Watching the Mountain

Chapter 343: Chapter 194: In My Name, Shennong

In truth, the rumors were a secondary problem for the Profound Pure Sect. The main issue was the will of certain malicious individuals lurking in the shadows.

The Profound Pure Sect was already drawing enough attention. If they then solved a problem that the entire Cultivation Realm couldn’t, even if it dispelled the rumors and bought them a period of peace, it was only a matter of time. Once people calmed down, the sect would absolutely become a target for countless others.

Besides, although he had devised a method, his and the Profound Pure Sect’s strength was insufficient to implement it. In the end, they would have to unite with the major powers of the Cultivation Realm, and it would be far more convincing if the Creation Sect proposed it.

Upon hearing Xu Ran, Liu Yunge exclaimed, ”A way to solve the malady of heaven and earth? Fellow Daoist Hidden Mountain, are you serious?”

She found it unbelievable. It was only because it was Xu Ran; if anyone else had said such a thing to her, she would have already gotten angry. After all, she had a bit of a tomboyish streak, and her temper was much more fiery than her appearance suggested.

Xu Ran replied in a calm tone, ”Fellow Daoist Liu, do you think I’m the kind of person who would joke with you about something like this?”

”This...” Liu Yunge hesitated. Based on what she knew of Xu Ran, he certainly wasn’t that type of person. But what he was saying was just too incredible; she still found it hard to believe.

After a moment’s hesitation, she replied, ”Alright, Fellow Daoist Hidden Mountain, I’ll tell my master about this first.”

Out of her trust in Xu Ran, she agreed to it even though she found it unbelievable. However, she didn’t say she would report it directly to the Sect, but rather that she would speak to her master first.

She was worried that if she told the Sect and it turned out Xu Ran’s method wasn’t feasible—that he just *thought* it was—it would be an awkward situation for her to handle.

”Fellow Daoist Hidden Mountain, I can only do my best to persuade my master. As for whether he’ll be willing to come and verify your method, I can’t make any guarantees.”

Logically, the malady of heaven and earth was a calamity for the entire Cultivation Realm. Any clue related to resolving this calamity should be taken seriously.

But that didn’t mean just anyone could claim they could solve it and be believed.

Xu Ran naturally understood this as well. After hearing Liu Yunge’s words, he pondered for a moment before speaking slowly.

”Then I’ll have to trouble you, Fellow Daoist Liu. Please tell your master that I guarantee, in the name of Shennong, that the method I speak of is absolutely viable.”

This was the first time Xu Ran had revealed his identity to anyone outside the Profound Pure Sect. To prevent any future trouble for Senior Sister Yue that might affect her path of cultivation, he felt it was worth it.

He had earned the name Shennong in the first place by researching high-yield Spirit Rice to repay Senior Sister Yue’s kindness.

Revealing it now, also for Senior Sister Yue’s sake, was no big deal.

Liu Yunge had once said that their Creation Sect was an ancient one. Like the Profound Pure Sect, the very first thing their disciples learned was to respect those who had contributed to the Cultivation Realm, an attitude that was part of the sect’s ancient style.

Hearing Xu Ran’s words, Liu Yunge’s breath hitched on the other side of the Communication Jade Talisman. A long moment passed before she gasped, ”Shennong... Fellow Daoist Hidden Mountain, you...”

She was truly shocked by this news. When she first met Xu Ran, she had seen that despite his extremely low Cultivation, he held a very high status in his Sect. She had guessed back then that he was the hidden Shennong.

But later, Xu Ran had managed to brush it off by claiming to be the Vermilion Bird’s adoptive father.

Hearing Xu Ran suddenly say it now, she was shocked, but at the same time, it felt reasonable.

She also felt a thrill of excitement. Her own friend was actually the revered Shennong, the one who developed the high-yield Spirit Rice! It was a fact that made her incredibly proud.

Then, she quickly calmed herself down. Thinking of Xu Ran’s consistently low-key demeanor, she hurriedly said:

”Fellow Daoist Hidden Mountain, wait just a moment. I’ll go get my master and bring him to you.”

After saying that, she added, ”I’ll bring him alone.”

She knew Xu Ran didn’t want to expose his identity and had only told her this time out of necessity. For that reason, she had no intention of making his identity public.

Xu Ran understood the meaning behind Liu Yunge’s words and said gratefully, ”In that case, I’ll be troubling you, Fellow Daoist Liu.”

Liu Yunge’s cheerful laugh came through the Communication Jade Talisman. In a hearty tone, she said, ”Fellow Daoist Hidden Mountain, why be so formal with me? We’re the closest of friends.”

Her tone then shifted as she continued, ”But I’m going to tell Wuyang about this. That’s okay, right?”

Hearing this, Xu Ran’s expression stiffened slightly. ’This couple really never misses a chance to show off their affection, do they?’

He replied helplessly, ”Of course. In fact, I’m the one who should apologize for keeping it from you both for so long.”

”Mhm, you’re right, you were in the wrong. To think you’d hide it from us for so long—it’s just too much! I haven’t decided on your punishment yet. I’ll discuss it with Wuyang and let you know.”

”I’m off to find my master now. Fellow Daoist Hidden Mountain, just wait patiently. We’ll be there to find you soon.”