Volume One: The Celestial Palace of Mist Chapter Eight: The Azure Cloud Plan

Chapter Eight: The Azure Cloud Manual

The moon hung high, the stars shining in harmony. At this moment, the Cloud Mist Immortal Hall had entered its quiet phase; every immortal mountain was shrouded in the cold night mist, lending the landscape a serene beauty.

From time to time, faint rays of light would streak across the night sky, swiftly vanishing into the depths of darkness. Distant calls of birds echoed through the air, emphasizing the tranquil loveliness of the night.

Within the blue lake, Zhou Hao sat bare-chested, breathing in the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. The aura flowed into him like streams, gathering in his body. A milky white halo shimmered around him, the manifestation of accumulated immortal power—the foundation of cultivation.

After a long while, Zhou Hao opened his eyes and glanced at his body, thinking, "At this rate, my progress is far too slow. Though I possess the body of an immortal, my immortal energy is woefully scarce. How can I quickly amass it?"

A golden light flashed. In Zhou Hao’s hand lay a small golden booklet—the cultivation scripture of the Cloud Mist Immortal Hall: the Azure Cloud Manual.

"Let me see what makes you so formidable!"

Zhou Hao flipped open the Azure Cloud Manual. Dense, black characters filled the page, all written in scripts of the immortals, which he could now understand with ease.

This page was not as simple as it appeared. At that moment, the black immortal script leapt off the booklet, the symbols floating in the air, each one alive with energy. Zhou Hao stared, mesmerized.

"Why wasn’t it like this the previous times I opened it?" he muttered.

"Divide the self, gather the breath; yin and yang turn a hundred times!"

A line among the floating immortal script caught Zhou Hao’s attention. It explained how to use the art of transformation to absorb the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, and how to manipulate the yin and yang within to refine the essence absorbed from outside. Yet, it was perilous, for it touched upon the very source of an immortal’s power—one misstep could destroy that source and cause one to fall from grace, even perish!

"Transform into myriad incarnations to touch the essence of heaven and earth; wield the origin of yin and yang to forge pure immortal power..." Zhou Hao recited the immortal script, absorbing the cultivation method detailed in the Azure Cloud Manual.

In essence, it was a technique that could accelerate cultivation, but carried many risks. Many disciples of Cloud Mist had been tempted, but either their immortal bodies were destroyed or they descended into madness. Gradually, none dared walk this path; it was safer to proceed steadily.

"I don’t see it as dangerous. Creating multiple incarnations to absorb spiritual energy together, then using the origin of yin and yang to quickly convert it into immortal power—what a marvelous method! If I persist, perhaps the hidden potential of an immortal’s body will also reveal itself, making it easier to become a Golden Immortal." Zhou Hao mused.

The hidden potential of an immortal’s body was something Yun Fang had told Zhou Hao about—a unique divine treasury within every immortal, and once unlocked, one could advance swiftly on the path of immortality, growing powerful without needing ages of accumulation. It was not a shortcut, but an intrinsic, boundless possibility.

Without hesitation, Zhou Hao focused his mind and began to exercise the method of incarnation—an aspect of the transformation arts. Given his current immortal power, he could only manifest two incarnations, and even then for a limited time.

In the lake, three Zhou Haos bathed and drew in the essence, stimulating the origin of yin and yang as described in the Azure Cloud Manual. Heaven and earth’s essence poured into their bodies with unprecedented speed, the milky white halo around them growing brighter and more distinct.

Cough, cough, cough...

But as time went on, Zhou Hao struggled to endure. A sweetness rose in his throat and he coughed up several mouthfuls of blood. A fissure had already appeared near his heart—a terrifying development. Even for an immortal, the heart’s destruction meant certain death, unless one had ascended to the realm of Great Immortals: where the soul endured and mastery over life and death was attained.

With a soft pop, Zhou Hao’s incarnations vanished, leaving him alone in the lake. Yet he refused to give up—he could not give up.

"There’s definitely something to this," Zhou Hao murmured, hand pressed to his chest, blood trickling from the corner of his lips.

"Heart-nourishing Lotus? Right, it can help me!" Suddenly, Zhou Hao noticed the exquisite pink blossom blooming nearby.

The Heart-nourishing Lotus could heal the soul, nurture the body, and usher one into a state of enlightenment; simply breathing its fragrance aided cultivation, clearing the mind.

But what if one ate it?

"Will Master blame me?" Zhou Hao glanced at the bamboo hut in the night, where all was still.

"There are more than one here anyway, and the lotus doesn’t bloom in the day. Master meditates in the hut at night and won’t notice. I’ll just take it quietly..." Zhou Hao reached out with mischievous intent.

Plucking the lotus, he immediately swallowed it, glancing back at the hut lest Yun Fang discover him. Gradually, the Heart-nourishing Lotus was fully absorbed.

"My mouth is fragrant—how is this flower as sweet as honey? It even carries a scent. I’d love another!" Zhou Hao licked his lips, joy spreading across his face.

Afterward, Zhou Hao resumed cultivation. Two incarnations appeared easily, spiritual energy pouring into him once more, every inch of his flesh suffused with vitality. The origin of yin and yang communicated with the spiritual energy, transforming it into pure immortal power.

This time, Zhou Hao truly succeeded. The Heart-nourishing Lotus protected the chaotic origin of yin and yang within him, softening each surge. Thus, Zhou Hao’s incarnations absorbed spiritual energy even faster, deepening his reserves of immortal power.

The sun rose, all things awakened—a new day began.

Still standing in the blue lake, Zhou Hao felt the spiritual energy of heaven and earth reach a vigorous, vibrant fullness. Not just the mountain, but the whole Cloud Mist Immortal Hall brimmed with essence, as if he were bathing in a sea of spiritual energy, free to absorb as he pleased.

Indeed, morning was the time when the cosmos revived, life at its peak, spiritual essence generated endlessly. Cultivating now was worth a whole day’s effort.

Soon, the scarlet sun burst forth, its rays illuminating the mountains and rivers. A new day began at Cloud Mist Immortal Hall; lower immortal disciples soared on their swords, all heading to the highest peak for morning practice.

"All right, I should go practice swordsmanship too!"

Zhou Hao emerged from the lake, donned his disciple’s robe—a white garment that accentuated his youthful vigor and handsome features. He gazed at the celestial light flickering above, recognizing it as his fellow disciples rushing to the practice platform.

Whoosh!

After a night of cultivation, Zhou Hao flew on his sword through the clouds, the breeze invigorating him and banishing the faint fatigue of sleeplessness.

The sensation of traversing the azure heights still felt fresh to Zhou Hao. From here, he could survey all the lofty peaks of Cloud Mist Immortal Hall. The gentle morning sun bathed the land; snowy waterfalls, reminiscent of the Milky Way, cascaded from thousand-foot cliffs in breathtaking grandeur. Between the immortal mountains, clouds and rosy mists swirled, cranes gliding gracefully—a splendid sight.

Before long, three hundred disciples gathered at the practice platform. Boys and girls in white robes, youthful energy palpable, all wielded their swords, practicing the arts of swordsmanship in this immortal paradise.

Sword raised, blade moving at will, Zhou Hao diligently studied Cloud Mist swordsmanship. The Azure Cloud Manual devoted two whole pages to sword arts alone—a golden booklet of only five pages, attesting to the central importance of sword cultivation at Cloud Mist Immortal Hall.

"Union of Heaven and Man—how can one achieve this?" Zhou Hao pondered.

He thought as he practiced, and unconsciously, found himself leaving the platform, hovering three feet above the ground as he practiced swordsmanship. Though some cast him curious glances, it caused no stir; to immortals, such feats were commonplace.

Sword danced through the sky, its cold gleam shining on the clouds. Zhou Hao, stepping on air, ascended straight into the heavens, his mind wholly absorbed in the concept of union with heaven and man, oblivious to his own actions.

Thus, Zhou Hao began to comprehend the essence of the sword in the vast sky, mind thinking, body moving, entering a state of enlightenment.

"Well, Zhou Hao, who allowed you to leave the practice platform and train in the air? Don’t you know Cloud Mist Immortal Hall forbids leaving the platform during sword practice?" At that moment, a white-robed youth approached Zhou Hao, his tone accusatory.

"I’m talking to you—did you hear? Cat got your tongue? Playing dumb, are you?"

This youth, tall and handsome but with a domineering air between his brows, was none other than Cheng Yan, who had previously sought trouble with Zhou Hao.

Clang!

Without another word, Cheng Yan struck from behind, brandishing a gleaming immortal sword at Zhou Hao’s back. If struck, Zhou Hao would be severely injured.

As if sensing something, Zhou Hao, though still absorbed in enlightenment, instinctively dodged Cheng Yan’s attack.

"Hmph, trying to dodge? You think you can?" Cheng Yan sneered. Zhou Hao was considered the weakest among the lower disciples, easy prey for anyone. Even if Cao Shuang interfered, Cheng Yan was undaunted; yesterday, that fat fellow had clashed with Yu Nan, and now Cheng Yan had his own senior, Nangong Ying, backing him up, determined to teach this "impolite new disciple" a lesson.

Cheng Yan had worried about finding a pretext for trouble, but Zhou Hao had handed him one by leaving the platform—a clear violation during sword practice.

Swords collided, immortal light flashed. Zhou Hao showed no sign of weakness, astonishing Cheng Yan: "He’s only been here a few days—how can he match me, a genuine immortal with centuries of cultivation? It makes no sense!"

"Ha! Wait, am I in the sky?" In the midst of battle, Zhou Hao’s spirit finally returned, and seeing the situation, he began to falter against Cheng Yan’s swift swordplay.

"Ah!"

In the end, Zhou Hao was utterly defeated, crying out as he fell from the clouds, crashing onto the stone platform. Nearby disciples glanced his way.

Standing awkwardly, Zhou Hao’s face was etched with fury: Cheng Yan was truly shameless, disturbing him even while he was in the midst of enlightenment.

"Now you know my strength, brat? You left the practice platform during sword training—this is your punishment. What are you staring at? Not convinced?" Cheng Yan held his immortal sword behind his back, feigning righteous authority.

"Heh, since Senior Cheng says I erred, I must admit it. But now, you’ve beaten me so badly my limbs ache and I can’t move much. So I’d like to request a rest—would that be allowed?" Zhou Hao’s face twisted into a smile as he addressed Cheng Yan.

"This...this..." Cheng Yan was momentarily speechless, caught off guard by Zhou Hao’s response.

"Don’t play games with me. Training is training. Even if your bones are scattered, you must practice for three hours. Newcomers must work harder, not even a moment less," Cheng Yan declared.

"Then...all right."

Zhou Hao nodded, feigning trembling hands and aching legs as he practiced swordsmanship with difficulty. Cheng Yan glanced at him and surprisingly left, no longer concerned.

It was a tactic to divert attention. Originally, Cheng Yan was intent on finding fault with Zhou Hao, but after Zhou Hao’s playful interruption, Cheng Yan forgot his "task."

"Hey, brother, why’s that Cheng Yan pest here again?" Cao Shuang, belly protruding, arrived.

"Sigh, I’m weak and kind-hearted—everyone wants to bully me!" Zhou Hao joked about himself.

"Don’t worry, brother—I’ll cover you! That brat Cheng Yan, I could handle him with a slap. Don’t worry, from now on, practice swordsmanship with me—no one will touch you!" Cao Shuang patted his chest.

"Thank you, Senior!"

"No need to be formal!"

Leaving the state of enlightenment, Zhou Hao could still feel the agile swordplay born from union with heaven and man. He sought out Cao Shuang for sparring, hoping to refine his skills and discover flaws.

At the other end of the platform.

Four youths stood together, discussing something. Upon closer look, they were the four who had blocked Yun Fang and Zhou Hao previously, all claiming to be disciples of Nangong Xun.

One girl was voluptuous and stunning—Yu Nan.

Another was petite and adorable, with large, watery eyes and an innocent appearance—Xiao Shanshan.

One boy, handsome and of medium build, seemed gentle and refined—Nangong Ying, son of Nangong Xun.

The last was Cheng Yan, who had just defeated Zhou Hao.

"Cheng Yan, why are you so useless? Zhou Hao is such a weak lower disciple and you couldn’t hurt him," Yu Nan said, her pretty face full of disdain.

"Senior sister, I’ve already injured him—he’s in pain all over. He wanted to rest, but I forced him to keep practicing," Cheng Yan boasted.

"Are you stupid? That was just to distract you, and you came running back? Why did I send you there? I want him broken and near death!" Yu Nan gritted her silver teeth. "Yesterday, Su Qing made me lose face, all because of Zhou Hao and that fat Cao Shuang. These three are now my mortal enemies—and yours as well."

"But why do you hate this new disciple Zhou Hao so much? He hasn’t offended you," Xiao Shanshan asked, her eyes crescent-shaped with innocence.

"Shanshan, you know my great grievance—my elder brother Yu Yang was killed by that old scoundrel Yun Fang. Now Yun Fang is taking a new disciple, so I’ll make him suffer through this new disciple. That’ll hurt Yun Fang, and make me happy—understand?" To her little junior sister, Yu Nan revealed a sincere, big-sisterly smile.

"Even so, the incident years ago happened so suddenly, and you still haven’t uncovered all the truth. Maybe...maybe Elder Yun Fang was wrongly accused," Xiao Shanshan whispered.

"Impossible. Many saw it with their own eyes—Yun Fang let his disciple die without helping. That’s a fact. Even if some things aren’t clear, I’ll kill Yun Fang first and avenge my brother." Yu Nan’s gaze turned icy.

Then, the four walked toward Zhou Hao and Cao Shuang.