Volume 2: The Path That Can Be Told, Chapter 109: The Land of Evil Soil

As soon as Zhang Hui mounted the cloud, a strong wind blew against him, making it hard for him to stay steady and nearly causing him to fall. He could also ride clouds, but how could his speed compare to Wukong’s? He glanced at Wukong out of the corner of his eye, fearing of displeasing the immortal. Wukong, however, remained calm, having unconsciously slowed down.

Zhang Hui thought to himself, “This immortal is ruthless in battle, yet he shows some kindness toward me—how rare.”

After racing for over an hour, they finally emerged from the vast desert. Looking down, they saw scattered villages along the desert’s edge.

Zhang Hui said, “Immortal… once we leave the desert, we’ll enter the territory of Broken Gold Continent. There are five continents in this land of slaughter:Rotten Wood Continent Continent in the east,Yuhuo Continent Continent in the south, Broken Gold Continent in the west,Can)… Continent in the south, Broken Gold Continent in the west,Continent Continent Continent in the north, and the Land of Evil Soil in the middle.”

Wukong laughed and said, “Who gave these names? All five elements are diminished here—no peace at all.”

Zhang Hui replied, “I don’t know who came up with them. It’s just been the case since ancient times.”

Wukong remembered something and asked, “Since you have a family, you must have a family tree. How many generations back does it go?”

Zhang Hui said, “The family tree is in the hands of our direct descendants. I’m from a branch family and have never seen it. I’ve only heard the elders mention it vaguely. It’s been at least a hundred generations, with many rises and falls, yet our family has still stood firm in the Land of Evil Soil.”

Wukong asked further, “You’re in such a hurry to return to this realm—is there something urgent?”

Zhang Hui replied, “There are two things: one is revenge, and the other… the other is…” The burly man grew embarrassed as he spoke. “The other is getting married.”

Wukong was surprised and said, “If you want to get married, just do it. What’s there to be ashamed of?”

Zhang Hui said, “This has a long story behind it. If you don’t mind my rambling, I’ll tell you.” Wukong smiled and said, “Sure. Since we have time while traveling, go ahead and tell me.”

Zhang Hui swallowed hard, organized his thoughts, and began to recount his experience of fleeing from this realm to the Realm of Good and Evil.

The Zhang family had a long history. Despite many ups and downs, over five generations, two remarkable individuals had emerged from their line, reaching the seventh rank of celestial immortals—among the top figures even in the Land of Evil Soil.

For mortals to cultivate and ascend to immortality, it naturally becomes increasingly difficult. Even those with dull aptitudes, as long as they use the right methods, can cross the threshold from human to immortal after twenty or thirty years of cultivation. For those with average aptitudes, it’s not uncommon to reach the level of deity in thirty to fifty years. Once they become deities, their lifespan greatly increases, giving them the means to cultivate further to become earth immortals. From deity to earth immortal, only one or two out of a hundred people succeed. But from there on, progress becomes increasingly difficult. Without exceptional opportunities or great fortune, it can be said that there’s no hope of reaching the level of sky immortal, leaving them to watch as calamities descend upon them until their souls are destroyed.

Only those who reach the level of sky immortal can truly be considered supreme immortals in this world. No matter where they go, they are respected everywhere and become targets for recruitment by various prestigious sects and noble families.

The Zhang family produced two individuals at the seventh rank of sky immortals, and from then on, the family’s influence soared uncontrollably. However, this has little to do with Zhang Hui.

Although Zhang Hui also shares the surname Zhang, it’s because his ancestors were once servants of the Zhang family. His ancestors served loyally and even saved their master’s life, after which the master granted them the surname Zhang, treating their descendants as if they were his own.

Indeed, this lineage was highly respected within the Zhang family, just like any other Zhang family member. But as times changed, both his ancestors and their master met tragic ends due to disasters. The first two or three generations were fine, still benefiting from their ancestors’ influence. But as time passed, each generation became weaker. Without blood relations and with a lower status, this lineage was increasingly neglected.

By his generation, their status within the Zhang family had declined so much that even the family’s own servants looked down on them, calling them good-for-nothings who relied on their ancestors’ achievements to live off others.

In this world, one’s own abilities are what matter most. Since his ancestors perished in disasters, no one from this lineage has reached the level of earth immortal—how could they not be mocked? Zhang Hui is considered the best among his generation. At just over thirty years old, he has already reached the third rank of deity, making him the most promising member of his family.

In Evil Land Continent, besides the Zhang family, there are two other major forces that are evenly matched: the Way-Seeking Sect and the Beast Demon faction. The Beast Demon faction has many skilled fighters, but they live in the deep mountains and wilderness, untouched by the secular world. Although some strong members occasionally come down from the mountains, it’s usually to obtain materials for alchemy. The Way-Seeking Sect has a good relationship with the Zhang family, and it is said that there was an alliance to prevent the Beast Demon faction from attacking the secular world.

That year, Yun Zhaoying, the direct descendant’s granddaughter of the Deputy Sect Master of the Dao Seeking Sect, held a competition to find a husband through artistic displays. Sons and heirs from various families in Evil Soil Continent were all eager to try their luck, and although Zhang Hui wasn’t among them, he still felt a slight interest. He wasn’t a man driven by lust or ambition; it was simply because Yun Zhaoying had crossed paths with him on a few occasions by chance, and they had a good impression of each other. In his heart, feelings had long been buried.

The Deputy Sect Master of the Dao Seeking Sect was also a highly powerful figure in Evil Soil Continent. Naturally, his granddaughter’s suitor couldn’t be an ordinary person. But Yun Zhaoying set two conditions: first, her husband must have at least the cultivation level of a third-rank immortal; second, he couldn’t be older than 35.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Hui was overjoyed—these conditions seemed tailor-made for him. So he hurriedly went to the Zhang family to register.

In noble families, there were many rules. Among the Zhang family’s descendants, more than twenty met the criteria and registered to participate in the competition. All of them knew that Yun Zhaoying was both beautiful and talented, coming from a prestigious family. Becoming her husband would mean gaining fame, wealth, and beauty—all at once—and it would also greatly benefit their cultivation in the future. As a result, those who had once been brothers began to feel jealous, and those who had once been peers started to show exclusion.

Someone like Zhang Hui, with no blood ties or backing, was naturally the first to be excluded. A few direct descendants of the Zhang family joined forces and even invited renowned Earth Immortal-level experts to capture Zhang Hui. They captured him, but didn’t kill him—instead, they threw him into the Birth Gate of the Selfless Realm in the Realm of Slaughter. They knew it was easy to enter the Birth Gate but difficult to enter the Death Gate. Someone like Zhang Hui, at the third-rank immortal level, might not be able to return even after a hundred years.

Yun Zhaoying’s competition would take place in half a year, and it was certain Zhang Hui wouldn’t be able to attend.

Zhang Hui waited near the 365 peaks in the Selfless Realm for over five months. He saw that those sitting on the peaks were all at least Earth Immortal-level experts. Even if he tried to fight his way down, he would surely die.

The last time, if he couldn’t enter the Death Gate again, he would have no chance to participate in the competition. So this time, he was determined to fight to the death—if he couldn’t enter the Death Gate, he would die there.

Unexpectedly, through a series of twists and turns, he met Wukong, who brought him along. How could Zhang Hui not be overjoyed?

Zhang Hui knew that with his current cultivation level, it would be difficult for him to stand out even if he participated in the competition. But since he had returned, he had a chance to give it a try. Even if he failed, he wouldn’t regret it. At this point, he feared that if the people of the Zhang family found out he had returned to Evil Soil Continent and tried to trouble him again, he wouldn’t be able to handle it.

At this point in the narrative, it stopped without further words. He said these things only hoping that Wukong would show some pity for his foolish devotion and offer his help once again. Yet, upon hearing these words, Wukong remained smiling the whole time, saying not a word in between.
After finishing speaking, the narrator felt disappointed.
Wukong said, “If you have something to say, just say it directly. Hesitating only wastes time.”
Hearing this, the narrator was overjoyed and mustered up the courage to say, “Please forgive my presumptuous request, Great Immortal. It’s because I truly cannot forget that woman—thinking of her day and night. I only ask that you help me live until the day of my marriage, so that I can see her one last time. Even if I die before her, I will have no regrets.”
Wukong asked, “Is that all? Will you have no regrets then?”
With a firm expression, the narrator nodded and said, “Yes, I will have no regrets in this life!”
Wukong sneered, “A true man stands tall and firm. If your ambitions are so meager, it’s a shame you possess such a beautiful appearance. A single woman has driven you mad. You have parents and ancestors who have high hopes for you. Yet you belittle yourself so much. If I had known this, I would have left you in that world to suffer day after day!”
Seeing Wukong’s harsh words, the narrator knelt on the clouds and said, “Great Immortal, it’s not that I don’t want to, but though I have some aptitude, I lack any magical scriptures or protective elixirs. Just surviving to this day is already a great fortune for me. How dare I ask for more!”
Wukong said again, “You’re at least sensible. Then let me ask you—what are your ambitions?”