Chapter 1857 Still So Shameless

The fall of the three venerables did not deter the strong from rushing in one after another.

Yet none who entered the Tianyang Mountains returned alive.

A month later, no one dared to venture into the Tianyang Mountains on their own.

Powerful figures from all sides began to gather at Qianling Imperial Capital to discuss how to enter the venerable's cave dwelling.

“The Immortal Forest Venerable was a peak venerable from five million years ago. His strength had reached an inconceivable level, capable of effortlessly slaying even venerable-level experts,” said a city lord.

“In my opinion, we true gods can hardly hope to enter,” another added.

“With such formidable power, the cave dwelling must be filled with countless opportunities. Who can bear to give up? Besides, if we could obtain the Immortal Forest Venerable’s Dao Fruit…”

At these words, the atmosphere in the hall tightened.

Who wouldn’t want a venerable’s Dao Fruit?

And this was no ordinary Dao Fruit—it was that of a peak venerable!

None among them could ever hope to reach such a level in their lifetime.

Gu Tianque said, “Now, some have discovered that martial artists below the divine realm can enter the Tianyang Mountains without harm. True gods have already tried it: as long as they suppress their cultivation to the divine realm, they can go deep without being attacked. However, the Tianyang Mountains are still fraught with danger. I suggest we cooperate and first find a way into the cave dwelling. What do you all think?”

Hearing Gu Tianque’s words, everyone nodded in agreement.

Though they were all true gods, they were nothing before the Immortal Forest Venerable.

Even if a thousand or ten thousand went in, they would only be courting death.

Thus, banding together was indeed a good choice.

“Since no one objects, we will set out together in ten days and enter the Tianyang Mountains,” Gu Tianque declared decisively.

After the discussion, the true gods dispersed, but Ji Xun, the city lord of Tianshui Imperial Capital, stayed behind alone.

“Hmm? Brother Ji, do you have something to discuss?” Gu Tianque asked, feigning ignorance.

Ji Xun cursed the old fox inwardly but smiled. “Heh, old friend, Tianshui and Qianling have always stood together. My unworthy disciple Zhuo Han has long admired your disciple Qiu Ling. Don’t you think we elders should help make it happen?”

Gu Tianque laughed heartily. “Let the young handle their own affairs. You know my disciple—I can’t persuade her to choose a Dao companion.”

With that, Gu Tianque left directly, showing no intention of continuing the conversation.

Ji Xun frowned, puzzled by Gu Tianque’s intentions.

In the past, Gu Tianque had been quite enthusiastic about Zhuo Han and Leng Qiuling’s match, even though Leng Qiuling had always been indifferent.

But now, even that old man seemed unwilling.

…

As Ji Xun’s prized disciple, Zhuo Han naturally accompanied him to Qianling Imperial Capital.

In fact, many of the true gods who came had brought their juniors.

Such a great opportunity as the venerable’s inheritance—even if their disciples gained a fraction, it would be immensely beneficial.

Moreover, it had been confirmed that only those below the divine realm could enter the Immortal Forest Cave Dwelling.

At that moment, Zhuo Han entered the Qianling Mansion on his own.

“Junior brother, is Leng Qiuling, Junior Sister Leng, in the Qianling Mansion?” Zhuo Han asked with a courteous demeanor, though his tone carried arrogance.

The Qianling Mansion disciple looked him over. “Who are you? The Qianling Mansion isn’t open to just anyone.”

Zhuo Han smiled. “I am Zhuo Han of Tianshui Imperial Capital. Junior Sister Leng is my fiancée, so I’m hardly an outsider.”

Zhuo Han deliberately raised his voice, as if afraid others wouldn’t know.

The disciple was startled. “So you’re Senior Brother Zhuo! My apologies! Senior Sister Leng is at the training ground. I’ll take you there.”

Zhuo Han’s reputation was well-known in the imperial capital, and this disciple had heard of him.

Moreover, the rumors about Zhuo Han and Leng Qiuling were no secret in the Qianling Mansion—it seemed the city lord intended to match them.

Naturally, the disciple dared not be negligent.

“So he’s Zhuo Han! No wonder he’s known as Tianshui’s top genius—he can keep up with Senior Sister Leng’s cultivation speed.”

“Yeah! I heard the mansion lord wants to pair them up. They’re a perfect match!”

“But Senior Sister Leng has been getting close to a guy named Ye Yuan lately. That’s rare.”

“Pfft, that kid’s only at the second level of the divine realm. How could he match Senior Sister Leng?”

…

Zhuo Han was pleased by the disciples’ chatter, but his face changed abruptly when he heard the name Ye Yuan.

That name was his nightmare.

Even after hundreds of years, it was still fresh in his memory.

Of course, he hated Ye Yuan to the bone and had long wanted to settle scores, but Ye Yuan had vanished after leaving Tongtian Mountain, so the plan was shelved.

Now, he heard the name again.

“Could it be… that Ye Yuan is the same kid from Tongtian Mountain? Impossible! That guy said he’s at the second level of the divine realm—with that brat’s talent, he couldn’t have cultivated so fast!”

Soon, Zhuo Han dismissed the thought.

Like Leng Qiuling, he believed this Ye Yuan was not the same one.

Following the disciple, Zhuo Han arrived at the training ground, where Qianling Mansion disciples were sparring and Leng Qiuling was watching from the sidelines.

The moment he saw Leng Qiuling, Zhuo Han’s eyes lit up. “Junior Sister Leng, it’s been years! You’re still as stunning as ever!”

Leng Qiuling turned and frowned at the sight of Zhuo Han.

This guy was really persistent!

“This is the Qianling Mansion. What are you doing here?” Leng Qiuling said coldly.

Zhuo Han didn’t mind. He smiled. “What a thing to say! Is there anything wrong with me visiting my future wife?”

At this, the crowd buzzed with speculation about the young man’s identity.

Leng Qiuling’s gaze turned icy. “Keep talking nonsense, and I won’t be polite! Get lost, now!”

Zhuo Han chuckled. “Why be so harsh, Junior Sister? My master has already proposed to yours. We’ll be married sooner or later.”

Leng Qiuling’s face grew colder, almost freezing.

“Heh, after all these years, Young Master Zhuo is still so shameless! Nothing’s been settled, and you’re already putting on airs. Careful you don’t make a fool of yourself!”

Just then, a figure appeared beside Leng Qiuling.

Zhuo Han looked closely and immediately flew into a rage!