by Fang Xiang
Pu Yao was full of ambition. As one of the top battle generals of the yao world, someone that had once dominated the world, he decided to made Nan Yue and the others in to the best battle generals of the yao world!
He decided to let Wei realize the truth—why Little Wei could only be a gravestone armor, and I, Pu, had been the best battle general once!
The pitiful Nan Yue and others didn't even have the chance to breathe before Pu Yao kicked them into insane training routines. There was a boundary of jinzhi set up around the cloud island. It was a natural demonic training ground.
After Zuo Mo recruited the other powers, Cloud Sea Jie quickly settled down. The ones selected were those with good reputations in Cloud Sea Jie. The only two yuanying that Cloud Sea Jie had seemed to have disappeared from the world after streaking naked in front of the public at the Sun Shen Temple. They hadn't shown up at all when the mo army had invaded this time.
Many people speculated that they had left Cloud Sea Jie long ago. They really had been greatly embarrassed this time. What face did they have to stay in Cloud Sea JIe?
After arranging everything, Zuo Mo decided to enter the Cloud Sea to search for water cloud embryo.
This time, he did not take many people along. The Cloud Sea depths were not suited for large scale battles.
Their group was made up of a guide, Zuo Mo, Wei Sheng, Zong Ru, A Gui, and the Little Ones. They looked more like a tourist group.
Even though they were few in number, their combat capabilities were amongst the top in Cloud Sea Jie! Zuo Mo, Wei Sheng, and Zong Ru working together might hold up against a yuanying. Zuo Mo had not planned to take A Gui along but Pu Yao told him that it was most effective to consume the water cloud embryo when it was caught so Zuo Mo decided to take A Gui along.
Silly Bird stalked imperiously and proudly beside A Gui and ignored Zuo Mo. Lil' Pagoda and Lil' Fire were cuddled up in A Gui's embrace. Lil' Black held onto A Gui's hair in a death grip. Tenth Grade and Sunshine appeared to be bodyguards and flew around A Gui.
Zuo Mo felt great exasperation.
In terms of shamelessness and wretchedness, the Little Ones that Zuo Mo taught truly learned it all.
Zuo Mo didn't have a solution. In any case, taking one or taking all of them along was the same. He changed his way of thinking, they were pretty good fighters.
Nothing needed to be said of Silly Bird, she was the strongest of the Little Ones. Even Zuo Mo didn't have a good measure of her abilities. The next strongest was Tenth Grade. He had made trouble for the insects frequently, and his skill had completely changed. Lil' Pagoda was Zuo Mo's soul-tethered talisman. It played everyday and never did anything productive. It could probably only be used when setting up formations. Zuo Mo had not seen Sunshine fight before. Lil' Black's combat abilities were zero but he was a good helper when finding treasure. Lil' Fire could be used to relieve boredom on the road.
Zuo Mo brought along his group and departed.
The guide was called Kang De. He made a living by hunting water cloud embryos and was very familiar with the depths of the Cloud Sea.
According to Kang De's plans, they first needed to fly to a place called Beak Island and then descend into the Cloud Sea from there. Beak Island was a very famous Cloud Sea port in Cloud Sea Jie. The depths of the Cloud Sea were filled with all kinds of dangers. If one tried entering from a random spot, they frequently did not return.
Beak Island had been used as an entrance to the Cloud Sea for a very long time. That part of the Cloud Sea was very safe and there were no strong beings.
The distance between Turtle Island and Beak Island was extremely far and there were many parts of the trip that did not have transportation formations. Fully prepared, Zuo Mo had taken along the Black Turtle which saved them the pain of having to flying long distances.
Wei Sheng, and Zong Ru were in seclusion everyday. Zuo Mo played with the Little Ones every day and when he had the spare time, he would slowly study the golden leaf he obtained from the Sun Shen Tribe.
He didn't know what secret method had been used to make this golden leaf. The content on it was extremely rich but because it was from the ancient era, there were many areas that were very hard to understand. Zuo Mo's attitude was very good. He was not impatient and only studied it occasionally. Other than the methods to cultivate shen power, he was also interested in the ancient secrets.
For example, he found out from the golden leaf that in the ancient era Cloud Sea Jie had been barren and there were no other tribes living here. This was probably the reason that this shen temple had managed to survive.
What stirred Zuo Mo's interest was that the golden leaf hinted that the shen temple had been searching for something constantly in Cloud Sea Jie but never found it. Zuo Mo finally understood and some of his own questions were resolved.
Big Brother Qin Ling had once said that the level of this shen temple was not ranked low within the Sun Tribe. Shouldn't such a high-ranking shen temple be constructed in a large and populated area? Why did they build it in the remote and barren Cloud Sea Jie?
But the golden leaf did not mention what they were searching for. However, it was certain that they did not find it because the tone of the records was slightly regretful
Zuo Mo never stopped cultivating his shen power but his progress was extremely slow. It was much harder to cultivate shen power compared to the three powers. Fortunately, Zuo Mo was not in a hurry. The only thing that made him slightly dejected was that after the three powers equalized and his ling power had increased, but he was still a thread away from jindan.
If he could break through to jindan, his power would multiple in the span of one night!
His shen power would increase as well, and enter a new realm!
However, Zuo Mo was very content at this time. Shen power, Soul Setting Divine Light, Great Day mo physique, and the Archaic Wasteland Sacrificial Art, which of these was not powerful and unique? He was able to learn all these, what could he be discontent about?
A person could not be so greedy. Zuo Mo was idle and satisfied.
Half a month later, they finally reached Beak Island.
Zuo Mo looked at the large numbers of xiuzhe on Beak Island and was slightly shocked. "So many people?"
Kang De explained, "This is the best time to search for water cloud embryos and is also when Beak Island is most popular. Whether the yearly harvest is good or not depends on your luck during this time.
"These people are all searching for water cloud embryos?" Zuo Mo was so shocked his chin was almost on the ground.
"The great majority are. The Cloud Sea has other products but this period of time it is most profitable to hunt water cloud embryo." Kang De was clearly very familiar with the present situation.
"High demand, low supply, wouldn't it be difficult for us?" Zuo Mo frowned slightly.
Kang De shook his head. "How can it be so easy to capture a water cloud embryo? Island Master, do not worry. You see many people, but the number that will gain something will be very small. They are also not very strong and cannot go deep into the Cloud Sea. The best quality water cloud embryos are deep in the Cloud Sea."
Zuo Mo's heart was slightly reassured.
Zuo Mo's group had changed their appearances so no one recognized them. But Lil' Pagoda and the others attracted the attention of these xiuzhe. The heat and greed in their eyes caused Zuo Mo to frown slightly.
"Brother, are you selling this fire ling beast? We can negotiate the price!" An eagle-nosed man came over. From nearby, his compatriots looked over.
Lil' Fire jumped in fright and burrowed into A Gui's arms.
Lil' Fire's intelligent response caused this eagle-nosed male's gaze to heat up.
"No." Zuo Mo's face darkened as he walked ahead.
"Hey, don't go." The eagle-nosed male blocked Zuo Mo and said with a smile, "This little brother really wants it and is definitely sincere. Brother, give a price, we can negotiate!"
Kang De suddenly spoke, "He Fam
ily Brothers, my daren has said we are not selling, do not keep bothering us."
The eagle-nosed male's eyes narrowed slightly and flashed, "Someone that can identify of this one's origins should be someone familiar. I, He Wei's eyes are stupid. Sir, who are you?"
Kang De smirked coldly, "Don't bother trying to find out my identity. Let me advise you, be good. Otherwise, humph, none of your brothers will be able to escape."
This was slightly troublesome.
He Wei's heart shook. Someone that could identify his origins was definitely someone familiar! The other's tone was so harsh he clearly had a powerful background and didn't need to consider him.
He Wei was experienced and knew when to bow. He smiled and said, "Brother, what are you saying, this little brother came up to ask, and does not have malicious intentions."
He perceptively stepped out of the way.
He watched as Zuo Mo's group left and thought hard, who was this?
His brothers quickly came over. "How is it? Are they not selling?"
"No," He Wei's expression was solemn, "and one of them recognizes us. It definitely is someone familiar but they have changed their appearance.
"Who cares, just steal it. That fire ling beast is definitely very high grade. If we can get it, Second Brother, your strength will multiply!" one of the people said nonchalantly.
"This group's origins are not simple, if they are not rich, they are powerful!" He Wei thought back to the meeting and felt the other was calm and clearly did not think highly of them. He shook his head and said, "This group might be from a large faction. Let's not cause trouble."
The other people all had unconcerned expressions.
The geography of Beak Island was extremely unique. It appeared as though a bird was opening its mouth facing the sky. The entrance to the Cloud Sea was where the mouth was open.
There was almost no cloud mist at the entrance. Looking down, it was possible to see an endless path that disappeared into the Cloud Sea.
Beak Island was actually a mountain peak that had a section above the Cloud Sea.
"Daren, let's go down."
Kang De said respectfully.
Translator Ramblings: And they finally make progress in finding water cloud embryo.
Chapter 523: Xuan Kong Temple
Zuo Mo and the others did not pay attention to the He Brothers. Even Kang De did not keep them in mind. Beside him was the true master of Cloud Sea Jie. People like the He Brothers were not worth a mention.
As they descended into the Cloud Sea, the light gradually dimmed. The thick Cloud Sea blocked most of the sunlight but this was not as dark as Zuo Mo had imagined. There were many cloud grasses floating in the cloud layers and each released faint light that illuminated the world below the Cloud Sea.
Kang De saw Zuo Mo and the others curiously examining the cloud grasses and hurriedly explained, "This place is a great producer of cloud grasses. The quality is very good, and occasionally, merchants from the outside will come and buy them. However, this is worthless locally."
"What is the use for this?" Zuo Mo asked curiously.
It was the first time he saw cloud grasses. These cloud grasses were shaped like sea grasses, the blades had the thickness of a pinky, completely white, and would release faint light. The individual bushes were about the size of a basket, and it was possible to occasionally see enormous ones that were multiple zhang in area.
"They can be used to forge water element ling dan, but only first grade," Kang De said. "Those that aren't strong wouldn't dare to come down. Those that are strong do not care about these cloud grasses. These cloud grasses reproduce extremely quickly and can be found everywhere."
Zuo Mo understood.
Everyone walked down. This mountain path was misty but the mist was tin.
"Under the Cloud Sea, what is most common is all kinds of cloud beasts. There are many people that come to hunt cloud beasts. Cloud beasts are water-oriented, and many people like them. But to get high-grade ones, they need to go deep into the Cloud Sea."
Zuo Mo asked curiously, "What qualities of the cloud beasts are outstanding?"
"Being of the water element, their most powerful ability is their illusory spells. Since their body is formed from cloud mist, unless one encounters fire spells, other spells cannot inflict major damage." Kang De was clearly familiar with this area and his words flowed without needing to think.
"How long has Old Kang been here?" Wei Sheng asked Kang De.
Kang De couldn't help but sigh. "More than a decade. Actually, there are several other entrances to the Cloud Sea other than this one, but this is the most famous one. Consequently, this place has the most xiuzhe making a living here."
Wei Sheng smiled. He had endured poverty before but his heart was dedicated to the sword. The hardships of life did not leave any mark behind and he naturally did not feel anything. Zuo Mo couldn't help but think back to his time at Wu Kong Mountain when he fought everyday for each piece of jingshi. He instantly felt sympathy.
Seeing Kang De's expression was slightly heavy, Zuo Mo hurriedly changed the topic. He said with a smile, "Those who have not come down definitely could not imagine that the scenery down here is very good!"
The faint cloud mist was like silk. The cloud grasses floating in the Cloud Sea slowly swayed with the Cloud Sea.
"Haha, Daren has good taste. But the scenery later will be even better!" Kang De laughed openly.
As Kang De said, the scenery below was even more beautiful.
After walking for four whole hours, their field of view suddenly broadened. They had passed through the thick Cloud Sea!
The thick Cloud Sea slowly rippled above their heads and countless cloud grasses drooped down from the Cloud Sea. These cloud grasses were extremely large, all of them multiple mu in area. The blades that dangled down were dozens of zhang in length. Looking from afar, the Cloud Sea was a curved ceiling, and the drooping cloud grasses were like densely packed waterfalls of light. The scenery was spectacular and endless!
"It's so beautiful!" Zuo Mo was astounded.
Wei Sheng and Zong Ru were also shocked by the spectacular scene in front of them. Lil' Pagoda and the others instantly became excited and flew around A Gui. Lil' Fire was so excited it started to chirp.
Kang De smiled slightly. He was used to the scene in front of him and had become habituated to it a long time ago.
The xiuzhe that walked past them all smiled. Every greenhorn that entered the deep of the Cloud Sea for the first time would have this expression.
There was a constant flow of xiuzhe passing by. Everyone hoped to get something early. The price of the first batch of cloud beasts and water cloud embryo was usually the highest of the year.
At this time, Zong Ru whose eyes had been closed all this time suddenly made a sound and turned his head slightly.
Several dhyana xiu attracted his attention. The leader was one wearing purple dhyana robes. He had white brows and hair, and had an extraordinary mannerism. Behind him were three dhyana xiu in blue robes who were all very young.
These dhyana xiu also noticed Zong Ru. The purple-robed dhyana xiu's eyes flashed. He did not speak but his palms came together as he bowed towards Zong Ru.
Zong Ru's eyes were still closed but a warm smile came onto his face. He also returned the greeting with his palms together.
Noticing Zong Ru's action, Wei Sheng looked over.
The other also noticed Wei Sheng. A thread of shock flashed across the purple-robed dhyana xiu again but his expression did not change. With a harmonious air, he bowed towards Wei Sheng.
Wei Sheng did not speak and bowed slightly in acknowledgment.
From beginning to end, the two sides did not speak, but a strange exchange had occurred between the two sides.
Only when the other had gone far away did Zong Ru and Wei Sheng take their eyes away.
"These people are not simple," Wei Sheng said in a deep voice. "The dhyana xiu in purple robes is very powerful, and po
ssibly a yuanying. Even if he isn't, he isn't far from becoming one."
Zong Ru nodded and agreed, "They should be from one of the great temples. We can ask Yi Zheng. He should know."
Zuo Mo who had been wandering in his thoughts finally focused. Seeing the two acting as though they were facing a great enemy, he couldn't help but inquire. The two narrated what just occurred. Zuo Mo thought and then decided to go ask Yi Zheng.
Kang De hadn't planned on talking but he still couldn't help but say, "Daren the Cloud Sea is thick. Paper cranes and normal flying swords cannot be used here, and cannot deliver messages to the outside."
Zuo Mo waved his hand and said, "No worries, I have my ways."
Zong Ru casted a small illusory spell which projected the appearances of the dhyana xiu. Zuo Mo memorized it and then entered the sea of consciousness. Ha, other people could not use paper cranes but he could go through Pu Yao and pass the message out.
But he hadn't expected Pu Yao to snort when he saw the people and said, "There's no need to ask other people, I know their origins."
Zuo Mo said suspiciously, "You know?"
Pu Yao smirked coldly, "We fought so long in the past, it's impossible for me not to recognize them. They are baldies from Xuan Kong Temple. Ha, you better be careful."
"Xuan Kong Temple?" Zuo Mo almost shouted.
The biggest powers in the xiuzhe world were the four realms, Kun Lun, Tian Huan, Xi Xuan, and Xuan Kong.
Xuan Kong Realm was the holy land of the dhyana xiu, and the gathering place of all the famed temples in the world. Xuan Kong Temple was also the leader of all the temples in the world! Yi Zheng's Great Buddha Temple might also be one of the ten great temples, but compared to Xuan Kong Temple, there were not in the same class.
"You better not encounter the baldies of Xuan Kong Temple. Otherwise, hee hee … …" The bloody sea of Pu Yao's red eye roiled.
Zuo Mo was frightened by Pu Yao's vicious expression. He hadn't seen Pu Yao act like this when it was Kun Lun. "Are they more powerful than Kun Lun?"
"More powerful than Kun Lun? Not that powerful," Pu Yao said coldly, "Kun Lun is the top in fighting power, but none are more powerful than the baldies in dragging people down. The baldies are mother***ing fanatics that do not fear death. There was one battle in the past when the baldies wanted to exterminate us 'evil' yaomo and sixty yuanying committed suicide by exploding! If it wasn't laozi that noticed something was wrong, we would have fell for it, and been blasted to pieces."
