Qi Miaohan was a household name in this realm, especially in the towns situated at the foot of the Pinyin Pavilion’s mountain. The moment she stepped into the restaurant, the proprietor’s attitude shifted so drastically from his usual stingy self that he seemed like an entirely different person.
Normally, Qi Miaohan brought the young girls from her sect to treat them to a meal, but today was an exception. Behind her followed two men.
Nie Shiyun and Zhai Bairong had concealed their cultivation bases, and the restaurant staff no longer remembered their faces. Assuming they were merely minor cultivators from some unknown place, the onlookers immediately began to speculate wildly.
Once they were inside the private booth, Nie Shiyun turned to Zhai Bairong with an amused glint in his eyes. "Did you see that man's expression? I bet they think we’re the 'pretty boys' Qi Miaohan is keeping." Before Zhai Bairong could even react with his usual speechless look, Nie Shiyun turned his teasing toward Qi Miaohan. "One on each arm—you’re certainly in luck."
"Pah! Just thinking about it makes me want to gag," Qi Miaohan retorted crossly.
After ordering a few dishes, they closed the door to properly explain the sequence of events.
While Zhai Bairong spoke on Nie Shiyun's behalf, Nie Shiyun stepped aside to send a message to his father. The communication stone, which had been useless in the Upper Realm, was functional once more. Before long, Nie Shiyun received an incredibly emotional reply from his father, asking where they were and if he should come to fetch them.
Nie Shiyun smiled silently. With his and Zhai Bairong’s current cultivation, returning to Yunqing Pavilion would take only a few days. By the time his father arrived, they could have made the round trip several times over. Yet, in his father’s eyes, he would always be the precious son who needed looking after.
He sent a brief explanation saying they had happened upon Qi Miaohan and were resting in Lingtian City for a short while before heading home. Knowing they had a plan, Nie Li felt at ease. He told them not to rush if they had business to attend to, as everything was fine at Yunqing Pavilion for the time being.
Anything more could wait until they met in person.
Nie Shiyun didn't need to contact the others individually; he knew Nie Li would pass on the good news.
By now, Qi Miaohan was completely enthralled by their description of the Upper Realm. She was not the type to be content with the status quo, and having been at the Deity Transformation stage for a long time, she had begun to find her unchanging life tedious. Learning that there was such a vast world beyond her own made her heart stir with longing.
"We have already established our own sect there. Though its foundation is still thin, it is at least a place to settle," Nie Shiyun said.
Qi Miaohan’s eyes sparkled, but as her excitement cooled, a hint of conflict appeared. "But... Xuan'er showed signs of forming her Nascent Soul a few years ago. Even if she succeeds, she’s still far from Deity Transformation. If I, her elder sister, leave alone..."
She bit her lip and sighed. "Moreover, Master is already a thousand years old. She can't afford to wait much longer. If I leave with her, the Pinyin Pavilion's future..."
Nie Shiyun watched her fluctuate between anticipation and hesitation. "In a word: are you coming or not?" he asked helplessly.
"I'm coming!" Qi Miaohan blurted out.
Nie Shiyun laughed and patted her shoulder. "You're at an age where you can handle these personal matters yourself. If you want to go with us, just give the word. If you want to wait a while longer, that's fine too."
"Go on with you! Who are you calling 'at an age'? This lady is as beautiful as a flower and in the prime of her youth!"
The two bickered back and forth, then chatted about the changes in the cultivation world during their absence. Before they knew it, the sky outside had turned dark.
Nie Shiyun and Zhai Bairong had been missing for several decades—a time that was neither particularly long nor short. Yunqing Pavilion had publicly claimed that the two had experienced a sudden epiphany while traveling and had entered seclusion on the spot. The cultivation world had paid close attention to them, especially the ancestors of various sects, who were itching with curiosity. What kind of heaven-defying opportunity could have kept these two promising young men in seclusion for decades?
Some sects even boldly speculated that the two had stumbled upon a secret realm and didn't want to share it with others. However, after sending people to investigate Yunqing Pavilion and finding the disciples there knew nothing, they figured that even if there were a secret realm, they wouldn't leave their own disciples in the dark. Thus, most concluded they were overthinking it.
Nie Shiyun smiled to himself; the reality was far more outrageous than anything they could imagine.
"What did Father tell the public about Xuan Yang?"
Yunqing Pavilion wasn't just missing him and Zhai Bairong; three people had vanished at once.
Qi Miaohan thought back. "He didn't seem to say anything. Your sect's disciples all seemed to assume he went off to chase his Dao companion again, and the rumor just spread from there. Everyone says he’s been gone so long this time that he might have actually succeeded."
Nie Shiyun: "..." It was just as well that no one cared about him. In any case, the conclusion wasn't wrong; he had caught his man many years ago.
Summarizing the situation, although the major sects were suspicious of their sudden disappearance, none had guessed the truth. Knowing that Yunqing Pavilion hadn't been targeted made him feel relieved. This time, Nie Shiyun didn't plan to keep the Upper Realm a secret. He intended to settle his family first and then speak openly.
Decades ago, the Deity Transformation ancestors of the various sects could still contend with him. Now, their cultivation was insignificant in his eyes. He could protect Yunqing Pavilion alone, let alone with Zhai Bairong by his side.
"We’re heading back tomorrow. Do you want to come to Yunqing Pavilion with us? We can give you a lift," Nie Shiyun asked as they prepared to part.
Qi Miaohan shook her head. "I visited Xuan'er and the others not long ago, so I won't go. You two enjoy your reunion. I have other matters to attend to..."
When Qi Xuan'er had first told Qi Miaohan about Nie Shiyun’s ascension, her jaw had nearly hit the floor. Qi Xuan'er had warned her then that although Sect Leader Jiang took good care of her, this matter must not be leaked. Despite her respect for Jiang Baixiang, Qi Miaohan understood the gravity of the situation and swore not to breathe a word.
After talking with Nie Shiyun just now, she had asked if she could do the Pinyin Pavilion a favor by letting Jiang Baixiang know before the news went public. This would allow the Pinyin Pavilion to make preparations in advance.
Nie Shiyun naturally agreed. The relationship between the Pinyin Pavilion and Yunqing Pavilion had always been good, so granting this favor was appropriate. Moreover, as mentioned before, it wasn't arrogance—now, even if everyone in the cultivation world combined their strength, they couldn't defeat two Great Completion cultivators. They could act exactly as they pleased.
As old acquaintances, the three didn't linger. They said their goodbyes and went their separate ways.
Two days later, Nie Shiyun and Zhai Bairong returned to the Yunqing Pavilion they hadn't seen in decades.
When the two appeared, the disciple guarding the gate froze for a moment before shouting in excitement, "Senior Nie and Senior Zhai have returned!"
His exclamation stirred the surrounding disciples into a frenzy. Seeing the commotion he had caused, the gatekeeper looked apologetically at the two. They merely waved him off, signaling that they didn't mind. Returning home after so many years, Nie Shiyun was in an excellent mood.
Before he and Zhai Bairong could even reach the back mountain, the crowd that had heard the news rushed to the front hall to welcome them.
Upon seeing the pair, everyone was stunned. News had come from Lingtian City only two days ago, and they were already home? What kind of speed was that? Furthermore, while the juniors couldn't sense it, those with higher cultivation could clearly feel the unfathomable depth of the duo's current power.
Family matters had to be discussed in private. Once they had moved away from the general disciples, the group erupted into chatter.
After spending half the day repeating everything he had told Qi Miaohan, Nie Shiyun felt like a professional storyteller. He had finished three pots of tea by the end of the afternoon.
In truth, when they saw Nie Shiyun and Zhai Bairong return without Xuan Yang, the people of Yunqing Pavilion had already suspected that the two had taken root in the Upper Realm and had only found a way back for a visit. Though they were happy for their success, a faint sense of loneliness lingered in their hearts.
However, when Nie Shiyun spoke of the new Yunqing Pavilion in the Upper Realm and the repaired ascension path—explaining that those at the Deity Transformation stage could now ascend, and that one could even travel back and forth with enough Immortal Crystals—everyone was overcome with shock and joy.
"You should have mentioned such a major thing sooner. Your father is getting old; I can't take this much excitement," Nie Li said. He had already prepared himself to be separated forever, or perhaps only meet once every few centuries. Hearing this news, a great weight was lifted from his heart.
"What are you saying, Father? You're only a few hundred years old. In the Upper Realm, you'd be considered a youth," Zhai Bairong consoled him.
Nie Li’s face flushed at the comment, but he was clearly pleased and nodded silently. Nie Shiyun glanced at Zhai Bairong; if he had said the same thing, his father would have thought he was just trying to make him happy. But when Zhai Bairong said it, Nie Li felt it was simply the truth.
"So, how long will you stay this time?" Sect Leader Nie Mingde asked, looking at Nie Shiyun.
Nie Shiyun replied, "Not too long. The new Yunqing Pavilion was established recently and its foundation isn't stable yet. Bairong and I should return soon to oversee things. Besides, having seen you all, our greatest wish for this trip has been fulfilled. There isn't much else."
He paused and added, "Though it’s a bit sudden, I need everyone to consider over the next few days whether you want to come to the Upper Realm with us or stay here. Of course, I will leave behind enough spirit stones to power the teleportation array. You can go whenever you wish in the future."
The group took his words seriously and promised to think it over.
Knowing that Nie Li would want some private time with his son, the others tactfully excused themselves.
"Father, you'll be coming with us, right?" Nie Shiyun asked.
Nie Li hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Naturally, I want to. But Yunqing Pavilion is a large responsibility now. I still need to discuss future plans with your uncle."
"That's only natural. But you don't need to worry too much, Father. I suspect that at the very least, my cousin and Du Zhi won't be leaving yet. With them supporting Yunqing Pavilion, I can rest easy," Nie Shiyun said.
Upon his return, he had learned that his cousin, Nie Xing'an, had married several years ago. His wife was an outgoing and clever junior who complemented him well; since their marriage, she had helped manage many of the sect's affairs. However, she was still only a Golden Core cultivator, far from ascension. A responsible man like Nie Xing'an certainly wouldn't abandon his wife to leave on his own.
Nie Mingde didn't say it aloud, but he was clearly looking forward to having grandchildren. Nie Shiyun guessed he wouldn't be willing to leave his son and daughter-in-law behind to ascend alone.
As for Du Zhi, Qi Xuan'er was at a critical moment in preparing for her Nascent Soul stage, and they had their precious daughter, Du Shaojun. If they were to go to the Upper Realm, it would have to be as a whole family.
When all was said and done, Nie Li was the only one who was unattached.
"Father, you are still so young and handsome. If you find me a stepmother after we get to the Upper Realm, I would warmly welcome it," Nie Shiyun said earnestly.
"You child, what nonsense are you spouting!" Nie Li’s face turned red again. He made an excuse about discussing sect matters with Nie Mingde and told Nie Shiyun and Zhai Bairong to go rest.
"See? We both called him young, but he only likes hearing it from you." After Nie Li hurried away, Nie Shiyun gave Zhai Bairong a look that said, *'See what I mean?'*
Zhai Bairong said helplessly, "Were we even saying the same thing? Your father isn't thick-skinned like you. You're lucky he didn't get angry."
Nie Shiyun laughed and, providing a live demonstration of his thick skin, pressed a kiss onto Zhai Bairong’s lips.
This was in the front mountain during broad daylight, not in their private dwelling. Zhai Bairong looked at him but ultimately said nothing. He thought that after spending so much time with Nie Shiyun, perhaps he had become quite thick-skinned himself.
The news of Nie Shiyun and Zhai Bairong’s reappearance after their mysterious decades-long seclusion spread to every corner of the cultivation world within days.
Hearing that they had returned to Yunqing Pavilion, some tried to fish for information about what opportunities they had found. Others, certain that their cultivation must have reached new heights, rushed to send gifts and curry favor. There were also those hoping to commission them for artifacts or pills. The stream of visitors was endless.
Having earned Immortal Crystals for decades, the two of them no longer cared for these spirit stones. They rejected all visitors on the grounds of being physically and mentally exhausted from their journey home.
Within a few days, the internal discussions at Yunqing Pavilion reached a conclusion. Just as Nie Shiyun had expected, only Nie Li would be leaving with them. The others had ties that kept them here and chose to ascend later. Nie Shiyun found this reasonable; in his eyes, everyone was still very young, and a few centuries' difference mattered little. However, since he wouldn't be returning anytime soon after this departure, he spent time leaving behind numerous magical treasures and medicinal pills. This was both to help them cultivate more efficiently and to ensure that Yunqing Pavilion would remain stable and secure long after he was gone.
This time, unlike the last, he and Zhai Bairong would not only leave openly but would announce it to the world. He wanted everyone in the cultivation world to know that they had established a foothold in the Upper Realm and were now on an entirely different level from the rest.
After a few busy days, Nie Shiyun and Zhai Bairong suddenly remembered something.
"We seem to have forgotten the Yingyue Sect."
If any elder of the Yingyue Sect knew this, they would surely grumble in their hearts, *'So you actually remember you're a disciple of the Yingyue Sect?'*
Zhai Bairong felt no guilt about this; his name had long been nothing more than a formality on their records. But since he was back, he figured he might as well pay one last visit to personally announce the reopening of the ascension path and retrieve his soul lamp, thereby severing the last of his dwindling ties with the sect.
"Do you want me to go with you?" Nie Shiyun asked.
"No need. It’s only a day's trip. We’ll be leaving again soon; you should spend more time chatting with your cousin and the others."
Since Zhai Bairong said so, Nie Shiyun nodded and let him handle it himself.
Arriving alone at the Yingyue Sect, the disciples at the gate no longer recognized him. However, seeing his noble aura and a face so handsome it was difficult to look at directly, they guessed he was someone not to be trifled with. They didn't even dare to stop him as he headed straight for the back mountain.
"Elder Zhai, you've returned!"
Zhai Bairong heard someone call out and saw a fellow elder of the Yingyue Sect in the distance. He had only met the man a few times and couldn't even recall his name.
The other man’s tone was full of disbelief. It wasn't until Zhai Bairong descended from his flying sword and he saw that face clearly that the reality began to sink in.
"The news of my Dao companion and me coming out of seclusion should be common knowledge by now. There’s no need for such surprise."
The elder’s expression was complicated. He wanted to say that knowing was one thing, but when did Zhai Bairong ever voluntarily return to the Yingyue Sect? Wasn't he basically a member of Yunqing Pavilion now?
He couldn't say it aloud, so he just stood there awkwardly. Zhai Bairong knew exactly what he was thinking but didn't care to address it. He got straight to the point. "Is Sect Leader Qu in?"
At those words, the elder’s expression stiffened.
"He is, but it’s been a long time since..."
Zhai Bairong looked at him with a silent, questioning gaze.
"Look at my memory! Right, you’ve been in seclusion for decades. That happened a few years ago; you wouldn't know." The elder realized and began to explain the situation of the Yingyue Sect over the past few years.
Qu Zhanmeng had long since achieved his wish of becoming Sect Leader. He had spent years bowing and scraping under the old Ancestor, and once he became the master of this great sect and tasted the flavor of absolute power, he felt that all the time he had spent serving others had been wasted.
At first, everything was normal. But gradually, he became increasingly suspicious of the elders under him, to the point of paranoia. He had even falsely accused several of his subordinates.
Whether it was a long-premeditated plot or they were simply driven to rebellion, fifteen years ago, two elders had indeed teamed up with outsiders to scheme against Qu Zhanmeng. However, a mistake was made; Qu Zhanmeng only suffered minor injuries, and the two were caught and dealt with as traitors.
But since that incident, Qu Zhanmeng had developed a heart demon. His cultivation, instead of progressing, began to decline. From then on, he became even more terrified of being dragged down from his position, and he had remained in closed-door seclusion to this day.
Initially, he allowed his personal attendants and concubines inside, but eventually, he stopped trusting even them.
Listening to the elder sigh about how Qu Zhanmeng had somehow lost his mind, Zhai Bairong understood perfectly.
Back then, Qu Zhanmeng had intentionally let the Ancestor die and had manipulated many things regarding Duan Mingyu. If he and the Ancestor had been truly united from start to finish, Duan Mingyu would never have escaped their grasp.
Now, Qu Zhanmeng had become the Ancestor of those years, and he viewed the elders under him as his former self—each appearing loyal on the surface while secretly wishing for his death so they could take his place.
Learning that his former Master Qu had fallen to such a state, Zhai Bairong felt no sympathy. In fact, he found it quite laughable.
Setting aside his and the Ancestor's wicked intent to harm their disciples, his sheer shortsightedness—becoming a prisoner of his own power and living in constant fear after gaining the position of Sect Leader—meant that even without a heart demon, his path of cultivation would have hit a dead end sooner or later.
"Since the Sect Leader hasn't seen anyone for years, I won't bother visiting. I came today to deliver some news; I'll trouble you to pass it on," Zhai Bairong said calmly. "The ascension path to the Upper Realm has been damaged for a long time, but it was recently repaired by my Dao companion. Now, all Deity Transformation cultivators in the cultivation world should be able to go to the Upper Realm... As for Sect Leader Qu, one can only hope he has enough mental fortitude to return to the Deity Transformation stage after hearing this news."
"Right... wait, what? What did you say?" The elder felt his mind go blank and his limbs go numb. What kind of world-shaking news had Zhai Bairong just dropped so casually!?
Zhai Bairong, showing rare patience, repeated himself clearly.
Seeing the man still standing there in a daze, Zhai Bairong added, "It doesn't matter if you don't say anything. In a few days, my Dao companion and I will announce this to the entire cultivation world. Today, I only came to retrieve my soul lamp and offer a word of warning in advance."
With that, Zhai Bairong, mindful of his promise to Nie Shiyun to return within the day, didn't want to delay any longer. He went to take his soul lamp, leaving the elder alone in his state of confusion.
The Yingyue Sect was likely in for a massive upheaval today. But what did that have to do with him?
***
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Transmigrated into a Total Shou Novel as a Cannon Fodder, but Ended Up 1v1-ing the Male Lead | Chapter 215 | The Path Reopened | Novela.app | Novela.app
