Chapter 1: Qing Sha and Bai Sha
I am indeed the mountain deity; this is neither a pretense nor a trick
Clarifying the water: "It is useless; no matter what you do today, you will not obtain what you desire"
You are my enemy, and also the enemy of the Qing Shui clan. Knowing that death is inevitable, how can I allow my enemy to achieve their goals? I have lived for so long and cultivated for so many years; how could I possibly fail to see this principle? If you wish to act, then act. Whether it is in sorrow or regret, I am powerless to stop you, but you will not achieve your objective
The fortress in the late night is very tranquil, as the people have long since fallen asleep. With the protection of high walls and wooden fences, there is no need for the kind of bonfires that small tribes in the deep mountains keep burning all night to guard against wild beasts. The light of the fire comes from outside the fortress, followed by a powerful force that breaks open the sharply pointed wooden fence, and houses within the fortress are set ablaze.
The sleeping people were awakened, and the men rushed out of their houses armed with various weapons, facing a group of assailants dressed in dark, tight-fitting outfits charging towards them. Amidst the blazing flames that continued to rise, the shouts of men, their cries of anger and despair, along with the screams and pleas of women and children, pierced through the darkness and tranquility of the night.
Li Qing Shui: "It is truly laughable! You are well aware that they are innocent; the murderer is you, not me. They died because of your desires, perished by your blade; this is your sin"
Bai Sha did not speak, but made a slashing gesture with his hand. Everyone surrounding the peak silently received the command, quickly turned, and vanished into the night, joining the ranks of those slaughtering the Qing Shui clan. These individuals were all powerful subordinates of Bai Sha; even if the fortress was prepared, it could not resist the fate of destruction.
On the peak where the jade light cannot reach, lush and vibrant auspicious grass and flowers grow, now hidden in the darkness of night. Not far from the peak, there is a bare rock cliff, within which a stone niche has been carved, approximately three zhang in circumference, resembling a semi-open hall. Inside the stone niche, there is a doorway leading to the stone chamber behind, making this place seem like a dwelling of the divine.
It is called the Langgan tree, a celestial tree from legends and myths, resembling a pearl; it serves as a metaphor for precious and beautiful things. "The tree of Fuchang has three-headed beings watching over the Langgan tree." — from the "Classic of Mountains and Seas". It is also known as the Immortal Jade Tree. The reason it stands out so prominently on this mountain peak in the deep night is that the Langgan tree emits light, with its branches, leaves, and fruits radiating a soft, gentle glow. The Langgan tree emits this glow day and night; under the sunlight during the day, its trunk appears surrounded by flowing rainbow-like hues, while at night, it is crystal clear and faintly illuminates the surrounding area within several zhang, visible from a great distance. The reason it stands out so prominently on this mountain peak in the deep night is that the Langgan tree emits light, with its branches, leaves, and fruits radiating a soft, gentle glow. The Langgan tree emits this glow day and night; under the sunlight during the day, its trunk appears surrounded by flowing rainbow-like hues, while at night, it is crystal clear and faintly illuminates the surrounding area within several zhang, visible from a great distance.
Bai Sha laughed: "The dispute over titles is meaningless. Qing Shui, I have only ordered the siege of the fortress, not the extermination of your clan. Do you really want to witness the complete disappearance of the Qing Shui family?"
While it is said that an ordinary person might occasionally discover naturally growing dragon blood trees in the deep wilderness, the Langgan tree is undoubtedly a mere legend, completely beyond reach. It is said that the heavenly emperor's palace and courtyard are adorned with Langgan trees, and sitting beneath these trees at night, the clear radiance of the Langgan tree serves as a divine light for refining body and mind. A grove of Langgan trees is also known as the Qionglin, and the Langgan fruit is a regular snack for the heavenly emperor, as well as food for the auspicious beasts and spiritual birds that serve the guardian deity of the land.
The clear radiance of the Langgan tree resonates with the brilliance of the stars in the sky, as if the light of the Milky Way flows invisibly, scattering like a * picture * book, resembling an unseen river of starlight. The crystalline branches and leaves of the Langgan tree seem to absorb the essence of the starlight. However, in the latter half of the night, clouds rise from the distance, quietly spreading and growing thicker, enveloping the peaks above and the surrounding wilderness, as the dazzling starry sky gradually fades from view
I am well aware that the so-called immortals among the Nine Mounds are merely practitioners like you and me, or perhaps great sorcerers and spirits unknown to others, still searching for the right path on the endless road to ascend to the heavens. I suspected that you were the mountain deity here, but I never dared to confirm it; today I finally realize that it is indeed the case
This is the rare Dragon's Blood Tree, which typically grows in arid areas far from human habitation and abundant in sunlight, drawing moisture and vitality from the mist that envelops it at dawn and dusk. Its bright red resin resembles human blood; it is not only a healing elixir but is also said to possess extraordinary powers that bestow mysterious abilities. For the vast majority of people, the Dragon's Blood Tree is merely a legend, with little chance to witness it in person. However, on this mountain, hundreds of these trees thrive, taking root on the sun-drenched slopes of rocky terrain.
In the farthest reaches illuminated by the clear light of the Langgan tree below, one can just reach the stone platform. This person is dressed in a plain blue garment rather than the animal skin attire commonly seen in the mountains. Although his face appears quite young, there are fine crow's feet at the corners of his eyes, and subtle silver strands at his temples, imparting an unspoken air of weariness.
The voice that echoed in Bai Sha's mind was terrifyingly oppressive: "Since I have already understood the principle, why must I go against it? Many people know but cannot act, yet I am precisely not one of those. For hundreds of years, I have witnessed countless lives and deaths; every mortal must face death. If I must die and still allow you to succeed, that would be truly meaningless. The pain and guilt are burdens I must bear, and I will confront them." For hundreds of years, I have witnessed countless lives and deaths; every mortal must face death. If I must die and still allow you to succeed, that would be truly meaningless. The pain and guilt are burdens I must bear, and I will confront them.
Li Qing Shui, although neither moving nor opening his eyes, revealed a cold smile at the corners of his mouth: "I am a man of humble origins from the mountains and fields. In the past, I served as the magistrate of the former Ba State, overseeing legal judgments and punishments. After retiring, I adopted my official title as my surname, calling myself Li Qing Shui, and my clan also took Qing Shui as their surname. In those days, I apprehended and punished countless criminals and wrongdoers, never bowing to threats or coercion."
The one in the white robe with golden patterns is speaking: "Qing Sha, you have remained silent for too long, so I will take action now"
The others have left this peak, leaving only the renowned Qing Sha and Bai Sha at the summit.
Bai Sha: "Then will you just watch this sin unfold, without wanting to save them?"
Occasionally, a owl spreads its wings and glides across the sky, its long, pointed beak glinting with a cold light under the starry sky. With its keen night vision, it can detect the movements of rodents in the darkness, ready to fold its wings and swoop into the forest like a shooting star, extending its sharp claws to seize its prey. They move with great speed, making not a sound, and in the blink of an eye, they vanish under the starry sky, leaving one to wonder if it was merely an illusion.
Bai Sha frowned and said: "Legend has it that there are nine sacred mountains surrounding the Ba Yuan region, spanning thousands of miles. These mountains are the abodes of immortals who practice Qi cultivation and possess the elixir of immortality, collectively known as the Nine Hills of Ba Yuan. Among them, the reputation of my Chi Wang Hill is the most renowned, while your Shu De Hill is the most mysterious. No one knows that Shu De Hill is right here, an invisible mountain, and you are the mountain deity of this place.
The reason is simple: I am the mountain deity worshipped by various tribes in the mountains within a radius of several hundred miles. The priest of the Qingshui clan and the *Tu* *Shu* heard the warning of the mountain deity in the deep of night, reminding them that a formidable enemy was about to invade. They must urgently gather the warriors to fight back with all their might, even if it means the annihilation of their tribe and the loss of their lives, they must ensure that the slaughterers pay the highest price.
The jade-like, almost translucent leaves, five in number, surround a central flower. After the flower withers, it produces thumb-sized, bead-like fruits. When the beads first form, they are milky white, with a luster reminiscent of freshly cut ivory. These bead fruits take many years to fully mature, gradually becoming semi-transparent and glistening like jade. When pinched between the fingers, they feel soft yet elastic, with a faintly flowing five-colored sheen within.
The protective array of the mountain peak had quietly been breached, and a group of individuals dressed in dark, fitted attire, wielding various weapons, ascended the peak. They passed through the grove of dragon blood trees in the forest and traversed the jade-like glades that emitted a soft radiance. The faint glow of the jade trees illuminated the faces of these individuals, who appeared indifferent, their lips pressed together in silence. However, the whiteness of their knuckles, tightly gripping their weapons, revealed that they were also somewhat tense within.
Amidst the shadowy and elusive mountains, there stands a peculiar peak, upon which grows a type of tall and unusual tree. Its thick trunk is crowned with numerous twisted branches that stretch towards the sky, resembling serpentine dragons yearning to soar into the heavens. The entire tree appears as if it were a colossal, monstrous hand reaching out towards the sky.
I am severely injured, not because you disturbed me after ascending the peak, but because I broke through the barrier when I should not have, rendering all my previous efforts in vain; I used my divine powers when I was unable to do so, which harmed my spirit, leaving me with no hope of ascending to the heavens in this life. I was startled when you broke the formation and realized that it was you who had come.
This was also something that puzzled Bai Sha greatly; theoretically, no one should have been aware of this operation. Although he had been waiting and preparing for a long time, he had never shared his thoughts or objectives with anyone. This time, he led over 200 subordinates from the sect's location at Chi Wang Qiu, stealthily advancing deep into the wilderness, originally claiming to seek and slay a demon king with a blood feud against Chi Wang Qiu.
At that moment, a man in black flew in from the direction of the walled city, wielding a bloodied longsword. He passed through the portal of the formation and ascended to the peak, stopping a few meters away at the edge of the jade forest. He bowed and said, "Master, we have fallen into an ambush. The walled city was prepared; they gathered all their strong fighters and retreated to the center of the city to launch a surprise attack on us. Our losses have far exceeded expectations"
Before their departure, none of the subordinates knew that their destination was the settlement of the Qing Shui clan. Bai Sha led the group through the wilderness and suddenly issued a command. Qing Shui was currently in seclusion, undergoing a tribulation, completely unaware of the events occurring outside and absolutely unable to be disturbed. This was the opportunity Bai Sha had been waiting for many years.
Bai Sha: "However, the Qing Shui clan is not guilty. If you do not hand over what I desire, these innocent people will die because of you. Do you not feel any guilt?"
The members of the Qingshui clan who have resolutely resisted your command, do they not know that their ancestor was already aware of their fate? The more they resist, the more tragic their end will be. And you, fully aware of all this, merely watch on; what thoughts must be stirring in their hearts?
This is neither a form of reverence nor a gesture of goodwill; it signifies not only strength but also fear. Throughout the past century, I have never instilled a sense of fear in others; what I have felt is merely the respect and expectations of the people within a two-hundred-mile radius. Bai Sha, please refer to me as Li Qingshui, rather than the name you share, Qing Sha.
Li Qing Shui replied softly: "I did not command them; I merely reminded them of the impending disaster in my capacity as the Mountain Deity. They do not know who I am, nor do they know the name of the Mountain Deity. They are unaware that the Mountain Deity here is their ancestor, and they are even less aware that their ancestor, Li Qing Shui, is the legendary Qing Sha. However, they do know that the one who has committed all these sins is you"
In the ancient folklore that has been passed down through generations, there is a tale of the primordial human emperor who obtained the elixir of immortality and ascended to the heavens, thereby establishing the divine realm and bestowing the elixir upon future generations. Those who consume it can ascend to the divine realm and achieve eternal life as immortals. As for the truth of these legends, the ethereal traces of immortals and the divine realm are elusive and beyond the knowledge of ordinary mortals. The Langgan fruit is also one of the legendary elixirs of immortality.
The voice of Bai Sha seemed to carry an unbearable sting: "You understand in your heart, so I need not speak falsely. If you agree, at least I can spare you the sight of the demise of the Qing Shui clan. In truth, many people understand this reasoning, but they cannot endure such pain, and you need not suffer this torment either"
However, on this little-known peak, dozens of jade trees have grown around the summit, faintly forming a grove of exquisite beauty. Surrounded by the soft glow of these jade trees, the peak appears almost divine. Yet, neither at the foot of the mountain nor on the surrounding peaks can one see this ethereal glow in the night, for the mountain is enveloped by an invisible array, as if it has vanished into the wilderness. Standing atop the peak, one can clearly see the surrounding scenery, but the outside world remains unaware of its existence. However, neither at the foot of the mountain nor on the surrounding peaks can one see this ethereal glow in the night, for the mountain is enveloped by an invisible array, as if it has vanished into the wilderness. Standing atop the peak, one can clearly see the surrounding scenery, but the outside world remains unaware of its existence
Bai Sha sneered coldly, "At the moment of your clan's destruction and your own death, do you still wish to play tricks and act mysterious?"
The scale of the village resembles that of a small city, surrounded by high walls and gates on all sides, with wooden fences encircling the perimeter. The primary purpose is not to prevent wild animal attacks, as common beasts have long since retreated from the open areas where humans have built their cities, but rather to guard against assaults from other tribes. However, the area is usually peaceful and tranquil, with this tribe consisting of over 1,600 individuals, including many formidable warriors
I did not know in advance that you would come, but the moment I saw you, I understood everything and was clear about what would happen today. I was already prepared to face it. I cast a spell to inform the priests of the Qingshui clan, but unfortunately, they had too little time to prepare; otherwise, it would have cost you a greater price
However, I did not expect that the Qingshui clan would be prepared and could set an ambush for a counterattack within the fortress. Yet, the more they struggle, the more tragically the men, women, and children will die, and you, who will watch all of this unfold, will feel even greater pain and indignation. I am very curious, how did they know about this operation without any leaks?
In front of the stone niche, there is a stone platform a few feet high, resembling both a screen and a divine altar. Sitting at the top of the stone platform is a figure. He remains motionless, as if a sculpture, yet he is a living person; if one gets close enough, one can sense the faint vitality emanating from him
Bai Sha was already clear in his mind that even with the threat of exterminating his clan, it was impossible to make Li Qingshui yield. Li Qingshui also saw through it; since Bai Sha had taken action today and invaded the fortress, having already slaughtered nearly a hundred people, there was no room for retreat. Regardless of whether he obtained the secret transmission he desired, he would kill the entire tribe to eliminate any witnesses.
If, under the blazing sun at noon, a small knife is used to cut a narrow wedge-shaped incision along a slanted arc in the bark of the dragon's blood tree, the resin will slowly seep out, emitting a rich and unique fragrance. When the thousand-year-old dragon's blood resin first seeps out, the fragrance that evaporates is so refreshing that merely inhaling it invigorates the spirit, leaving one with an indescribable comfort throughout the body, as if the blood and internal organs have undergone a purification, capable of invisibly dispelling ailments.
I have been the Mountain God for many years, and countless people have worshipped and prayed to me. I can hear the voices coming from the altars of various tribes, understand their most genuine wishes, and have witnessed countless cycles of life and death. Therefore, regarding many matters in the human world, as long as I see the omens, I often become clear about the reasons and consequences, and how they will unfold.
Bai Sha understood the answer, feeling a vague unease in his heart. He was aware that the various tribes in the wilderness worshipped the mountain gods, and the major tribes residing in the Ba Yuan region also honored deities, regardless of whether those deities existed. Today, he was facing Li Qing Shui, who was a living mountain god, and a person just like himself
However, in the eyes of highly skilled individuals with supernatural abilities, the method of collecting dragon tree resin in this manner is a waste of its most important spiritual efficacy. They possess their own miraculous techniques to gather and preserve the more precious dragon tree resin before the exotic fragrance dissipates. Dragon tree resin is a spiritual medicine that can also be refined through special processes to yield even more extraordinary effects. However, the secret methods of collection and refinement are beyond the grasp of ordinary people; even if they were to know them, they would still be unable to execute them.
The figure on the stone platform, known as the Clear Slayer, remained motionless with closed eyes, while the man in the golden-patterned white robe across from him seemed to be speaking to himself: "The seven of us are collectively known as the Seven Slayers of Bayuan, and the person I fear and admire the most is you, the Clear Slayer. I have waited for decades, and today I finally have the opportunity to obtain the secret I desire. ... If you do not speak soon, the Qing Shui clan will be completely annihilated"
In this quiet night, various unseen dangers lurk. The night prowling tiger has emerged from its den, retracting its hooked claws, silently traversing the forest with its thick padded feet in search of prey. Deep within the dense forest, if one listens carefully, one might occasionally hear faint rustling and puffing sounds; these are animals like the tapir leaving their nests in the dead of night, sniffing the air to sense their surroundings, ears perked to catch various sounds, cautiously avoiding their natural enemies while foraging for sweet, juicy roots.
Bai Sha: "This is not a delusion but a great aspiration. In the midst of the myriad struggles of the world, toiling for a lifetime, if there is a glimmer of hope to ascend the path to heaven and eternally enjoy the divine land of the emperor, who would not strive with all their might? If it were otherwise, why would I go through all this today? Even if you clarify the waters, have you not been seeking all along, never giving up for hundreds of years?"
If the resin of the dragon's blood tree is left unharvested, it will flow down the trunk and drip onto the soil and stones under the scorching sun, gradually solidifying into a translucent, dark red substance known as dragon's blood resin. Dragon's blood resin serves both as a healing remedy and a rare dye, and ordinary people will make every effort to collect it when they encounter a dragon's blood tree
I understand you and this situation; you have already taken action and made arrangements without leaving any room for negotiation. So many people have already died at your hands. If you achieve what you desire, you will undoubtedly kill me to silence me, and the entire Qing Shui clan will be buried alongside me. Regardless of whether I share the secret teachings with you, it will not save them.
In the darkness of night, it is difficult to distinguish the dragon blood trees, yet this grove of jade trees is clearly visible. The group of people displays expressions of astonishment and shock, but soon they regain their indifference. They step out from the peak surrounded by the grove, forming a circle, silently waiting for something. The discovery of such a vast expanse of rhododendron trees has made them both excited and expectant amidst the tension, though they strive to maintain their composure.
In addition to the rare dragon's blood tree, this mountain peak is home to another even more extraordinary species. Near the summit, often shrouded in a light mist, there are clusters of trees several people high. They are slender and graceful, with trunks and leaves that exhibit a jade-like luster, making them stand out prominently among the surrounding vegetation. Even more astonishing are the fruits borne by these trees.
The figure in blue sat with closed eyes, seemingly not even breathing. Although he was seated on the stone platform, his soul appeared to be absent from this place. Opposite him, about ten feet away, stood a person who was surprisingly standing with hands behind his back, feet treading on empty space. In the darkness, his back was turned to the radiant light, making his face indistinguishable. He was draped in a long robe with a white base and golden patterns, made of a special material that ordinary people could not possess or wear.
The voice of Bai Sha gradually turned cold: "You settled by the banks of that clear water back in the day, and were conferred a title in this land, known as the Qingshui clan. The people of this place refer to themselves as the Qingshui clan because of you, their ancestor. But are you not being too selfish, watching the entire tribe face extinction with your own eyes? They will all die because of you, for you!"
The "Qing Sha" on the stone platform finally spoke. Strangely, it neither opened its eyes nor made any motion to speak; the voice naturally resonated in the listener's mind: "Bai E Shi, the world refers to you as Bai Sha, and you also call yourself Bai Sha, taking pride in it. Among the seven Sha of Ba Yuan, you are the only one who truly lives up to the name.
The voice of Qingshui rang out again: "It is truly laughable that you enjoy being called the 'Killer Lord' by your subordinates! The Qingshui clan cannot escape disaster today, but why do you not take action yourself? If you did, you would not have to suffer so many casualties among your subordinates, most of whom are also your Bai'e clan members. I have heard whispers that the harm inflicted upon living beings and the hatred it brings are the ultimate obstacles on the path to immortality. It seems that someone like you still harbors delusions of being extraordinary and transcendent." I have heard whispers that the harm inflicted upon living beings and the hatred it brings are the ultimate obstacles on the path to immortality. It seems that someone like you still harbors delusions of being extraordinary and transcendent.
Clear Water: "If I could save them, I would certainly do so. You have waited and prepared for these years to obtain my secret teachings, using the annihilation of the Clear Water clan as leverage. The only way I could save them would be to kill you and suppress your Chi Wang Qiu lineage. Unfortunately, I can no longer do that; all I can do now is prevent you from succeeding.
The vast and wild mountains are steep and rugged, with countless peaks and ravines stretching endlessly. Among them, one cannot know how many fierce birds and strange beasts reside. In the areas closer to water sources, which are relatively gentle and surrounded by dense mountains and forests, various tribes of all sizes are scattered. In the deep of night, under the twinkling stars, the outlines of the mountains appear hazy and indistinct. People have already fallen asleep, and most wild beasts and roosting birds have returned to their nests. The wilderness is enveloped in tranquility, and the scene of the starry sky and mountains appears so beautiful and mysterious.
He said he would take action, yet I did not move. In the distance at the foot of the mountain, a firelight appeared. It was a valley plain, approximately several dozen miles in circumference, with a clear river flowing beside it. In this treacherous mountain range, such a place is a rare treasure for tribal settlement, where the most powerful tribe within a radius of several hundred miles resides, having built sturdy villages.