Chapter 214 - A Snowy Reunion
Several years flowed by like water, and the construction of Yunqing Pavilion was finally complete.
Shen Yan proved himself exceptionally capable in the art of intelligence gathering. Over the past few years, he had employed unknown methods to infiltrate various other sects, funneling a steady stream of information back to Nie Shiyun. The Upper Heaven Realm had not seen the birth of a new sect in ages, and thus, many eyes were fixed upon this fledgling organization that boasted only a handful of members.
The majority of onlookers were far from optimistic. They whispered that Nie Shiyun and Zhai Bairong were overreaching, building a grand and imposing headquarters for a sect that was essentially a hollow shell. They predicted that, in the short term, no one would bother to join such a vanity project. Furthermore, most human cultivators in the Upper Heaven Realm harbored a deep-seated prejudice against repairing the transmission channels to the Lower Realm. Arrogance was etched into their very bones; they looked down upon those from the lower planes as inferior. Moreover, the reopening of the path between worlds would inevitably shift the balance of power. The "old bones" of the Upper Heaven Realm, who had enjoyed a stagnant peace for thousands of years, were loath to see such upheaval.
Nie Shiyun merely nodded when he heard these reports. He decided to keep the progress of the channel repair a closely guarded secret. By the time the matter was settled and the path was open, it would be far too late for any of these established powers to interfere. As for the mockery regarding their vast territory and lack of disciples, Nie Shiyun remained unbothered.
On the day the construction was finished, he and Zhai Bairong eschewed any grand ribbon-cutting ceremonies. Instead, they invited Xuan Yang and Shen Yan for a private celebratory feast within the new halls of Yunqing Pavilion. To them, that was enough.
Other sects waited in the shadows, watching for the moment Yunqing Pavilion would begin public recruitment so they could enjoy the spectacle of its failure. Yet, they waited for years. It seemed as though building those magnificent towers had been nothing more than a whim for Nie Shiyun, as the sect made no overt moves to expand.
However, the pavilion did not remain occupied by only four people forever. On the day construction finished, Zhai Bairong closed his pill shop in the city and moved permanently to the mountain. As he had intended, once the pressure of accumulating capital eased, he no longer refined pills with such frantic frequency. Eventually, rogue cultivators who had once sought his pills—many of whom were alchemists themselves—tracked him down. Drawn by his peerless refinement techniques and his surprisingly gentle temperament, they came to Yunqing Pavilion seeking to study under his tutelage.
These rogue cultivators had not chosen their path out of a love for solitude, but because their talent was neither exceptional nor abysmal. They could not even touch the threshold of the great sects, yet they found no merit in joining minor ones that lacked a master alchemist to guide them. They knew nothing of Yunqing Pavilion’s origins, only that Zhai Bairong was there. They arrived with trembling hearts, unsure if they would be welcomed with open arms or turned away with cold indifference.
While they fretted, the outside world watched with curiosity. Yet, Yunqing Pavilion did not behave like a desperate new sect. They did not put on airs to inflate their status, nor did they show excessive enthusiasm. They simply followed a standard procedure: testing aptitudes, assessing alchemy skills, and offering modest salaries and rules. It was so orderly that it felt like a sect that had been operating smoothly for centuries rather than a new establishment.
Zhai Bairong’s stance was clear. He did not intend to take personal disciples, and Yunqing Pavilion would not offer many alchemy-related perks in the short term. However, he promised to provide monthly guidance to any alchemist who joined. The rest would depend on their own fate and diligence. Had he offered terms that were too generous, these cultivators might have suspected a trap. Now that he spoke plainly, they felt at ease. For those barred from the great sects, the chance to be guided by a Grade 4 Alchemist was a rare opportunity. Those who passed the tests joined without hesitation.
With the first few disciples settled, Shen Yan and Xuan Yang took the opportunity to subtly spread the word. Gradually, the halls of Yunqing Pavilion began to echo with more footsteps.
The cultivators who joined were quite satisfied. Since the sect had no plans for rapid expansion, there were few administrative burdens. With their duties shared among the group, they had ample time for their own cultivation. While resources were not yet overflowing, it was far better than struggling alone as rogue cultivators. Most importantly, Zhai Bairong had not deceived them. They had expected mere verbal pointers, but he frequently arrived to personally demonstrate refinement techniques, leaving the young alchemists deeply moved.
"Speaking of which... aside from the entrance exam, have any of you seen our Sect Master in the last few years?" one disciple whispered during a break in the alchemy room.
"I haven't. He always seems incredibly busy," another replied.
"I wonder what he's working on? Is he in secluded meditation?"
"That’s not for us to ask."
The disciples gathered in the alchemy room often gossiped about Nie Shiyun, their nominal Sect Master. They had heard he was both an artifact refiner and an array master, but since few in the outside world knew his true level, some claimed he was merely a braggart. Now that they were part of Yunqing Pavilion, they naturally didn't want their leader to be mocked, but since they hadn't actually seen him, they felt a lingering sense of frustration.
"Are your refinements finished for the day? You certainly seem to have plenty of time for idle chatter."
A voice rang out before the speaker appeared. The disciples jumped, their voices becoming frantic and stuttering.
"Senior Zhai! When... when did you arrive?"
"We didn't mean anything by it..."
Zhai Bairong appeared at the doorway, his expression unreadable. These disciples truly respected him and feared his displeasure.
"We heard that Senior Zhai and the Sect Master are in perfect harmony, like a lute and a zither. Those of us without Dao companions are simply... envious..." one disciple stammered.
Zhai Bairong gave him a faint, knowing look. The man tensed, feeling as though his soul had been seen through. It was obvious they hadn't been discussing romance. However, Zhai Bairong did not press the issue; he merely let out a light chuckle.
"If you have time for such thoughts, you would be better served refining your alchemy techniques. Come here."
Seeing that he was in a decent mood as he took a seat before the furnace, the disciples breathed a sigh of relief. The rumors of the deep affection between the Senior and the Sect Master were clearly true.
As was his custom, Zhai Bairong provided guidance before departing, leaving them to contemplate his lessons in silence. He knew the new disciples were curious about Nie Shiyun, who lived like a hermit. However, over the past few years, Nie Shiyun had poured his heart and soul into researching arrays, leaving him no time for anything else. Zhai Bairong didn't want him to be overtaxed, so he took on the responsibility of teaching the disciples himself.
Outside the sect, social matters were handled by Xuan Yang. His status as a member of the Phoenix Clan ensured that no one dared to look down on him. The only drawback was that Xuan Yang’s way of thinking was often too simplistic, but with Shen Yan by his side, he was unlikely to be cheated.
The only thing Zhai Bairong felt slightly guilty about was that the name "Yunqing Pavilion" was supposed to belong to a lineage of artifact refiners. Now, it had effectively become a gathering place for alchemists. Although Nie Shiyun had laughed and said, "This Yunqing Pavilion is not that Yunqing Pavilion," Zhai Bairong still felt a pang of apology when he thought of Nie Li and the others finding out in the future.
"Once I have some free time, I'll recruit some artifact refiners," Nie Shiyun said dismissively when Zhai Bairong brought it up.
"By then, I can also offer guidance on arrays," Nie Shiyun remarked as he sketched out experimental formations on the ground that Zhai Bairong couldn't begin to comprehend. "Back in the Lower Realm, my study of arrays was never quite refined. This 'crash course' has forced me to level up, so to speak."
Zhai Bairong shook his head with a smile. "You say that, but without innate talent, an ordinary person couldn't reach this level in such a short time." Nie Shiyun always called him a genius, yet he was equally extraordinary.
Glancing at the array simulations that grew more complex and perfect by the day, Zhai Bairong asked, "Is there progress?"
Nie Shiyun nodded broadly. "Indeed. I was stuck at a bottleneck for two years, but a few days ago, I suddenly had an epiphany. I'm still worried about making a fool of myself in front of the White Tiger Clan and Senior Jin, so I need to practice at home a bit more." As for whether it would truly work, one wouldn't know without trying.
This array was unique in the Upper Heaven Realm. He had previously visited the Phoenix Clan to inspect the array Xuan Yang and the others had used to ascend; while they seemed similar, they were fundamentally different. Nie Shiyun often marveled at how many formidable experts existed in every field. Every time he felt he had learned much, he discovered something even more profound.
"When the time comes, you, Xuan Yang, and Senior Jin will go to repair the array. Leave Yunqing Pavilion to me," Zhai Bairong said, his words bringing Nie Shiyun a sense of profound peace.
"You already have quite the reputation; I'm not worried. Besides, whatever you set your mind to, you do perfectly," Nie Shiyun praised.
Zhai Bairong felt the praise was a bit much, but he accepted it happily. After a moment of thought, he added firmly, "But even if the array is fixed, you cannot act alone. No one knows what might happen on either side. We either stay here together, or we go back together."
Zhai Bairong’s tone was resolute. He rarely spoke to Nie Shiyun with such an uncompromising air, but this point was non-negotiable.
Nie Shiyun smiled. "Set your heart at ease. Even if you tried to make me go back alone, I’d just stuff you into my spatial dimension and take you with me. I never want to experience that kind of separation again—living in two different worlds with no news of each other."
With that promise, Zhai Bairong was satisfied.
Some time later, Nie Shiyun and Xuan Yang quietly left the Upper Layer of the Upper Heaven Realm. They were accompanied by the White Tiger manager and the scale of Ao Fan. The group traveled to the ruins of the transmission array in the Lower Layer to rendezvous with Senior Jin, who had somehow "drifted" down to the Lower Layer at some unknown point.
*Can a cultivator at the Immortal Emperor level really cross between layers just by drifting...?* Nie Shiyun felt he still knew far too little about the world.
He had been somewhat worried that the scale might have lost its Dragon Clan aura after so many years, but after confirming it was still potent, he breathed a sigh of relief. He didn't want to risk infuriating the Dragon Clan again. In the past, he could have just fled after causing trouble, but now he had Yunqing Pavilion to consider. He was no longer as free as he once was.
In every sense, this was a momentous event. Nie Shiyun was tense as he worked in the Lower Layer, and Zhai Bairong, waiting back at Yunqing Pavilion, was equally anxious every day.
After nearly a year, the joyous news finally arrived. By all accounts, the transmission array had been successfully repaired.
Nie Shiyun solemnly thanked the White Tiger manager and Senior Jin, presenting them with the grand gifts he had prepared long ago: several Grade 4 formation flags, three custom-made Grade 4 magical treasures, and various Grade 4 pills refined by Zhai Bairong.
Senior Jin was a man of vast experience and didn't particularly crave the possessions of his juniors. He casually picked one item and made an appointment to drink with them next time before vanishing without a trace.
The White Tiger manager kept a stoic face, but his heart skipped a beat. Others might not know, but he was well aware that any other family would have to pay a fortune to commission such a "Grade 4 Gift Pack." Yet, these were all produced by the hands of Nie Shiyun and Zhai Bairong... and they were a single family!
These two would truly be unstoppable in the future. The manager reminded himself to maintain a good relationship with Nie Shiyun and, unlike the senior expert, he wasn't polite—he tucked away his well-deserved rewards.
Nie Shiyun then turned to Xuan Yang and gave him... his salary for the month. Xuan Yang knew he already benefited plenty from their relationship, so he merely pouted and didn't complain.
After bidding farewell to the White Tiger manager, who had clan business to attend to, Nie Shiyun and Xuan Yang camped near the array for a while to observe the situation. Ten days passed, then a month, then two...
Absolutely no one ascended to the Upper Heaven Realm through the array.
"Are you sure you fixed it?" Xuan Yang rubbed his chin, looking at the array thoughtfully. "It glowed before, but maybe it was just a random spark?"
Nie Shiyun’s lip twitched. "Are you questioning my skill?"
Xuan Yang guiltily touched his storage ring containing his salary and quickly said, "No, no, of course not."
Despite his words, the array remained silent. Nie Shiyun didn't particularly care if his old acquaintances had passed away in meditation or not, but he desperately wanted to know how the people of Yunqing Pavilion were faring.
Xuan Yang clapped his hands. "I've got it! Maybe it's like this: cultivators who have already reached the Deity Transformation stage aren't forced to ascend. Only when a new Deity Transformation cultivator appears will they discover the path has been restored."
Nie Shiyun considered this. Although Xuan Yang usually spoke nonsense, this time he might have a point. But who knew how long it would take for a new Deity Transformation cultivator to emerge? After thinking it over, Nie Shiyun decided to call for Zhai Bairong. The two of them would return to the Lower Realm to see the situation for themselves.
Accordingly, Xuan Yang and Shen Yan would return to Yunqing Pavilion to take over Zhai Bairong's duties. Xuan Yang was a bit worried; after all, no one had used the transmission array in ages. He feared that if they went back and the array broke again, Nie Shiyun and Zhai Bairong would be stranded.
"Then it'll be up to you to fix it," Nie Shiyun said casually, patting Xuan Yang’s shoulder.
He took a relaxed view of the matter. Xuan Yang and Shen Yan were becoming increasingly reliable; leaving Yunqing Pavilion to them was fine. Furthermore, although the Phoenix Emperor still enjoyed being passive-aggressive, his regard for Xuan Yang was genuine. Even if he and Zhai Bairong truly couldn't return, he wasn't worried. As long as he was with Zhai Bairong, life was the same anywhere.
Nie Shiyun was at ease, but Xuan Yang spent quite some time losing sleep over this sudden burden.
After informing the disciples that they would be away for a while and couldn't provide guidance, Zhai Bairong arrived at the Lower Layer to meet Nie Shiyun. Standing before the now-rejuvenated array, the two of them felt a rare surge of nerves.
"How do we use this?" Zhai Bairong asked.
"It requires a cultivation level of Deity Transformation or higher to pass, so we don't need to worry about that. However, activating it once costs a significant amount of Immortal Crystals. We need to prepare enough for the return trip as well, or we'll have to work for our passage back over there," Nie Shiyun explained, pointing out where the crystals needed to be placed.
Seeing that there were no harsh requirements, Zhai Bairong sighed with relief. As a famous alchemist, he had more than enough money.
Nie Shiyun stood within the array and reached out his hand to Zhai Bairong. "I don't know where the exit in the Lower Realm is. We must hold hands tightly so we aren't separated during the transmission."
Zhai Bairong nodded and gripped his hand firmly. Since it was their first time using the array, their hands were clasped so tightly it was as if they feared losing each other forever.
Upon activating the array's core, a dizzying burst of white light flooded the area. They couldn't help but close their eyes. Then came a powerful suction. Nie Shiyun vaguely remembered this sensation. When he had first come to the Upper Heaven Realm, he had passed through this place that felt like a rift between spaces; back then, his clothes had been shredded by the end of the journey. This time, however, was different. Though his body felt uncomfortable, he wasn't nearly as disheveled. When they landed, both he and Zhai Bairong appeared perfectly intact.
"Did we successfully return?" Zhai Bairong looked around. The environment was entirely different.
"It seems so... but wait, it's freezing! Where are we?" Nie Shiyun couldn't help but shout. They were surrounded by a vast expanse of white snow; it was a blizzard. Both he and Zhai Bairong were wearing thin robes, so they quickly pulled fur shawls from their storage rings to wrap around themselves.
"With snow like this, if we haven't ended up in a completely different world, we must be in the Northern Plains of the cultivation world," Zhai Bairong said, bringing out his flying sword and inviting Nie Shiyun to ride with him. Standing around in the middle of nowhere wouldn't help; they had to move to find answers.
Before leaving, Nie Shiyun left a mark by the array and checked its condition. The basic structure on this side wasn't damaged, but it needed some refurbishing after being unused for so long. Confirming they could leave from here again, he and Zhai Bairong departed.
They hadn't even flown two miles before the answer they sought came crashing toward them.
"Which family's Daoists are you? Have you been blinded by the snow to trespass into the territory of my Pinyin Pavilion? Do you dare come to the front mountain and sit down for a cup of hot tea with this lady?"
Nie Shiyun and Zhai Bairong were stunned. They stopped their sword mid-air and exchanged a look—that voice was incredibly familiar. They had run into an old acquaintance!
The person had always been fiery. Even before she had pierced through the snowstorm, her aggressive voice arrived alongside a powerful spiritual pressure.
"Qi Miaohan!"
After more than sixty years, meeting an old friend was a source of immense joy.
The person on the other side also felt the voice sounded familiar, and the anger she felt upon being told by her juniors that someone had intruded into the sect's territory dissipated by half. When she finally saw the faces of the two men, her expression was as if she had seen a ghost.
"Nie... Nie, Nie, Nie Shiyun! And Zhai Bairong? My god. You... you're back? When did you return?" Qi Miaohan’s face was first filled with pleasant surprise, then quickly turned wary. "Wait a minute. If you're back, why didn't Xuan'er notify me? Are you really yourselves? How did you get into Pinyin Pavilion's territory?"
Nie Shiyun looked at the rapid-fire questioning of Qi Miaohan and didn't know where to start. "First, just calm down."
"Senior Qi, these two are... do you know them?"
Several young cultivators following behind Qi Miaohan were trembling. They had only joined the sect a few years ago and were responsible for the daily mountain patrols. This northernmost back mountain of Pinyin Pavilion was desolate and lacked any valuable resources; it was said that no one visited for a hundred years. It was a quiet, dead-end job. They had no great ambitions and thought this stable work was fine.
Yet today, the barrier that supposedly hadn't been triggered in a century had reacted. Two cultivators had appeared out of thin air in the back mountain. Though they didn't know the intruders' intentions, the young girls were terrified and had rushed to get help.
In truth, given Qi Miaohan’s current status as second only to the Sect Leader, she didn't need to handle this personally. But she happened to be nearby, and upon hearing their report, she had grabbed her whip and charged out. The poor girls had to scramble to keep up with her.
Nie Shiyun and Zhai Bairong looked at the female cultivators behind her; they all looked very young. They had been gone for decades; these children were likely younger than the number of years since they had ascended.
Nie Shiyun glanced at the whip at Qi Miaohan’s waist and smiled. "How are you still using this whip I refined back when I was in the Foundation Establishment stage? Oh, but you've swapped the Lotus Pedestal for a flying sword. Did you ruin all the glass petals, and no other refiner could fix it to your liking?"
Hearing his familiar and slightly annoying tone regarding her treasures, Qi Miaohan was now eighty percent convinced of their identity. She waved her hand at the juniors behind her. "They probably aren't enemies. Don't be so nervous."
"But they appeared right in the middle of the barrier. We don't even know how they got in. They should have been detected the moment they touched the edge. It's too eerie..."
"Oh, you mean like this?" Nie Shiyun said, instantly concealing his aura.
He and Zhai Bairong were now at the Great Ascension stage; they could move through such a barrier without leaving a trace. They had only been noticed because they assumed they were in the middle of nowhere and had walked out openly.
His display terrified the young girls even more. As far as they knew, even Senior Qi couldn't enter and exit the sect's barrier without being noticed. Senior Qi was already at the Deity Transformation stage! Someone stronger than her must be...
Zhai Bairong helplessly nudged Nie Shiyun’s back. "Stop scaring them. They're just children."
Qi Miaohan was also stunned. "You... what exactly is your cultivation level now? I can't even sense it."
Zhai Bairong pulled his shawl tighter. "It's a long story. Standing in the snow to chat isn't ideal. Let's find a place to sit and talk slowly. Shiyun and I just returned. Once we've settled, we need to send word to Yunqing Pavilion to let them know we're safe."
Qi Miaohan finally snapped out of it. They were all covered in white from the snow; it was indeed time to find a better place. With a wave of her hand, she sent the terrified, inexperienced girls back to the sect to rest. She then invited her long-lost friends to head straight for Lingtian City to catch up.
