.

Besides, a sect that could produce figures like Sword Dao Ye Shan and the peerless Array Master, Vermilion Bird Ning Xiyue, might very well produce another peerless genius if pushed into a corner. Who could say?

They had no desire to be dragged down and destroyed just after their promotion.

Lu Mingchen, on the other hand, was devastated by Luo Qianxue’s farewell.

His face fell, and he could only stare blankly at Luo Qianxue, his mouth agape. ”You’re leaving so soon?”

’Fellow Daoist Chu left some time ago and hasn’t contacted us since. I wonder how he’s doing now.’