Volume One: The Celestial Palace of Cloud Veil Chapter Eleven: The Truth

Chapter Eleven: The Truth

Surrounded by the peculiar gazes of three hundred disciples, Zhou Hao felt trouble looming over him. Cao Shuang beside him urged him to leave quickly.

“Ah, I’ve only practiced swordsmanship for two days, and so much has happened already. How am I supposed to stay in Yunmiao after this?” Zhou Hao flew on his sword toward the clouds, his face clouded with gloom. Indeed, he hadn’t had a moment’s rest lately—Yu Nan and her companions always found fault with him, and now Su Qing had asked Yu Nan and the others to stop, which seemed to invite even more gossip.

On the green mountain, a bridge spanned a blue lake beside a simple bamboo hut. Before long, Zhou Hao returned to the immortal mountain where Yun Fang resided.

“Hey, Master, why are you standing on this bridge? Are you communing with the spirit of heaven and earth?” Zhou Hao had just reached the summit when he saw Yun Fang on the bridge over the lake.

“My disciple, I have something to discuss with you. Come with me,” Yun Fang glanced at Zhou Hao, then turned toward the bamboo hut.

“Oh!” Zhou Hao followed, still baffled.

The courtyard was tranquil, the scent of bamboo subtle, with rich medicinal fragrance in the air. In the flower beds grew several immortal herbs, highly beneficial even to Zhou Hao, a fledgling immortal.

Inside, seated face-to-face, Yun Fang appeared calm. He closed his eyes briefly, as if recalling distant memories, and then slowly opened them.

“Master, are you about to tell me about Senior Brother Yu Yang?” Zhou Hao guessed.

“My child, I know everything that happened on the stone plaza today. I believe Yu Yang’s matter is most unfair to you—after all, you knew nothing yet had to endure the provocations of other disciples. It pains me as well. So, I want to tell you the truth about what happened a century ago,” Yun Fang began.

These days, whenever Zhou Hao encountered disciples of Yunmiao, he heard endless rumors—most often, the tale of Yun Fang watching Yu Yang die without lifting a finger.

The disciples believed Yun Fang was at least half responsible for Yu Yang’s death a hundred years ago, for he had watched his own disciple be murdered and did nothing. As for the cause and effect, Zhou Hao knew little; the disciples whispered about Yun Fang’s failure, but none could explain the whole story. Only Yun Fang, who was there, knew the truth.

“I met Yu Yang four hundred years ago. He was barely in his twenties but possessed a talent beyond compare, surpassing even the ancestors. He learned instantly whatever I taught him—truly a genius. Once I became his master, I imparted everything I knew. Three hundred years later, his strength rivaled the masters of the Golden Immortal rank. In the sixteen Immortal Palaces and beyond, he was unrivaled,” Yun Fang recounted, genuine joy lighting his eyes.

“With such potential, Yu Yang naturally attracted attention from all sides—some praised him, but others schemed in secret.” Yun Fang’s voice grew bitter, his gaze fierce.

“All I know is that it was a mysterious force called the Night Palace. No one truly understood them, not even their location. They targeted Yu Yang, and during one of his expeditions, they struck. When he returned, I learned that someone had placed a detonating talisman in his heart. If triggered by an immortal curse, Yu Yang would instantly perish. They demanded I announce to the world that Yu Yang suffered from a strange illness and needed treatment outside Yunmiao Immortal Palace. The culprit was an exalted immortal. I had no choice but to comply. Yet, as I escorted Yu Yang to the gates, the sky darkened with clouds and black mist, and the Night Palace members fought with him. I intended to save Yu Yang, but a hidden voice warned me that if I intervened, Yu Yang would be blown to pieces. Hesitating between action and caution, I failed to save him. In the end, Yu Yang died, his body shattered—a horrific sight. The Death Guards were alarmed, but the Night Palace members swiftly escaped,” Yun Fang concluded.

“Master, couldn’t you explain yourself? Why did no one believe you?” Zhou Hao asked anxiously.

“No, at least half the disciples were present. All they saw was my inaction. No one cared if my words were true; they only believed ‘seeing is believing.’ All they saw was that I had a chance to save my disciple, but did not,” Yun Fang replied, his expression serene once more.

“It’s too unjust, Master. You’ve endured so much humiliation over these hundred years,” Zhou Hao said, feeling indignant for Yun Fang.

“The Immortal Domain is like this—truth and lies are not easily distinguished. Sometimes right is right, wrong is wrong, and only oneself knows the truth,” Yun Fang sighed.

“Well, my disciple, I’ve told you this century-old story for two reasons: to answer your questions and to warn you. The Immortal Domain is a place of dragons and serpents, not a haven. Even if you are a genius, without supreme strength you are vulnerable—others’ tricks could kill you a thousand times. Remember, always be vigilant, act with caution. The strong earn respect but also attract hidden schemes. You must learn to protect yourself,” Yun Fang advised.

Zhou Hao nodded, silently noting that he might encounter the Night Palace someday—and then he would settle the score.

“My disciple, you must be wondering why Su Qing defended you today,” Yun Fang continued.

“Ah, Master, do you know the reason?” Zhou Hao asked.

“Hehe, it seems I have some connections with Su Qing’s master, Elder Li Qionghua. Clearly, Elder Li has taken an interest in your affairs, or she wouldn’t have sent her prized disciple to stand up for you. This competition has certainly stirred the entire Yunmiao,” Yun Fang stroked his beard.

“So that’s how it is. I thought Su Qing...” Zhou Hao’s eyes were suddenly disappointed.

“Hmph, you rascal, don’t think I don’t know what you’re scheming in your mind. Are you hoping Su Qing will favor you? Foolish child, if you wish to be with her, you must work hard. At the very least, you need the power to protect her! Su Qing will soon enter a broader world—do you understand? Of course, when I was young, I was like you, daydreaming about outstanding female immortals. Who hasn’t been young?” Yun Fang sighed gently, looking at Zhou Hao.

“Master, could you tell me more about Su Qing? Even if I can’t reach her level, at least I can care about her,” Zhou Hao said earnestly.

“That’s her private matter. How could an outsider like me know? Why are you, a grown man, always prying into a young lady’s affairs? This isn’t concern, but ill intent,” Yun Fang looked at him with disdain.

“Forget it, I’ll go train. I lost so badly today—having my face stepped on by a little girl, she even humiliated me. Master, am I really that weak?” Zhou Hao felt ashamed even to say it.

“Mm-hmm,” Yun Fang nodded.

Whoosh!

Zhou Hao, speechless, flew out of the bamboo hut to begin his cultivation, spending each day in the blue lake.

“Hehe, while Master’s still inside, I’ll sneak another Heart Lotus,” Zhou Hao glanced at the bamboo hut, reached out, and plucked a tender bud.

The Heart Lotus blooms at night and not during the day, unlike mortal water lilies which bloom by day and not at night. Zhou Hao discovered that consuming Heart Lotus protects his heart and brings a sense of utter ease—spiritual energy gathered around him, his immortal power accumulating rapidly. At this rate, he might soon shed the title of rookie disciple at Yunmiao Immortal Palace.

On another immortal mountain, clouds swirled and springs murmured. Several pavilions and terraces stood atop the peak, shadowed by immortals in white garments—fairy maidens.

On a rainbow bridge, two familiar figures walked together—Su Qing and Wen Yuan, for this was the sacred mountain where Elder Li Qionghua resided.

Li Qionghua was reserved and disliked ostentation. Her mountain stood not among the others, but at the far end, where it was always spring, sunlight abundant, flowers blooming everywhere, and immortal herbs grew on the perilous cliffs—a veritable paradise.

The buildings atop the mountain were refined courtyards and elegant pavilions, exquisitely carved and painted. Most importantly, Elder Li, being a woman, recruited only female immortals as disciples.

“Sister, why did you stand up to Yu Nan and the others for Zhou Hao? Do you like him?” Wen Yuan, lively by nature, was Su Qing’s close friend.

Rarely did Su Qing smile here, but when she did, it was as beautiful as a lotus blooming at dawn. Dressed in white, she was the epitome of grace—her delicate arms fair as frost, neck whiter than snow, elegant brows, refined nose, eyes poetic and bright. On the rainbow bridge, Su Qing seemed an immortal from a painting.

“Do you even know what ‘like’ means? Honestly, this was Master’s decision. Zhou Hao will likely face more trouble soon, and we can only help for a time, not forever—it depends on his own abilities,” Su Qing spoke softly.

“Oh, so it was all Master’s idea. I thought you had a say in it,” Wen Yuan giggled.

“But there’s one thing I’m curious about—I can’t see Zhou Hao’s potential. He’s from the mortal realm yet has entered the Immortal Domain. His journey must have been extraordinary; perhaps someday he’ll achieve greatness in the Sun and Moon Immortal Domain,” Su Qing mused.

“The mortal world and Immortal Domain are entirely different, but history has seen mortals enter the Immortal Domain, many of whom were Golden Immortal masters from the start, and some even crowned kings, ruling their own star realms. If so, Zhou Hao might be a promising talent—who knows...” Wen Yuan smiled mysteriously at Su Qing.

“I think you’re the one interested in the new disciple. Enough daydreaming—thirty years will pass in a blink, and we must prepare for battle. Come, let’s go train,” Su Qing smiled.

“Oh, got it!” Wen Yuan stuck out her tongue.

Soon, their graceful figures faded from the rainbow bridge.

Meanwhile, atop another immortal mountain, in a splendid pagoda, several people were speaking.

“I’m furious! Su Qing is too much—why did she interfere in Zhou Hao’s business? She even told me not to trouble him. Hmph, his master killed my brother; not killing him is already merciful,” fumed a girl in a red dress, strikingly beautiful.

“Sister, don’t be angry. Didn’t I fight Zhou Hao today to help you vent?” a petite girl in green said.

“Yes, Sister, Senior Brother is still recovering, but he’s fine. Su Qing knows her limits,” said a white-robed youth, elegant and calm.

“Limits? That female immortal is always aloof, but she seems to have an effect on you male disciples. Cheng Yan, you remember I’m your senior sister, yet why not make Su Qing your senior? Maybe you should join her girls’ prison!” Yu Nan, already incensed, grew even angrier at Cheng Yan’s words.

“Sister, I misspoke. Sorry,” Cheng Yan quickly apologized.

“But Sister, Zhou Hao is really weak. It’s hardly satisfying to target him—maybe we should wait until he’s stronger...” Xiao Shanshan’s large, expressive eyes seemed almost to speak.

“Shanshan, what do you mean? Are you saying I bully the weak?” Yu Nan was easily triggered.

“No, no, Sister... Well, what do you suggest?” Shanshan panicked, her adorable manner inspiring protectiveness.

“I... I brought you two here to help me plot against Zhou Hao and Su Qing, yet you ask me!” Yu Nan seemed ready to swallow poison.

This was Nangong Xun’s domain; the three were here to strategize a response to Su Qing’s interference. Even the most favored Nangong Ying had been defeated, so a direct confrontation was pointless.

After much mental wrangling, the three concluded that only cunning could remove Su Qing as an obstacle. Such cunning required careful preparation—hidden from the opponent yet enough to deal Zhou Hao a heavy blow.

At the top of the pagoda stood two figures, Nangong Ying and his father Nangong Xun, both with indifferent expressions.

“Ying’er, is Su Qing really that skilled? Even the Golden Scale Arm I taught you couldn’t defeat her?” Nangong Xun asked.

“Father, you don’t know. I heard Su Qing wields an immortal sword forged from dazzling silver—immensely powerful. Today I used sixty percent of my Golden Scale Arm’s strength and still couldn’t win. I believe she was holding back, too,” Nangong Ying replied, resigned.

“Then I must teach you even more advanced physical combat skills. You absolutely cannot lose in the disciple tournament thirty years from now. I’ll apply for a seclusion order for you—focus on training,” Nangong Xun said.

The seclusion order allowed disciples or elders to train in isolation, free from interruptions or daily affairs.

Night fell. In the blue lake, Zhou Hao closed his eyes. The spiritual energy of heaven and earth surged madly into his body. Within him, two masses, one black and one white, spun ceaselessly—the source of immortal yin and yang. The absorbed energy transformed swiftly into immortal power, accelerating his cultivation!