As Ning Ruxue spoke, Ye Wen felt a flicker of awkwardness. It was clear his junior sister was displeased that his diplomatic mission to the West had resulted in him bringing back a woman. He glanced up at Artemis, only to find the Moon Goddess staring at him with an equally stern expression—well, it seemed this lunar deity also took this matter very seriously. He suspected if he dared to bring back another woman, these two might just unleash the Wan Jian Jue and Qun Xing Zhi Nu upon his head.

“Relax, this trip out is purely to eliminate that Yamata no Orochi. There won’t be… another situation like this!”

He laughed heartily to cover his embarrassment, but his laughter only elicited a look of disbelief from his junior sister. Hua Yi covered her mouth, seemingly trying not to snicker, while Artemis remained serious, her demeanor enough to make anyone uneasy.

“If you don’t believe me, you can all come along!”

Since there was nothing pressing on Mount Shu, letting them travel for a while wouldn't be an issue. However, the moment the words left his mouth, the women seemed to have been waiting for this very invitation. They suddenly perked up, exchanging glances before Artemis finally spoke, “I’ll go with you!”

“…”

If Ye Wen couldn't grasp the intentions of these women after living for a hundred years, he might as well have lived in vain. It was obvious these women had planned this, waiting for him to make this suggestion. The only surprise was when Artemis and his junior sister formed an alliance.

But on second thought, it wasn't so strange. On matters like this, these women clearly stood on the same side, so forging a cooperative relationship was entirely possible.

Ning Ruxue continued, “Hua Yi’s and my cultivation have both reached critical junctures. Perhaps taking advantage of your absence this time will allow us to break through those crucial bottlenecks!”

Ning Ruxue’s Xian Tian Qian Kun Gong had always progressed a step slower, but even so, through diligent practice, she was finally on the verge of completely mastering the Qian Kun Jin Gang Shen.

Once the Vajra Body was complete, breaking through to the Boundless Body realm would allow her to achieve Celestial Immortal status—Xu Xian had already reached that level. That day’s moment of enlightenment had helped him clear up several perplexing issues, allowing him to instantly break through his shackles and formally begin cultivating the Qian Kun Wu Ji Shen. Once he made some headway, he too would become a Celestial Immortal.

At that point, Mount Shu would have two Celestial Immortals presiding over it, and their strength wouldn't be too shabby; at least self-preservation would be more than adequate!

If Ning Ruxue and Hua Yi could also successively break through their limitations and achieve the great feat of becoming Celestial Immortals, then the Shu Shan Sect would finally secure a place among the myriad sects of the Immortal Realm. Although the sects in the Immortal Realm generally cultivated their own paths and rarely interacted, meaning there were few overlaps in daily life, a sense of rivalry still existed. Disciples from generally powerful or major sects would always feel superior, which even provided advantages when traveling outside. Ye Wen naturally wanted his own disciples to enjoy such treatment.

Therefore, the strength of the Shu Shan Sect had to increase. Although the urgency wasn't as acute as before, having more experts was always better. Hearing that his junior sister and Hua Yi were both at critical points, Ye Wen couldn't bring himself to take them traveling now—though he had originally intended to take them out for a change of scenery. After all, he had been in the Immortal Realm for over a decade, and he and the two women had spent little time together; he did have thoughts of making amends.

Perhaps noticing Ye Wen's thoughts, Ning Ruxue, uncharacteristically, took his large hand and whispered softly, “Senior Brother need not worry. Since we have both achieved success in our cultivation, our lifespans are long; we don't lack this moment or two. Once my cultivation advances further, we will have plenty of time to be together later!”

Ye Wen understood the logic and nodded, “When I return this time, I’ll take you both out to travel again!”

Afterward, he glanced at Hua Yi and Ning Ruxue. The few of them exchanged a few quiet, intimate words before retiring to rest. Since Ye Wen needed time to recover his injuries, spending the night with any of the women was unsuitable. Neither woman brought up the previous topic, and Ye Wen was even more straightforward—he didn't even return to his room, instead sitting in the courtyard, seemingly spacing out, but actually circulating his energy to recover his condition.

The night passed quietly. The next morning, Ning Ruxue, who was the first one out, saw Ye Wen still seated in the same spot, completely unmoved. She walked over softly to observe him. Noticing Ye Wen returned her gaze, she knew he had completed his cultivation, and asked with surprise, “Senior Brother, since you have finished cultivating, why are you still sitting here daydreaming?”

Ye Wen shook his head. “Thinking about the various trivial matters on Mount Shu!”

He had been away from Shu Shan for over ten years. Fortunately, no major incidents had occurred, so the entire sect was well. However, after the fierce battle with the Yamata no Orochi, Shu Shan’s fame was now assured throughout the world. If he left the mountain again now, what if someone came to the mountain to provoke them?

Fortunately, Xu Xian had experienced an epiphany and was on the verge of a breakthrough. But he didn't know when his junior brother would successfully break through. Ye Wen himself had sat there for over half a year before breaking through to Celestial Immortal. Could he really wait half a year for Xu Xian to break through before going to settle accounts with the Yamata no Orochi?

While he was contemplating this, he saw Xu Xian approaching with light, cheerful steps, “Yo? Senior Brother is up?” He hadn't slept at all! Ye Wen was surprised that Xu Xian had run over. “Weren't you supposed to be in seclusion, breaking through? Why are you out and about?”

During the battle yesterday, although Xu Xian had only appeared briefly before vanishing, people had still seen him. Ning Ruxue had told him that after watching Ye Wen’s fight with the Yamata no Orochi, Xu Xian seemed to have gained some insight and was estimated to be close to a breakthrough, which is how Ye Wen knew about his junior brother’s situation. At the time, Ye Wen had even secretly cursed, "That's completely ridiculous, he can break through based on that!"

But he couldn't figure out why someone who should be cultivating was wandering around so casually.

Then he heard Xu Xian laugh, “I already succeeded in the breakthrough!”

“…”

Ye Wen blinked, then looked at Xu Xian, finally asking uncertainly, “What?”

Xu Xian sat opposite Ye Wen and smiled, “Seeing Senior Brother fight that monster yesterday cleared up all the problems that had troubled me for a long time. I cultivated all night, and finally succeeded in breaking through early this morning! I’ve already started practicing the Qian Kun Wu Ji Shen, and I’ve achieved Celestial Immortal status!”

“Holy crap!” This time, Ye Wen was certain he hadn't misheard—his junior brother had really become a Celestial Immortal just like that. “Could you possibly be any more monstrous?”

Xu Xian chuckled, putting on a smug expression that seemed to say, It’s not my fault I’m a genius.

Ye Wen suppressed the urge to beat him up and suddenly asked, remembering something important, “Right, you and Rongrong figured out that method for dual cultivation, didn't you? Now that you’ve achieved Celestial Immortal status, what about Rongrong?” What Ye Wen was thinking was, Did Xu Xian and Huang Rongrong break through together? Would that mean Shu Shan suddenly gained two Celestial Immortal level experts?

He saw Xu Xian’s face flush red, his expression awkward: “This… yesterday, the cultivation was too rushed and intense; Rongrong couldn't quite bear it!”

Ye Wen was confused, catching only half of the meaning before blurting out, “What couldn’t bear…” He paused mid-sentence, suddenly realizing, and looked at Xu Xian with a strange expression: “I was asking what realm Rongrong’s cultivation has reached?”

It turned out Xu Xian had a guilty conscience. In his panic, he misinterpreted Ye Wen’s meaning and blurted out the intimate detail. When Ye Wen asked again, his handsome face was as red as a monkey’s backside—a sight rarely seen. After stammering for a long time, he finally managed, “Rongrong hasn't reached Celestial Immortal yet, but she’s close in terms of cultivation. After a period of recuperation and a few months of diligent practice, she can achieve Celestial Immortal status! But for this period, she’ll need to remain in deep seclusion for a while!”

Ye Wen nodded; this was still good news… But looking at Xu Xian’s restless demeanor, Ye Wen smiled, “Don’t be so fierce next time.” Huang Rongrong currently looked like a little girl. It was a wonder Xu Xian could even bring himself to do it. Ye Wen muttered inwardly, Damn lolicon! and then dropped the topic.

Watching Hua Yi serve them tea, Xu Xian took a sip and slowly composed himself, then asked again, “Is Senior Brother planning to leave again?”

“Oh?” Xu Xian had just come out of seclusion this morning and rushed over here; surely he couldn’t know about Ye Wen’s plan to pursue and slay the Yamata no Orochi?

Xu Xian replied, “I heard that monster wasn’t killed by Senior Brother yesterday, but escaped! Given Senior Brother’s style of handling things, you certainly won’t let this rest, will you?”

Xu Xian and Ye Wen had known each other for a long time and understood each other well. He knew his senior brother was the type who either wouldn't act at all, or if he did, he would strike until the enemy could never rise again. Since the Yamata no Orochi had caused such a commotion this time, his senior brother definitely wouldn’t let the creature off.

Ye Wen took a sip of tea and smiled, “I will rest for a few days and then descend the mountain. This time, it will likely be a long absence. I’m afraid Mount Shu will have to rely on you to watch over things!”

Now that Huang Rongrong was also at a critical juncture, Xu Xian would likely need to stay by her side to guard her. Thus, this junior brother couldn't just wander around the mountain. With Xu Xian staying behind, Ye Wen felt much more at ease! Moreover, Mount Shu was not far from the Heavenly Court army. If things went wrong, he could seek advice from Yang Jian. He figured the God Erlang would likely lend a hand, and with him involved, few in the Immortal Realm would dare refuse him. Most matters could be resolved smoothly—especially since Mount Shu also had the Gourd Immortal, Cui Jun.

After considering everything, Ye Wen concluded that Mount Shu was indeed secure. He then dedicated himself to recuperating, occasionally walking around to check on his disciples, and visiting the back mountain. The scorching energy emanating from the small mountain where Dongfang Kui was secluded grew more intense, yet simultaneously more restrained; it looked like she was close to achieving success. He just wasn't sure if she would achieve full mastery of the Phoenix Nirvana Art this time or only reach the eighth layer.

He had asked about this, but unfortunately, Dongfang Kui hadn't emerged since she began her seclusion. No one knew exactly what level she had reached; it seemed he would only find out after her success.

A few more days passed, and Yuwentuo’s initiation ceremony concluded successfully. Only then did Yuwentuo truly become an official disciple of the Shu Shan Sect. The others who were initially considered Ye Wen’s registered disciples were also formally inducted. After all, these people had followed Ye Wen for a long time; there was no reason Yuwentuo could be admitted while they were not.

Of course, even after being admitted, not everyone was counted in the Shu Shan disciple rankings. For example, Tommy and Chris were counted as Ye Wen’s disciples, and Zheng Ying and Guan Luyan were also formally inducted. Guan Shuying was classified as belonging to a younger generation, while Zhang Ling’s situation was more interesting: she was counted as Ning Ruxue’s disciple, but in reality, Ning Ruxue was not responsible for teaching her; Ye Wen still guided her cultivation day-to-day.

Claire was in a similar situation, but now everyone felt it didn't matter whose disciple she was considered, as her future identity would be Li Xiaoyao’s wife; she was Shu Shan personnel regardless.

Valkyrie was in the same situation as Claire, and Little Arturia was also included in the Shu Shan disciple roster during this ceremony to avoid future trouble.

After the rites this time, Yuwentuo took his wife and daughter for another brief tour nearby, then stated his intention to return to the Forgotten Snowfield to build his own home.

Ye Wen didn't stop him, but he asked Zheng Ying to accompany Yuwentuo on the trip, instructing him to help Yuwentuo construct some necessary ‘facilities’ in the Odin Temple to facilitate communication between the two sides. Zheng Ying naturally wouldn't refuse, and he brought along several other Shu Shan disciples as helpers.

However, how such a group was supposed to travel to the far west posed a slight problem. Then, Zheng Ying burst into laughter, pushed forward an object he had been brewing and manufacturing for a while.

When Ye Wen saw a completely black… helicopter…

“This…” Ye Wen looked at Zheng Ying’s excited face and suddenly said, “This is a helicopter, right? This thing doesn't seem to fly very fast?”

Zheng Ying shook his head proudly, “Master, don't judge by appearance alone. This helicopter has secrets inside!”

“What secrets? It can’t have jet propulsion strapped to its rear, can it?” Ye Wen walked around it, unable to see anything special about the helicopter, which looked entirely ordinary.

Unexpectedly, after his casual remark, Zheng Ying looked surprised. “So Master has seen that TV series too!”

“Ah?” Before Ye Wen could figure out what that meant, Zheng Ying pointed at the black helicopter and began his presentation.

“Now, I proudly present to you the latest research achievement from our Shu Shan ‘Academy of Science’—the first-generation flying magical treasure combining immortal techniques and mechanical technology: the Sky Wolf Zero!”

As he spoke, Zheng Ying circled the machine, explaining to the group of stunned onlookers: “From the outside, it only looks like an ordinary helicopter—two rotor blades, black paint, a slender fuselage of a light civilian helicopter! In reality, the prototype for this helicopter was the Bell 222 light civilian helicopter, but we can ignore that. Our Sky Wolf Zero unit only shares the exterior design with that outdated thing!”

He rambled on incessantly, making Ye Wen’s head spin: “Get to the point!”

“Oh!” Zheng Ying shrugged and cut straight to the prepared speech: “The Sky Wolf Zero is considered a test unit, not a final product. However, its design is nearly perfect. Once it undergoes a few test flights and is confirmed without issues, it can be designated as the official model!”

This time, Yuwentuo understood. He pointed at the black helicopter and stated, “You mean we’re going to be test subjects?”

“Hahaha!” Zheng Ying laughed. “Don’t worry, even if the aircraft explodes in the sky, with our cultivation levels, we’ll be fine!” Everyone felt their faces grow dark, and inwardly swore: From now on, stay far away from this madman when he’s not busy!

Several others secretly thought: How did we never notice this guy was a science fanatic? Did arriving in the Immortal Realm awaken a hidden side of him?

Everyone had their own thoughts, and the way they looked at the hyperactive Zheng Ying was a bit strange, but Zheng Ying, caught up in his excitement, didn't notice at all and continued his explanation: “The propulsion system doesn't use traditional industrial products. Instead, we used immortal arrays to create a similar effect, driving the propellers to rotate, thereby enabling the helicopter to fly! Simultaneously… besides the main engine, it is also equipped with a jet propulsion device, allowing this helicopter’s speed to rival many jet aircraft.”

At this point, he looked quite pleased: “This is the result of Senior Cui and I researching for a year. We just couldn't confirm the actual performance during use, so we installed it on this Sky Wolf Zero for testing! If successful, then we can manufacture real jet planes!”

“Additionally, this Sky Wolf is equipped with various weapons!”

“Weapons?” Yuwentuo was circling the machine. He was amazed by this—at least in appearance—industrialized object in such a world, and he was becoming increasingly speechless regarding his own sect.

Zheng Ying nodded. “That’s right, this isn't a civilian product; this is an attack helicopter!” As he spoke, he continued his explanation: “Besides a lightning magic array that resembles a machine cannon, capable of firing once per second for ten minutes without needing to cool down, it is also equipped with two special hanging magical treasures that can release Sword Qi! This thing is not simple. The Sword Qi is just a normal attack, but if charged, it can even release a longsword similar to Senior Brother’s Purple Heaven Sword… Of course, it only has the external form, and it’s clearly an object formed from aggregated energy, and its power is much weaker!”

Hearing this, Ye Wen finally understood. This so-called Sky Wolf Zero, apart from its industrial exterior, was essentially a large magical treasure equipped with numerous artifacts, overlaid with many arrays, and driven by immortal techniques. However, this aligned with his original idea. The only thing he wondered was: “Then, does using this thing consume personal cultivation?”

Zheng Ying laughed heartily: “This is the proudest achievement of Senior Cui and me after researching for a long time! Which is that, apart from consuming a tiny amount of weak cultivation power at the very start to activate it, it requires no further expenditure of the user’s cultivation! It relies entirely on the internal immortal arrays for self-sustaining energy replenishment to fulfill most functional requirements!”

“Oh, of course, if one wishes to enhance the attack power of those magical treasures, one can add personal cultivation power into it, but Senior Cui and I both advise against doing so!”

“Oh? Why?”

“Well… because it explodes…”

Before he could finish speaking, a terrifying loud bang echoed, followed by a wave of intensely hot wind. Zheng Ying turned his head and saw a giant bear with black and white markings standing atop a pile of scrap metal, holding up a wooden sign: Why didn't you say so earlier?

Nearby, Yuwentuo gave Bai Yingxiong a thumbs-up, signaling that he had done well!

For more novels, visit storyread.net.