All Chapters of Journey of the Immortal’s Cultivation : Chapter 31
- Chapter 40
161 chapters
31. Wu Tian’s Choice
Wu Tian strained to hear Lin Xia’s voice, but her words were swallowed by the deafening roar of the black mist. The storm of shadows rolled and twisted like a living tide, surging forward with a hunger that threatened to devour everything in its path—including him. The mist was no ordinary fog. It pulsed with a sinister rhythm, as though it breathed, as though it possessed a will of its own. Its stench was acrid, metallic, like rusted iron soaked in blood. Every time it surged closer, the air grew colder, biting against Wu Tian’s skin, and the ground beneath his feet trembled as if recoiling from its touch. “May you find your way out of this darkness with Yueyin,” Wu Tian whispered under his breath, a prayer more than a hope. He could not linger. The mist hunted him relentlessly, and hesitation meant death. From the void, the voice of the Shadow Cultivator thundered once more, heavy and commanding. “Wu Tian… I still grant you a chance. Join me!” Wu Tian’s reply was sharp, unwav
32. Escape or Not
Mao Xiang lifted his hand in a slow, deliberate arc, tracing a circle in the air. The gesture seemed simple shifted instantly. The air rippled like water disturbed by a stone, and from that ripple a portal began to bloom—an oval of shimmering light, its edges flickering with sparks of violet and silver. The portal pulsed with energy, humming faintly like a living thing. Wu Tian’s eyes widened. Beyond the glowing threshold, he could see the outline of a ruined house—the same abandoned dwelling that had long since burned to ash in the mortal world. It stood as a gateway, a fragile bridge between realms. “If you step through during daylight,” Mao Xiang explained, his voice calm but urgent, “you will emerge through the doorway of that ruined house. But heed me, Wu Tian—leave quickly. Do not linger within the dominion of the Shadow Cultivator.” Wu Tian nodded, his jaw tight. “You’re right. We can never predict his schemes.” Mao Xiang’s smile was faint, tinged with sorrow. “Then go.
33. Shaping the Plan
“Embrace her! Embrace her!” The teasing voices of Xueyin and Changyi rang out like mischievous bells, echoing across the courtyard. Wu Tian stood frozen, bewildered, his face caught between confusion and embarrassment. Lin Xia lowered her gaze, her cheeks flushed crimson, her hands twisting nervously at her sides. “Wu Tian, what’s wrong with you?” Xueyin scolded, her tone playful yet insistent. “Poor Lin Xia has been waiting long enough!” At last, Wu Tian stepped forward, hesitant but sincere. His arms wrapped around Lin Xia in a gentle embrace, not of romance but of gratitude—a silent acknowledgment of the girl who had risked everything to save him. Lin Xia did not resist. She leaned into the moment, her face glowing red, her heart pounding like a drum. Changyi broke the silence with a firm voice. “Enough of this. We should return to Hu Nan City. I fear the Shadow Cultivator is already weaving his next scheme.” Xueyin nodded, her expression serious now. “He’s right. We must
34. Xiuying’s Panic
“Uncle Cao!” The cry rang out in the early morning air, sharp and urgent. Xiuying appeared at the gates of the Wu family estate, her breath ragged, her face pale as porcelain. Her hair clung to her temples, damp with sweat, and her eyes darted wildly as though she had fled from something unseen yet terrifying. Wu Cao stepped forward, startled by her sudden arrival. “Xiuying? What is the matter? Why do you look so shaken?” Her lips trembled as she spoke, her voice carrying the chill of fear. “Is Wu Tian here, Uncle Cao? Tell me—has he returned?” “He is,” Wu Cao replied, his brow furrowing. “Do you wish to see him?” Xiuying’s hands clenched tightly, her knuckles white. “Wu Tian is in danger, Uncle Cao. He must leave Hu Nan City at once, before disaster falls upon him!” Wu Cao’s confusion deepened. “What are you saying? You arrive at dawn, trembling like a hunted deer, and now you tell me Wu Tian must abandon his own home? Explain yourself.” Xiuying’s voice dropped, heavy wi
35. Sect Leader
“I want to meet Patriarch Mao Zhen. Uncle Cao, can you help me?” Wu Tian’s voice carried a quiet determination, though his eyes betrayed the storm of questions swirling within him. Wu Cao studied his nephew carefully, his gaze sharp. “Why do you wish to meet Mao Zhen? Is this about the Shadow Cultivator?” His tone was probing, unwilling to accept Wu Tian’s words at face value. Wu Tian shook his head, though his heart raced. “I only wish to thank him. During the Wind and Cloud Sect selection, when you intervened on my behalf, he allowed me to return home. I have yet to express my gratitude in person, on behalf of the Wu family.” Wu Cao’s lips curled into a faint, knowing smile. “You cannot deceive me, Tian’er. You want to ask him about Mao Xiang. But understand this—one does not simply walk into the presence of a sect leader. An appointment must be made.” Wu Tian leaned forward, his voice steady. “So… will you help me?” Wu Cao sighed, then nodded reluctantly. “As long as you
36. Patriarch Mao’s Stratagem
“Is Yueyin all right?” Xiuying asked as Wu Tian stepped out through the gates to meet her. Her voice carried a tremor of concern, her eyes searching his face for reassurance. Wu Tian nodded, his expression calm. “She’s fine. She only needs rest to recover her strength. And you—how are you feeling? Has the medicine helped?” Xiuying’s lips curved faintly, her cheeks still pale but touched with warmth. “Thanks to your tonic, I feel better. Wu Tian, you have a gift. If you continue cultivating, your skill in medicine will make you renowned one day.” Wu Tian waved off the compliment, his tone brisk. “We can talk about that later. Right now, we must face the leader of the Wind and Cloud Sect.” Xiuying hesitated, her brows furrowing. “You still intend to ask Patriarch Mao about the Shadow Cultivator?” Wu Tian’s eyes hardened. “I must. We need to know whether Mao Zhen is connected to Mao Xiang. Without clarity, we walk blind into danger.” Xiuying’s voice dropped, almost pleading.
37. Danger Approaches
Wu Tian’s mind churned as he weighed Patriarch Mao Zhen’s invitation to join the Wind and Cloud Sect. Once, the thought of entering the sect had filled him with excitement—an ambition burning since childhood. But now, after everything he had seen, the allure had dimmed. The sect no longer felt like a sanctuary of wisdom; it seemed instead a place of hidden schemes. “I must first seek my uncle Cao’s blessing, Patriarch Mao,” Wu Tian said carefully, bowing his head. “Thank you for the honor of this opportunity.” Mao Zhen’s eyes gleamed, his voice pressing. “And you, Wu Tian… do you truly desire to join the Wind and Cloud Sect?” Wu Tian’s reply was diplomatic, his tone measured. “There is not a single youth in this city who does not dream of becoming a disciple of the Wind and Cloud Sect, Patriarch Mao. It is indeed a great honor.” Mao Zhen laughed, the sound echoing through the hall like rolling thunder. “Hahaha! I knew I judged you correctly, Wu Tian. Seek your uncle’s blessing
38. Wu Tian Against Zhou Chen
Wu Tian had no choice. Zhou Chen was dragging Xiuying’s limp body toward the shadowed ridges of Yin Nan Mountain, his grip merciless, his laughter echoing like steel scraping stone. The sight ignited a fire in Wu Tian’s chest. He forced his qi to surge, breaking through the paralysis that had locked his limbs after Zhou Chen’s earlier strike. “Release Xiuying!” Wu Tian’s voice rang out, sharp and commanding. Zhou Chen turned, his eyes gleaming with cruelty. “You filthy beggar! If you want her back, then take her from me yourself!” Wu Tian hesitated. His qi channels were still unstable, his body battered from the earlier blows. Yet the sight of Xiuying’s unconscious form being dragged across the dirt filled him with rage. “She is innocent, Zhou Chen! Let her go!” Wu Tian shouted again, his voice trembling with fury. But Zhou Chen ignored him, his grip tightening as he pulled Xiuying further. Her hair trailed in the dust, her face pale, her breath faint. “You ruined my life,
39. Darkness Zhou Chen
Defeat did not humble Zhou Chen. Instead of awakening regret or clarity, it only deepened the shadows that clung to him. The aura of darkness thickened, wrapping around his body like a living shroud, feeding on his bitterness and rage. “Zhou Chen, listen to me!” Wu Tian’s voice rang out, urgent and raw. “You can still turn back. There is still a path to redemption!” But Zhou Chen’s eyes gleamed with defiance, his lips curling into a twisted smile. “I don’t want redemption. I don’t need the so-called righteous path. I am satisfied with what I have now. Darkness gives me strength without limits!” Wu Tian’s chest tightened. He had never imagined that his participation in the Wind and Cloud Sect’s selection would unravel Zhou Chen’s spirit so completely. Rejection had twisted him, and the Shadow Cultivator’s influence had seeped into his soul, corrupting what remained of his humanity. The battle paused as Zhou Chen staggered, his wounds forcing him to catch his breath. Blood dripp
40. Epic Clash
“Sacred Flame Sword!” Wu Tian’s cry tore through the battlefield as his blade ignited, flames roaring like a dragon’s breath. The inferno surged forward, its heat distorting the air, its light painting the shattered ground in hues of crimson and gold. Darkness Zhou moved with unnerving grace. A mere shift of his body, a ripple of shadow, and the firestorm passed harmlessly by. His laughter rang out, sharp and mocking. “I thought your next technique would be formidable,” he sneered. “But it’s nothing more than a common sword strike dressed in fire.” He lowered his weapon, his aura swelling. “Immortal Cultivation!” The black blade dissolved into shadow as Zhou raised his hands. His body shimmered, splitting into multiple forms—phantoms immune to steel, each capable of striking with a different martial art. The air thickened, oppressive, as if the night itself bent to his will. Wu Tian’s grip tightened. “Demonic arts…” His voice was low, filled with disgust. Zhou’s grin wid