With Xiu Liu's presence, Zhang Chen encountered significantly fewer troubles, as all the bandits blocking the way were dealt with by Xiu Liu.
As for whether there were mysterious entities blocking the road? Could experts from the Mysterious Realm be bandits? How could people who possessed Mysterious Power become bandits?
The journey to Qingcheng Mountain spanned three thousand miles, and Zhang Chen took three months to complete it. Countless bandits perished at Xiu Liu's hands, and by the time they reached the foot of Qingcheng Mountain, Xiu Liu had already stepped into the seventh tier.
According to the Yin Spirit Technique, the seventh tier corresponds to the possession-level masters.
"Young master, we have reached Qingcheng Mountain." Xiu Liu stopped the carriage, looking at the distant majestic stockade with a serious expression, sensing the terrifying energy flowing deep within Qingcheng Mountain.
"Have we arrived at Qingcheng Mountain?" Zhang Chen lifted the curtain of the carriage, his eyes gazing into the distance, seeing an endless stretch of majestic mountains undulating incessantly.
"Is this Qingcheng Mountain?" Xu Fu also emerged from the carriage, looking excited at the distant mountain range.
"On Qingcheng Mountain, there is a Daoist Temple called Five Villages Temple. It's said that immortals reside within. Climbing this mountain path will lead you to the temple. However, Five Villages Temple is divided into two parts: the front temple that welcomes pilgrims and the rear temple deep in the mountain, protected by natural barriers, only accessible by those with good fortune," Xu Fu explained to Zhang Chen, pointing to a nearby temple gate.
The gate, built at the foot of the mountain, resembled the Mountain of Mind and Heart where Monkey Sun sought enlightenment in the Journey to the West. The name Five Villages Temple made Zhang Chen's heart stir: "Five Villages Temple? Could it be true? Perhaps it's just a coincidence in naming, but it shouldn't be real, right?"
Numerous thoughts flickered through Zhang Chen's mind before he instructed Xiu Liu: "After I ascend the mountain, you should develop yourself at the base. With your current cultivation, you have refined the ability of Blood Rebirth and Immortality. As long as you remain cautious, nearly no one in this world can kill you. Whether you wish to cultivate in the mountains or enjoy the wealth of the human world is entirely your choice."
Pausing for a moment, Zhang Chen added, "But you must not harm good or innocent people!"
Upon hearing this, Xiu Liu was overjoyed and hurriedly replied, "I've long considered this. Cultivating the Blood God Scripture requires a lot of fresh blood. After some thought, I've realized that only the battlefield is most suitable for me. I plan to settle in a human kingdom and practice secretly at the Border Region. If you need me in the future, just summon me."
Then, Xiu Liu seemed to recall something and quickly asked Zhang Chen, "How can you contact me in the future? What sign will you use to summon me?"
Zhang Chen patted Xiu Liu's shoulder, "You've cultivated the Blood God Skill, and no matter where you go, I can sense you. If I wish to find you, it's only a matter of thought. You're free to go now!"
Stunned by these words, Xiu Liu respectfully bowed to Zhang Chen before taking his leave.
Xiu Liu drove the carriage away, leaving Zhang Chen and Xu Fu standing before the temple gate. Xu Fu looked at the temple door with excitement in his eyes: "Zhang Chen, let's go."
Nodding, Zhang Chen proceeded into the mountain with Xu Fu.
The temple gates wide open, a steady flow of pilgrims could be seen, indicating the thriving incense offerings at Five Villages Temple.
"Let's go."
Zhang Chen took Xu Erniu's hand and followed the crowd up the mountain steps. After passing through the gatehouse, they arrived at a long corridor, where they followed the crowd to the main hall, which housed a mysterious plaque covered in red silk, appearing quite strange.
Within the Daoist Temple, a dozen young Daoists in black robes attended to the pilgrims. These young Daoists appeared to be around fourteen or fifteen, their faces full of innocence.
After offering incense, Zhang Chen followed the steps towards the rear mountain.
There were no Daoists blocking the steps leading to the rear mountain, but the path was steep and narrow, appearing quite daunting.
Zhang Chen was no ordinary person; although his body was frail, he was not afraid of mere steep cliffs. Xu Erniu followed closely behind him, trembling in fear.
Looking at the endless mountain road, Zhang Chen could not see its end. The path underfoot was only a few meters wide, and the strong mountain winds at certain cliffs could easily blow someone over the edge, shattering them on the rocks below, especially since there were no guardrails.
Xu Erniu, her face full of fear, wobbled weakly, seemingly about to be blown over by the wind at any moment. Still, she steeled her expression and followed behind Zhang Chen without a word, silently persevering.
Turning to look at the trembling figure of Xu Erniu, who was full of fear yet continued to climb, Zhang Chen asked, "Aren't you afraid? If the wind blows you off the cliff, you'll fall to your death."
"I want to see my father. I want to become immortal!" Xu Erniu replied, her voice quavering as she shook, but her face resolute.
Seeing this, Zhang Chen untied his belt and wrapped it around Xu Erniu, then extended his hand, producing the Wind Stabilizing Pill.
The Yin and Yang Qi repelled Zhang Chen's Divine Techniques, yet they couldn't repel the Wind Stabilizing Pearl once it had formed as a Magical Treasure.
As the Wind Stabilizing Pearl appeared, the mountain winds within three meters of Zhang Chen dissipated entirely. He turned back to continue climbing, only his voice resounding in Xu Erniu's ears: "Don't be afraid. With me here, you won't fall."