Chapter 1149: Wild Field Yellow Sparrow Song

Chapter 1149: Wild Field Yellow Sparrow Song

The newly recruited mountain-protecting guest of the Taoist temple, the gatekeeper Gu He, acutely sensed a ripple of aura outside the temple. As his duty required, he immediately strode out of the side room to confront that fellow. This so-called "new temple gatekeeper boy" wore a purple-gold crown, an outer robe of light crimson silk over inner armor, a green jade belt at his waist, and carried a pitch-black iron mace. Imposing and majestic, he stood on the steps, his eyes gleaming with sharp light, and said sternly, "Who goes there? State your name. Stop at once. Dare to trespass into this temple, and watch your head roll."

The uninvited guest was an elegant old man in a blue long gown. His Daoist strength was temporarily impossible to gauge; he didn't seem like any major figure, more like a scholarly old pedant from a study or a private advisor to a prefectural magistrate.

Hearing Gu He's threats, the man said nothing, only glanced at this unfamiliar face at the temple gate.

Gu He, however, assumed the other was intimidated by him, feeling a bit smug. He sized up the blue-garbed guest, who seemed to be forcing calm—thin arms and scrawny legs, probably scared out of his wits by this Daoist master. Wang Yuanlu, the chief disciple of the temple master and as lean as a bamboo pole, had previously reminded Gu He about receiving guests: those who could fly all the way here to get acquainted were either drawn by reputation or old acquaintances of the master. No need to harm relations. If possible, report it; at worst, record it in the register and later let the master have a look to keep count.

But Gu He always felt this soft approach was unsatisfying—too small a scale, not enough pomp. It didn't match the reputation of the temple or the fame of the Bixiao Cave Lord.

So he consulted with Daoist Jinjing and together they concocted this more intimidating opening line. It was called "first strike to awe," so that all Daoist officials under heaven would know how high the threshold was here!

Although Gu He liked to put on a show, he had no intention of bullying others with power; that would be too degrading. Seeing that the uninvited visitor showed no sign of offending or challenging him, he softened his tone slightly, "Youngster, don't play deaf and dumb. Our temple has heavy rules; ordinary folk cannot treat this place as a sightseeing spot. If you provoke our master's quiet cultivation, you'll suffer the consequences."

He both spoke harshly and kindly. If this fellow didn't know his place and still refused to appreciate it, maybe if they ended up with a menial laborer added to the temple, making him and Jinjing brothers in misery, wouldn't that be livelier? The young Daoist boy hurried over at the noise. Seeing the expressionless blue-garbed man at the gate, he looked as if he'd seen a ghost. Xun Lanling, rarely so courteous, made a respectful Daoist hand salute, called out "Senior Qingzhu," and even added a blessing: "May you live ten thousand years without end."

Chen Qingliu smiled enigmatically, merely nodding in acknowledgment.

Gu He quickly asked via heart voice, "Daoist Jinjing, is this guest some extraordinary capable person?" Before Gu He could make amends, the young Daoist boy had no time to explain. The old temple master, holding a fly whisk, had already walked out of the main hall, came straight to the gate, and went down the steps. As he passed Gu He, he casually reminded, "You owe me a realm."

Gu He felt as if struck by lightning, his body stiff. That fellow surnamed Lu had deceived me earlier, claiming the master had already reached the fifteenth realm. With my pure heart, I believed it. How do I owe a realm?

Going down the steps to receive the guest, the old temple master walked up to Chen Qingliu, smiling amiably, "Daoist Qingzhu, on this long journey, did you report to the Central Earth Confucian Temple?"

For Chen Qingliu's swordsmanship, crossing the world was effortless, especially matters involving the river of time, which was his specialty. So this question seemed like a deliberate dig. Chen Qingliu smiled slightly. "Of course I needed to report. Nowadays, the Confucian Temple's rules are as strict as Bixiao Daoist's temple. I'm no longer a hotheaded youth. Ambition fades with the years, white hairs increase gradually. Since I'm old, I must accept it. Besides, having wasted three thousand years of cultivation without advancing, my Dao power hasn't increased at all. When occasionally visiting old friends, I have no face to put on airs with the Confucian Temple as my 'boss.' I can only follow the rules and ask for a few days' leave."

Gu He’s Dao heart trembled. Good heavens! Was this lodging a complaint right to his face? What, were the wandering cultivators on the Righteous side nowadays—first Chen Ping'an, now this "Qingzhu"—all so grudging and petty?

The old temple master sighed emotionally, "The former Daoist Qingzhu, how spirited and proud, with no regard for Daoist barriers or rules and regulations."

Chen Qingliu was unconcerned. "A good man doesn't boast of past glories."

The old temple master asked, "Since you've been to the Barbaric Wilderness, have you seen Daoist Zhici?"

Chen Qingliu nodded. "Our relationship is average, conversation not congenial. We only chatted a little."

The old temple master smiled. "Zhici, the heaven-opener, confines himself; Qingzhu, the dragon-slayer, is tied hand and foot. What kind of friends have I made?"

Chen Qingliu said, seemingly casually, "Hatred turns to pity, love breeds hate. This cause and effect binds, the great Dao of the human world becoming a 'heaven's loathing' dead knot. I need to borrow stones from other mountains to polish jade. Lu Chen has misled me greatly."

When young, the world he saw was a single line, straightforward and simple. In middle age, the world became a tangled mass—love and hatred, all knotted together.

Gu He listened as if lost in clouds, but Xun Lanling understood the gravity. Chen Qingliu's few light words had revealed the cause, process, and consequence of that dragon-slaying battle three thousand years ago. The old temple master took the first step, leading Chen Qingliu casually shrinking the ground, as if choosing a place best suited for viewing the human world from above. He slowly said, "Throughout history, those who self-realize the Dao are rare; those who rely on external forces to escape tribulations are many. On a single thread, Chen Qingliu took on cause and effect, Qi Jingchun bore the heavenly tribulation—a good beginning, a good end. No wonder you found each other congenial; you are like-minded companions who generously open your hearts."

Chen Qingliu said, "Pity that Master Qi's junior brother wouldn't listen to advice, insisting on not standing aside, always wanting to face difficulties head-on to live up to others' expectations."

The old temple master smiled. "Young people are all like that—they must set the highest aspirations."

Chen Qingliu said, "With so many young people, the world seems increasingly old."

The old temple master asked, "Some things can't be avoided by hiding. Have you thought about how to resolve them?"

Chen Qingliu rubbed his brow with his thumb. "Senior Sister Xie and that stubborn disciple—both are more stubborn than the other. How can I manage them?"

In front of the Bixiao Cave Lord, who knew him inside out, Chen Qingliu didn't bother hiding anything. There was no such thing as "family scandals not to be aired."

Thinking back to those days.

Vast through past and present, none like the blue-garbed one. Heavenly winds driving the sea, majestic standing atop waves.

The immortal lord threw his sword, striking water for ten thousand miles. A commoner's anger, a hundred rivers boiling.

At the temple gate, Wang Yuanlu, hands in sleeves, crouched on the steps, asked softly, "Senior Brother Jinjing, who is that? Our master treats him so generously, coming out personally to welcome him." The fire-tending boy, fearless of heaven and earth, was alone somewhat apprehensive of that Senior Qingzhu. He could only mumble vaguely, "That man's swordsmanship is extremely high, his killing intent unusually heavy, yet he likes to pose as a scholar. During the time when our temple was still in Tongye Continent, he would change his appearance and identity every so often, proactively visiting our temple. Our master thinks highly of this fellow Daoist. They always chat a lot when they meet."

Gu He cautiously asked, "Daoist Jinjing, have I kicked a steel plate?"

Xun Lanling glared. "Blame me?!"

The Daoist gentleman said you must not diminish our master's prestige, not that you should have no discernment and shout at anyone you see.

Gu He couldn't blame Jinjing. He acted magnanimously, laughing freely, "Just put this account on my head."

Wang Yuanlu nodded. A righteous and heroic man—maybe later he could take him and Qi Gu traveling through the states.

In the past, it was always him taking the blame for Qi Gu, suffering no small amount. If he could find someone willing to voluntarily put the blame on his head, why not?

Having finally chosen a perfect spot, the old temple master looked at that world, sighed deeply, and asked, "Shall we, as bystanders, dare to look down from above and bid farewell to a human free wanderer?"

That was why Chen Qingliu had come. He nodded. "A great honor."

Once, a white-clad young man pointed at the blue sky and spoke heartfelt words.

In the higher sky, there must be one or two crane calls, far from the earth, yet they make people feel sad. Once seen and heard from below, it's hard to forget.

——

Difei Mountain in Youzhou was not only the ancestral court of the Talisman Sect but also excelled in alchemy achievements, truly number one under heaven.

The tall young Daoist felt a stirring in his heart, put down the Daoist book he was holding, and walked out of the building. He watched the cloud sea among the mountains roll and unfurl, occasionally seeing flocks of immortal cranes leisurely emerge from white clouds and fly into the blue sky.

Difei Mountain, foremost among the seventy-two blessed lands of the human world, also possessed a sixth cave heaven. This mountain was like a perfected Daoist who had achieved complete merit and was in harmony with the heavenly Dao, capable of spontaneously breathing and refining qi.

The spiritual qi of the entire prefecture converged here, as if ministers came to pay homage to a sovereign. Mountain and water spiritual qi gathered into layers of cloud seas, coalescing and dispersing regularly, refined into vast waves of Daoist intent.

For a Daoist to cultivate here was like having heaven's help at all times, naturally achieving twice the result with half the effort.

Truly a rare cave heaven and blessed land, a worthy Daoist holy land.

Even as conceited as he was, he felt that occupying this place was a case of virtue not matching the position.

An old Daoist walked over, saw the young palace master who seemed to know the future, stopped, and made a Daoist salute. With an apologetic expression, he said, "Yin Xian of Cuiwei Palace pays respects to the Palace Master. There are noble guests at the mountain—a group of young disciples from the Hongnong Yang Clan, bearing qi fortune, who specifically demanded to see the Palace Master. They said they have important matters to discuss and must meet you face to face. Yin Xian has failed in his duty, troubling the Palace Master."

Mao Zhui skipped over Yin Xian's polite formalities, frowned slightly, and said mockingly, "A bunch of wet-behind-the-ears brats, what serious business can they discuss with a mere nominal palace master? Are they going to ask what to do now that the Jade Capital has lost its Dao Ancestor?"

How could Yin Xian respond to that?

Mao Zhui said, "Yin Xian, just tell them I'm not receiving visitors recently. If they have tact, they can stay and enjoy the scenery. If they continue to pester, drive them down the mountain directly."

Yin Xian hesitated, as if wanting to say something.

In Youzhou, Huayang Palace, Shoushan Pavilion, and the Hongnong Yang Clan formed a tripartite stalemate. Their relationship had never been bad; though no written alliance existed, they were like allies.

Especially since Gu Gao's most valued disciple came from the Hongnong Yang Clan. With this karmic bond of offering incense, the mountain and clan were even more harmonious. Daoists entering the world and ascending the mountain to seek immortality each had their first choice.

Yin Xian said, "Among the group ascending the mountain, there are some strange and remarkable individuals."

Mao Zhui said indifferently, "Troublesome? Then let Gao Fu take the talisman sword and invite that Taiyi Mountain God."

The Taiyi Mountain God was the local deity of Difei Mountain and the protective spirit of Huayang Palace.

Yin Xian's face showed difficulty at these words. That high-ranking mountain god, even when the master was alive, was not to be disturbed unless necessary. He was always treated as a peer, with no precedent for ordering him around.

Although Junior Brother Gao Fu was now the rightful mountain master, asking him to take the token and invite the god out would be extremely difficult for Yin Xian to even mention.

Mao Zhui sneered and asked, "If Gao Fu finds it difficult, then you do it yourself. Since when does the Palace Master of Huayang Palace need to read others' expressions when deciding whether to see guests?"

The tall young Daoist, an outsider newly registered in Huayang Palace's genealogy, had inexplicably transformed into the current master of Huayang Palace.

But the founding master Gu Gao had wielded authority for three thousand years, his prestige deep. No one dared question his decision.

The previous ancestral hall meeting, missing the founding master and featuring a strange young man, had proceeded without any waves. The entire Difei Mountain had no objection to Gao Fu succeeding as mountain master.

No noise, no fuss, as calm as clouds and wind. Each continued their cultivation in peace.

Yin Xian nodded. "I'll go attend to the guests personally."

Mao Zhui said, "Just because Gu Gao is dead doesn't mean outsiders can disregard the orders of Huayang Palace's master."

Yin Xian’s spirit shook, his eyes brightening. He said firmly, "Exactly!"

Mao Zhui sighed inwardly. Yin Xian was most respectful to his master and Dao; this provocation hit exactly where it hurt.

Even at Yin Xian's high realm, it was still difficult to completely sever the mundane world. For Dao cultivators, the worries in their hearts were like the sun and moon hanging in the void.

Beyond the mountain was the mundane world's myriad red dust; within the mountain were the tangled causal bonds of Daoists. Before Gu Gao asked the Jade Capital about the Dao, he left behind two palace master tokens and a sealed letter. He entrusted the affairs to Cuiwei Palace's direct disciple Yin Xian, a mature and steady immortal realm Daoist, who was to announce the letter's contents, hand over a talisman sword symbolizing Difei Mountain's orthodox lineage to the new mountain master Gao Fu, and pass a Daoist robe representing Huayang Palace's lineage to the palace master Mao Zhui.

Gao Fu, who succeeded as mountain master and commanded tens of major and minor Daoist lineages across Difei Mountain, had only just reached the Jade Pure realm.

The word "only" didn't mean Gao Fu was too old or his realm low. Rather, as the mountain master of Difei Mountain, merely being at Jade Pure was somewhat unimpressive.

Fortunately, Mao Zhui, who took over Huayang Palace, was a powerful Flying Ascension realm.

This matter was also thought-provoking. Those temple and sect Daoists who had settled on Difei Mountain for years but remained independent of Huayang Palace couldn't understand why the founding master's arrangement hadn't been reversed—swapping the mountain master and palace master identities.

Yin Xian of Cuiwei Palace, a Celestial Lord, was not only Gu Gao's direct disciple but also the specific handler of all external affairs of Difei Mountain. He was highly respected and always commanded obedience.

Now, many mountain Daoist officials from various sects acquainted with Cuiwei Palace privately felt aggrieved for Yin Xian. Why hadn't this old Celestial Lord taken both the orthodox lineage and the Dao lineage on his shoulders?

By letting an outsider newly arrived become the master of Huayang Palace, Mao Zhui didn't know what Gu Gao was thinking. Was he not afraid that Mao Zhui would recklessly squander the entire inheritance overnight?

The problem was that Mao Zhui, the White Bone True Man, had no hatred or resentment toward the Jade Capital.

He was merely one of Lu Chen's heart manifestations. In previous years, he had avoided the real Lu Chen; why would he proactively seek trouble with the Jade Capital?

Or perhaps Gu Gao's unexpected choice to entrust an orphan to him was itself a certain stance or message toward the Dao Ancestor and this Azure Underworld?

Because Mao Zhui, the Daoist from Zhuxu Temple, had that great Dao connection with Lu Chen and Nanhua City, making him the best candidate?

Would such an understanding of Gu Gao's intention distort its deep meaning?

Perhaps this was the problem Gu Gao deliberately left for Mao Zhui?

With his mind made up, Yin Xian had no more concerns. Taking this opportunity, he succinctly discussed many important matters with the new palace master, hoping Mao Zhui would make decisions.

Even if Mao Zhui just listened and ignored, it was still a kind of decision.

Yin Xian asked, "Nanqiang has a high chance of succeeding in her seclusion. When the time comes, will the Palace Master meet her protector from Shoushan Pavilion?"

Huayang Palace also had a lineage of sword immortals, passed down continuously, though it was somewhat dim compared to Xuandu Temple's sword immortal lineage, never fully flourishing.

The female Daoist Nanqiang, head of Damu Temple, was a Jade Pure bottleneck sword cultivator currently in seclusion. That female sword immortal's protector was not some Huayang Palace patriarch but from the same prefecture's Shoushan Pavilion.

Mao Zhui shook his head. "No."

Such personal friendships among the mountain folk should develop on their own. Yin Xian nodded, not lingering. He changed the subject, "Recently, on the border between two prefectures, troops from several states have been repeatedly provoking, attempting to ignite war. The Huayang Palace disciples stationed there long-term—how should they decide? Follow precedent or...?"

Mao Zhui said, "Directly issue a secret decree to all registered Daoist officials holding important court positions in the major dynasties: without clear orders from the ancestral hall, no one is to use military force." Yin Xian explained quietly, "Palace Master, I suspect there may be some forces among them trying to fan the flames and help Huayang Palace, so that our descent from the mountain becomes justified. Their actions are equivalent to submitting a pledge of allegiance."

Mao Zhui said, "I know. But no need to accept the favor. How Huayang Palace Daoists should cultivate and when they should enter the world is not for them to casually speculate."

Yin Xian hesitated.

Mao Zhui said, "Only names and vessels cannot be loaned to others. The first to receive this decree should be your Cuiwei Palace. Cuiwei Palace."

Yin Xian smiled bitterly, stepped back three paces, saluted, and accepted the decree: "Yin Xian respectfully obeys the Dharma mandate."

After straightening up, Yin Xian looked at the expressionless tall young man. Mao Zhui understood, and said calmly, "In this position, one must do the job. Even a remarkable Gu Gao, no matter how extraordinary, cannot outweigh the survival of Huayang Palace's entire Dao lineage. But that doesn't mean Gu Gao's death will be lightly brushed aside. During peaceful cultivation, I fear trouble the most. But when it truly comes, I am not afraid of it. Even a fool can see the world is about to fall into chaos. How Huayang Palace should position itself—when the time is right, I will give you a plan. As for the justice due, the Jade Capital will provide it."

A noble person is inevitably solitary and upright.

Gu Gao—the name was fitting: high in Dao skills, lofty in character, relying on no external forces on the path of cultivation, always acting in willful isolation.

Hearing this reassurance, Yin Xian's eyes even welled with tears. He saluted again, unable to speak, expressing gratitude.

Mao Zhui reminded, "Remember to restrain the Daoist officials of all Difei Mountain lineages. Don't go overboard investigating the roots of Zhuxu Temple." He was the White Bone True Man—this truth was currently known to only a few on Difei Mountain, including Yin Xian and Gao Fu. Mao Zhui certainly didn't think this origin was disgraceful; he feared that those with ulterior motives would seize the opportunity to make an issue of it.

In chaotic times, either dare to take the lead, charge ahead, and gamble big with your life to carve out a smooth road, or simply not gamble on some illusory mandate of heaven, waiting patiently for a certain juncture.

Yin Xian's heart trembled. Mountain Daoist officials had such presumptuous actions? He quickly saluted again, apologizing, "Palace Master, rest assured. I will strictly investigate this matter and not be lenient." Mao Zhui said, "This matter involves the internal affairs of other sects on Difei Mountain. Once investigated, you can decide whether to handle it leniently or strictly. I only care whether the result is clean. After this warning, if anyone offends again, I will hold you directly responsible. Then don't blame me for putting on the Palace Master's airs and issuing a decree reprimanding the entire Cuiwei Palace."

Yin Xian laughed freely, "Palace Master can rest easy. The regulations and rules of Huayang Palace's ancestral hall have always outweighed certain customs of Difei Mountain. When not used, it's goodwill and harmony; when used, it's rules and decrees."

Mao Zhui nodded.

No one should underestimate a Daoist Celestial Lord's ability and authority just because Yin Xian showed respect to Mao Zhui. Once off the mountain, he acted as the master's representative, walking the world.

In Youzhou, where the Jade Capital had always found it extremely difficult to interfere with specific matters, Yin Xian, as the second-in-command of Difei Mountain, was acting on behalf of heaven when he acted outside.

Mao Zhui said, "Speaking from a position of comfort: you are entangled in mundane affairs year-round, unable to evade them, making it hard to focus on refining your Dao body. But you still need to seize moments of leisure to advance to the Flying Ascension realm; you must hurry."

Yin Xian smiled and nodded. "The Palace Master is considerate. It should be so."

Mao Zhui asked abruptly, "Do you still remember the road when you first ascended the mountain?"

Yin Xian recalled the past, murmuring, "I remember it as if yesterday."

Becoming the master's direct disciple had always been the greatest pride of Yin Xian's life.

"Minor cultivation is in the deep mountains; great cultivation is in the world. The mountain Daoist temple lets you set your mind at ease; the mundane world lets you see your heart."

"Cultivating only in the world lets you see all hearts, but you cannot settle your heart. Cultivating only in the deep mountains lets you see one heart, but you cannot perceive the heavenly heart."

"Both are indispensable. Yin Xian, you were brought up the mountain to cultivate as a child, but you don't know that your Dao lies at the foot of the mountain."

"At that time, Gu Gao, intentionally or not, had you accompany him on the road down the mountain. That was the master leading you in but cultivating on your own. After that, it was up to the disciple to awaken on his own. It's a pity you were only focused on sadness and failed to appreciate Gu Gao's good intentions."

"Since you admire Lin Shi of Yashan, go find him for a drink. On the way, see the customs of the Red Gold Dynasty—what harm? If you feel certain aspects of Yao Qing's Dao are questionable, go to the Green Mountains Dynasty for a debate. Why must there be victory or defeat? With such a competitive heart, you might as well experience the splendid youth of the Five Mounds young masters, see for yourself the Daoist officials from humble families in their studies and Dao-seeking. If you very much want to see the most proud person of the human world, travel to Qizhou, knock on the door of Xuandu Temple, and say to his face that Bai Ye's poetry is unmatched. Walk through the countryside, ask the locals for a sip of water, listen to the boat trackers' chants. During this, whether to change identity or appearance, do as you please, follow your heart. The Azure Underworld lacks the Dao Ancestor, yet the great Dao still cycles endlessly. If Huayang Palace lacks Yin Xian to manage affairs, it will surely fail? I doubt it."

Yin Xian was stunned for a moment, then realized, "I am instructed."

Mao Zhui had other thoughts.

At the ancient battlefield site of Zhuolu, there was an old debt and an old fate that he needed to settle when free, on behalf of a female Daoist who had changed her appearance and was revisiting the place.

Mao Zhui knew well that Zhuolu had become a ruin precisely due to a peak duel between Gu Gao and that female Daoist. As for how to resolve the grievance, no need for Mao Zhui to worry; Gu Gao had left a sealed letter, and Mao Zhui just needed to hand it to her.

Mao Zhui suddenly explained, "This time I walked out, it wasn't to get a look at those Hongnong Yang Clan youths. Your current realm is insufficient to perceive this matter."

Earlier, a perfect bright moon—Lu Chen, for some reason, manifested an unprecedented giant Dharma image, making the entire Azure Underworld as small as a rural threshing ground.

The Daoist looked down upon the earth, seeming to search for something.

He wore a lotus crown, which contained vast Daoist intent cascading like a waterfall into the human world, dispersing into billions of golden threads like casting a net over fourteen states.

The key point was that Yin Xian, a veteran immortal with profound Dao power and nearly complete merit, was completely unaware.

Yin Xian asked doubtfully, "May I inquire about this matter?"

Mao Zhui hesitated, then revealed a heavenly secret via heart voice: "Lu Chen's realm has advanced a step further on the hundred-foot pole."

Yin Xian stood speechless, his Dao heart shaken, his face full of shock, overwhelmed with astonishment. Lord Lu had long been at the perfected fourteenth realm—how could he advance further?!

He heard that on Leap Month Peak, the newly established sect's master Zhang Fenghai and his group had just left the Azure Underworld to travel to the Barbaric Wilderness. The martial artist Xinku had followed them. Was Lord Lu taking this opportunity?

As for Xinku of Leap Month Peak's Dao root, even among peak cultivators, those who knew the inside story were few and far between. Ordinary Flying Ascension cultivators couldn't learn of it. Yin Xian knew more thanks to his master.

Mao Zhui instantly guessed Yin Xian's thoughts and shook his head. "Then you underestimate Lu Chen's Dao."

A solitary crane gracefully screams in the blue sky.

How lonely.

——

During the busy farming season, the village school was on holiday.

Having no school for several days made the children happy, but having to help with chores at home made them a little annoyed.

Master Jiang wasn't at the school. Ning Ji and his senior brother Zhao Shuxia were recently helping the families of the young students, managing to get a meal or two.

After a day's work, the senior and junior brothers walked along the ridges between the fields. Today they planned to cook a special meal: cut a piece of cured meat, chop it, and stew it with dried bamboo shoots, and stir-fry a few seasonal wild greens.

In the fields, they saw yellow sparrows flying, now high, now low, now gathering, now scattering.

Ning Ji inexplicably remembered a poem. The words were simple, beautifully written, like an easy-to-sing nursery rhyme.

Drawing my sword to cut the net, the yellow sparrow flies free.

Flying, flying, touching the blue sky, then coming down to thank the youth.

Zhao Shuxia and Ning Ji stopped almost simultaneously.

They saw two men standing side by side by the river, as if waiting for something. Their bearing and style were definitely not ordinary—must be lofty cultivators from immortal caves. Zhao Shuxia transmitted a secret voice message: "Ning Ji, something's off. Can't tell friend from foe. I've notified Lord Wei with my heart voice. Before Lord Wei arrives, if a conflict arises, I'll deliberately plead softly, seeming to invoke the master's name to scare them. At that moment, you unhesitatingly activate the Three Mountains Talisman and return to Luopo Mountain first."

Ning Ji remained silent.

Zhao Shuxia said, "Listen to your senior brother!"

Ning Ji nodded.

"Zhao Shuxia, Ning Ji."

The white-robed man called out their names directly, then smiled slightly. "Wei Bo won't come. Don't waste the Three Mountains Talisman either. No need to be nervous; it's useless anyway."

"Ning Ji, learn more from your senior brother: when facing an enemy, your killing intent must be hidden."

The man introduced himself: "I'm Zheng Juzhong, from White Emperor City. This gentleman beside me is temporarily named Liu Xiang. He is the manifestation of the Great Dao in the Righteous World. In the historical anecdotes compiled by Lord Lu, he is the one who didn't get along well with the First Sage."

He looked at the boy a few times and nodded. So it was this person.

Zhao Shuxia felt a little more at ease. Ning Ji, relieved, had a complex expression.

Zheng Juzhong explained, "Earlier, Liu Xiang mentioned this place in his words, so we just stopped by to see you. Liu Xiang has something to say; I have matters to attend to."

Liu Xiang smiled. "I believe, with Mr. Zheng's intellect, he wouldn't need to deceive you, right?"

Zheng Juzhong smiled slightly. "When truly faced with matters, not necessarily."

Liu Xiang said, "What I say today, after hearing it, you may relay to Chen Ping'an."

Zhao Shuxia said solemnly, "Please speak, Mr. Liu."

Liu Xiang said slowly, "I have a fairly good impression of Chen Ping'an, as do a few so-called Daoist friends of the Righteous World."

"Just this one barrier alone, Mr. Zheng finds hard to cross. It's not closely related to the level of the realm."

"There is no love or hate without reason. First the Bookcase Lake, then later your master's attitude toward Feng Yuanxiao of the Multicolor World and his student Ning Ji—that gradually gave me confidence."

"The most important thing: your master is still very young."

"On the other hand, Mr. Zheng and Palace Master Wu—to put it nicely, their Dao hearts are as firm as rock. To put it bluntly, each already has their own Dao to walk. As the saying goes, a large ship is hard to turn around—that's the principle."

"Ning Ji, in your master, we can see infinite possibilities. There exists a path that can be continuously corrected and gradually perfected. Everyone says he likes to negate himself, that his self-awareness is too thin. But in my view, that is a huge advantage."

At the Central Earth Confucian Temple deliberations, when the two worlds confronted each other, Chen Ping'an was the first to say "let's fight," yet he delayed going to the Barbaric Wilderness to establish merits. Suspicion of insufficient merit was inevitable. Fortunately, the current manager of the Confucian Temple was the Old Scholar who had regained his divine position, and plus the earlier battle outside heaven led by Ritual Sage with figures like Three Mountains Nine Marquis and Zheng Juzhong, Chen Ping'an had contributed significantly. Even if the Confucian Temple internally downplayed the matter, the Righteous peak knew well and recognized that the young Hidden Official was not one to rest on his laurels. Otherwise, outside Bottle Gourd Continent and North Julu Continent, the other six continents of the Righteous World would have only more criticism. Moreover, establishing a subordinate sect in Tongye Continent and digging a great river were indeed enormous matters. Before the First Sage dispersed his Dao, he even visited Tongye Continent, accompanied by Lü Yan, to witness Chen Ping'an summoning the respect and incense of mountain and river spirits from other continents, willing to scatter all his merits, like lighting hundreds of millions of lamps in a continent shrouded in darkness.

Liu Xiang naturally wouldn't turn a blind eye.

That was one of the First Sage's intentions.

It was like speaking to Liu Xiang from afar: "Neighbor and fellow Daoist, don't be discouraged. Keep looking."

"Having been the last Hidden Official and presided over the battles of the Sword Qi Great Wall, the famous generals enshrined in the Military Temples of a Central Earth military ancestral court have a fairly good impression of Chen Ping'an."

Especially dealing with that group of cross-continent ship managers, in the eyes of many observant people, it created more goodwill.

He is both a pure martial artist and a sword cultivator. He is both a self-cultivator of the Wen Sheng lineage of Confucianism and a founding patriarch of a mountain sect.

"Ning Yao and Feiran are recognized by their respective Daos as the number one in the world, both in name and reality.

As world leaders, their identities are the greatest protective talismans of the human world. To oppose them is to contend with a world's Great Dao.

Whether me, Guike of the Barbaric Wilderness, or Feng Yuanxiao of the Multicolor World, our Dao heart is the heavenly heart."

"Extending from this, Mr. Zheng originally had an unrealistic idea. Since I didn't dare agree, I won't mention it today."

Among mountain peak cultivators who have achieved the Dao, there is a mysterious intuition that the Great Dao is not dead; it has its own loves and hates.

The old saying goes that a region's water and soil nourish a region's people. Different places have different natures of water and soil. The five sacred mountains have different soil natures. For example, the three rivers converging at Red Candle Town have completely different water natures.

Liu Xiang also feared that Jiang She would rally again and lead the military scholars to start over, causing heaven to collapse and earth to crack, war everywhere, the human world withered, and living beings devastated.

Whether Jiang She, the first ancestor of the military scholars, or Zhou Mi of the Literary Sea before him, each with their own Great Dao, sought to trade temporary shattered mountains and rivers for eternal peace. Zhou Mi's methods were harsh, pursuing a one-time solution.

But as manifestations of the Great Daos of various worlds, in the eyes of beings like Liu Xiang, the Great Dao ledger is not calculated that way. They must be responsible for all sentient beings of the "present."

Liu Xiang, who once stood against the First Sage in the Righteous World; Xinku, the martial artist of Leap Month Peak; Guike of the Barbaric Wilderness, who recently became Feiran's Dao companion; Feng Yuanxiao of the Multicolor World, still a little girl for now; and a word monk from the Western Buddhist Land who carries a Buddha niche while traveling the world.

Cultivation requires provisions, let alone warfare: troops move on their stomachs. The preparation of soldiers' pay and provisions, the deployment of manpower, material, and financial resources—all are drawn from the heaven and earth.

Since ancient times, "sacrifice" has required offerings to the gods.

It's like two people: one says you have to lend me a copper coin, and in a day or two I'll earn several taels of silver; the other only cares about the money in his pocket today.

How can you negotiate a deal? How can you reach an agreement? Therefore, this almost irreconcilable fundamental divergence is also a kind of Great Dao struggle.

If Jiang She, upon leaving the mountain this time, could find them and convince them with a certain "Dao," rather than just suppressing them with spells and force, he would have a chance to gain the first-mover advantage.

It's not entirely impossible to talk.

The reason it's "almost" rather than absolute is that beings like Liu Xiang inherently loathe cultivators who seek immortality and become immortals. Great cultivators are like pus-filled sores that cannot be scraped away. Immortal mansions and sects, like the great cities and towns of dynasties, form scabby walls on the earth. So when war starts, it is a kind of "pinch-head" of the human world by the Great Dao. Commoners and cultivators see ancient battlefield sites as dangerous places, but for Liu Xiang and his kind, they are merely scars.

Zhou Mi's greatest disadvantage in choosing the Barbaric Wilderness is that he is ultimately an outsider. "Not one of our kind, their hearts must be different." That's why Guike has always tried to escape. Even though Zhou Mi offered a feasible new path, even able to help her devour the Righteous counterpart, Guike still refused to cooperate with Zhou Mi—their Daos don't match. The same principle applies to Xinku of Leap Month Peak, who inwardly resents Lin Jiangxian of Yashan.

Unconsciously, Liu Xiang was talking while Zhao Shuxia was noting.

Ning Ji walked together with Zheng Juzhong.

Ning Ji asked curiously, "Mr. Zheng, what great matter keeps you busy?"

Zheng Juzhong said, "I encountered two strong opponents on the road. Since neither is willing to yield, I have to contend with them for the path."

Ning Ji asked, "Can Mr. Zheng win?"

Zheng Juzhong smiled. "Dare not say for certain."

Hearing this polite statement, Ning Ji felt Mr. Zheng would definitely win.

Liu Xiang looked around, sighed, and made a Daoist salute.

Zheng Juzhong looked into the distance and asked, "Ning Ji, I heard that Lord Lu is your little master?"

Ning Ji blushed. "Lord Lu was joking with me."

Zheng Juzhong remained silent.

In the fields, it seemed a sparrow circled low. Between heaven and earth, the yellow sparrow suddenly flapped its wings and flew high into the blue sky. Was it gaining freedom or flying into a net? Ning Ji looked up, seeing the sparrow's sadness, but the sparrow's flight made the youth happy. When the yellow sparrow disappeared from sight, he felt a little lost, staring blankly, unable to speak.