The Wuyou Grotto and a Promise of Swords

Wasn't that Ji Ning, the one who had saved them before? And next to him was that divine beast, the Whitewater Hound. For a moment, the hearts of Meng Jun, Meng Yan, and Meng Xin were filled with complex emotions.

"So Young Master Ji Ning is this formidable," Meng Xin murmured to herself.

"I felt that Brother Ji Ning was extraordinary from the very start," Meng Yan said with emotion.

Meng Jun, however, wore a dark expression.

During their journey together to Anchan City, their conversations had led Meng Jun to believe that Ji Ning was ignorant and stingy. That was why he had stopped flattering Ji Ning later on. He hadn't even bothered to maintain the pretense. He knew that Ji Ning had seen through him, but he hadn't cared at the time. Now, however, he realized that trying to restore their relationship would likely be too late.

"A young master of a noble clan, pretending to be a native of the wild lands—what glory is there in that!" Meng Jun thought bitterly. "Wearing that beast hide, what a pretentious act! Just watch. I don't believe I won't surpass you in the future!"

While the three members of the Meng clan were lost in their own thoughts, the nearby Third Uncle spoke up.

"That Ji Ning from the Yi Bao Workshop? Young Master Ji?" the bald, middle-aged Third Uncle said in surprise, then immediately regretted it. "Ah, I never imagined Young Master Ji had such a background. To miss the chance to build a relationship with such a figure—what a pity, what a pity!"

Meng Jun's face grew even uglier.

Just wait.

I'll make you all look up to me too!

……

Being welcomed by so many beautiful women and men, all of whom were Zifu-level great demons and Immortal cultivators, was deeply shocking to Ji Ning. To have great demons and Immortal cultivators serving as attendants… this showed the power of the three Celestial Fox Immortals, and it also showed how much effort the Marquis of Anchan's estate had put into the Wuyou Grotto.

"You can have a wonderful time at the Wuyou Grotto. Even Celestial Immortals wouldn't dare to cause trouble here." Beishan Baiwei led Ji Ning directly inside.

The two of them advanced along a wide, winding corridor, with the Whitewater Hound and the maidservant easily keeping pace behind them.

In the blink of an eye, they had traveled more than thirty li. For Immortal cultivators, this was indeed a short distance, but what shocked Ji Ning was that the ceiling of this thirty-li corridor was inlaid with enormous luminous pearls. The light cast by these pearls made the entire corridor magnificent and dreamlike. Ji Ning had some knowledge of treasures, but such massive pearls… even the Ji clan had never possessed anything like them.

"These are all pearls gathered from the depths of the North Sea at tremendous cost in manpower. Each one is a precious material for refining magic treasures, with the additional effects of illumination and attracting the primordial energy of heaven and earth. Just a single one of these pearls is worth nearly an Earth-ranked magic treasure," Beishan Baiwei said in a low voice. "The pearls and other decorative rarities used throughout the Wuyou Grotto are enough to make even a Celestial Immortal gasp in awe."

Ji Ning was secretly speechless.

Extravagant… truly extravagant!

"They're trying to compete with the Heavenly Treasures Mountain," Beishan Baiwei said softly. "The Wuyou Grotto's luxury is absolutely no less than that of the Heavenly Treasures Mountain."

Suddenly, a pink-robed woman with soft fur on her ears and a fox tail came from a distance. A naturally enchanting smile graced her lips as she walked, swaying her hips with each step. Her fox tail also bobbed gently, stirring the hearts of men. Ji Ning was momentarily stunned, but he quickly regained his clarity.

"Oh?" The pink-robed woman glanced at Ji Ning with slight surprise, then laughed. "So this is Young Master Ji. It seems this is your first time here."

"This is my brother, Ji Ning. It's his first time in Anchan City, so I brought him here to experience the Wuyou Grotto," Beishan Baiwei said with a laugh. "My brother wasn't captivated by your charms, Miss Ziyi. You don't seem too happy about that."

"How would I dare?" Miss Ziyi laughed. "Young Master Baiwei, the usual place?"

"Of course," Beishan Baiwei nodded.

Miss Ziyi took a careful look at Ji Ning, then led the way ahead. Up ahead was a massive hall, thousands of feet in size. The ceiling of the hall was adorned with pearls of various colors, and the floor was decorated with exotic treasures like ten-zhang-tall coral from the deep sea.

The entire hall was arranged like a fairyland.

Even with his memories of his past life, Ji Ning was awestruck. A hall several li in size, completely furnished with exotic treasures—even in his previous life, nothing had been this breathtaking.

Within the hall, dozens of women were dancing gracefully, while dozens of musicians played various instruments.

"Young Master Baiwei, Young Master Ji, please." Miss Ziyi led them along a curved, suspended corridor, then pushed open a door. Inside was a quiet, secluded room about ten zhang in diameter.

"Arrange the Hundred Treasures Banquet," Beishan Baiwei ordered directly.

"Very well." Miss Ziyi immediately withdrew.

Only Ji Ning, Beishan Baiwei, the Whitewater Hound, and the maidservant remained in the quiet room.

"This is truly an ingenious creation." Ji Ning walked to the edge of the room and looked down through the wide-open window, gazing at the enormous hall thousands of feet below.

"This is nothing," Beishan Baiwei said in a low voice. "The Wuyou Grotto has many other places of amusement. Some of them are inaccessible even to me. For example, the legendary 'Celestial Immortal Hall.'"

"Celestial Immortal Hall?" Ji Ning was startled.

"Yes. Those who go there are all Celestial Immortals, or those of high rank and power. I've heard that the attendants there are usually Primal Daoists. Occasionally, one of the three Celestial Fox Immortals will also come out to greet guests." Beishan Baiwei said, "Anchan City is the center of the entire Anchan Commandery, so most Celestial Immortals gather here. Their gatherings often take place at the Wuyou Grotto. However, they fly directly into the grotto from the air, entering through a specially designated corridor."

Ji Ning nodded.

Celestial Immortals?

Given the vastness of the Anchan Commandery and the long passage of time, there were indeed quite a few Earth Immortals and Loose Immortals. For a sect to be considered a top-tier force, it had to have a Celestial Immortal in residence. Sects without one, like Snowdragon Mountain, were clearly a notch below.

These Celestial Immortals were the true peak powers of the Anchan Commandery. They were the ones who determined the direction of the commandery and decided the rise and fall of tribes and sects. Even the Marquis of Anchan's estate needed to curry favor with them.

……

One plate after another of rare delicacies and fine wines were brought forth. A separate feast was even prepared for the Whitewater Hound, stocked with the foods that divine beasts of its kind loved best. All the dishes were exquisite and came from extraordinary origins. Hearing the attendants introduce them only increased Ji Ning's appetite.

After they had eaten for some time.

"You may withdraw," Beishan Baiwei ordered the attendant.

"Yes." The female attendant bowed respectfully and withdrew.

"Ji Ning." Beishan Baiwei raised his beast-head goblet. "You mentioned earlier that you wanted to join a sect. Have you made your choice yet?"

"I haven't," Ji Ning shook his head. "Brother Baiwei, do you have any recommendations?"

Beishan Baiwei asked, "What are your requirements?"

"I hope this sect has divine abilities and top-tier ki refining techniques. It would be best if it also specialized in sword arts," Ji Ning said. Divine abilities and ki refining techniques were the foundation of his cultivation… but his true path of enlightenment was the Dao of the Sword. On the path of Immortal cultivation, enlightenment was the true foundation of everything.

"Oh?" Beishan Baiwei thought for a moment, then laughed. "You want divine abilities, top-tier ki refining techniques, and a specialization in sword arts… I have a sect I can recommend to you."

Ji Ning's eyes lit up.

"This sect is called the Liettian Sword Sect." Beishan Baiwei said confidently. "The Liettian Sword Sect is one of the three top-tier super-sects within the Anchan Commandery. Remember how you had a conflict with Snowdragon Mountain? Compared to the Liettian Sword Sect, Snowdragon Mountain is nothing. The Liettian Sword Sect alone has at least three Celestial Immortals! It has dozens of Primal Daoists! And its Zifu Disciple disciples number in the tens of thousands!"

Ji Ning was inwardly stunned.

Dozens of Primal Daoists, at least three Celestial Immortals. Just this alone was enough to shock Ji Ning. Generally, having just one Celestial Immortal in residence was enough to qualify as a super-power. At least three Celestial Immortals… no wonder it was called one of the three top-tier super-sects of the Anchan Commandery.

"The Liettian Sword Sect dominates through the sword." Beishan Baiwei continued, "You can tell from the sect's name that they are famous for their flying sword arts. Since its founder, the Liettian Ancestor, established the sect eight thousand years ago, it has accumulated an incalculable number of sword arts over the generations."

"Over such a long history, the sect has built up countless sword techniques," Beishan Baiwei said, looking at Ji Ning. "I'd estimate they have at least two or three divine abilities. As for top-tier ki refining techniques, they certainly have many. Otherwise, so many Celestial Immortals wouldn't have emerged from their ranks over the ages."

Ji Ning nodded, a joyful expression appearing on his face.

A good sect.

A large tree provides good shade. If he wanted to use the sect's power to advance himself, he naturally chose a strong sect.

"The Liettian Sword Sect has a recruitment point within Anchan City. They usually formally accept disciples in the twelfth month. Although there's still over a month left… I'll take you there tomorrow. I just need to say a word, and I can secure your entry in advance," Beishan Baiwei said.

Ji Ning's face lit up with joy. "Thank you, Brother Baiwei."

"Haha, Ji Ning, joining the Liettian Sword Sect would be a blessing for them," Beishan Baiwei laughed. Suddenly, his eyes brightened as he looked down through the window at the entrance of a distant corridor below. He called out loudly, "Brother Zhou Li!"

A white-robed man below looked up, then smiled when he saw who it was. "Brother Baiwei!"

"Brother Zhou Li, would you like to come up and chat?" Beishan Baiwei called out.

"Very well." The white-robed man nodded with a smile and walked over to a suspended corridor.

……

Beishan Baiwei quickly said to Ji Ning, "This Zhou Li is a Wanxiang Adept and one of the disciples stationed at the Liettian Sword Sect's recruitment point in Anchan City. The Zhou clan has quite a bit of influence within the Liettian Sword Sect. If I just mention it to him and he agrees, your entry into the Liettian Sword Sect will be settled."

Ji Ning understood.

A knock came at the door. Beishan Baiwei immediately rose to answer it himself, and Ji Ning naturally rose to greet their guest as well.

"Haha, Brother Zhou Li, I was just talking about your Liettian Sword Sect when I ran into you. What a coincidence!" Beishan Baiwei said heartily. "Let me introduce you first. This is my close friend, Ji Ning!"

"Brother Ji Ning." Upon hearing Beishan Baiwei call him a 'close friend,' the white-robed man, Zhou Li, did not dare to be negligent and immediately clasped his hands in greeting.

"Brother Zhou Li," Ji Ning replied.

Beishan Baiwei quickly said, "Come, come, sit down."

"No need." The white-robed man, Zhou Li, said, "I came here today because I was invited. I still have to go meet a few others. If Brother Baiwei has something to say, please speak directly."

Beishan Baiwei said directly, "Then I'll be blunt. My brother, Ji Ning, has heard of the Liettian Sword Sect's reputation and is filled with admiration. He wishes to join your sect. I'm telling you this, Brother Zhou Li, and I believe that with your help, it can be settled immediately."

"Oh?" The white-robed man, Zhou Li, looked at Ji Ning and asked, "Brother Ji Ning, what level of cultivation have you reached?"

Ji Ning said, "I practice both ki refining and Fiendgod body refining, both at the early Zifu stage."

"Haha, early Zifu, excellent!" The white-robed man, Zhou Li, immediately relaxed, smiled, and said confidently, "When taking in disciples, the worst-case scenario is when they've already cultivated some shallow techniques that have ruined their potential. You're still at the early Zifu stage—your path hasn't been set yet. I just need to say a word, and when the twelfth month comes, you can go to the Liettian Sword Sect's recruitment point and formally join us."

"Excellent." Beishan Baiwei laughed and praised, "Ji Ning, come the twelfth month, you'll be a disciple of the Liettian Sword Sect."

Ji Ning nodded gently.

The Liettian Sword Sect?

So he was going to be a disciple of the Liettian Sword Sect from now on?