The Immortal Ruins, Biyou Palace.
After leaving Langya, Meng Qi headed straight for the entrance. He had two purposes: one was to attempt using the ancestral divine breath of the Blue Blooded People to repair the Xuan Shui Banishing Flag, and the other was to consult the Celestial Venerable of Treasures about the procedures for introducing companions to join the Immortal Ruins. Moreover, the matter of the “Du Ren Qin” (Piano of Salvation) had stirred many thoughts in him, and he hoped to discuss it with seasoned seniors.
On the Exchange Chart of the Master of the Sixfold Samsara, the “Du Ren Qin” did not bear the mark of “absence,” meaning that as long as one paid the corresponding good deeds and completed the exclusive task, one could directly exchange for it. However, according to the information revealed by the Ruan family in recent days, the Du Ren Qin was clearly in the hands of the Blue Blooded People and was not an “ownerless object”!
Why was it considered “absent” within the aristocratic sects but “present” once in the hands of the Blue Blooded People?
Did this differential treatment hint at the secret of the Sixfold Samsara itself?
Such speculation left Meng Qi’s head aching, yet he remained shrouded in confusion, unable to find a clear train of thought. However, the Celestial Venerable of Treasures had completed a divine weapon’s exclusive task before, and perhaps from his experiences, some insights could be gained.
For example, was his exclusive task directly related to the divine weapon itself, with the reward for completing the task being this item? Like the exchange for the Du Ren Qin, the task might be “infiltrate the core domain of the Blue Blooded People and find the Du Ren Qin.” If this were the case, it might suggest that the Sixfold Samsara was not as omnipotent as imagined, merely knowing many secrets and the whereabouts of numerous divine weapons and top-tier cultivation techniques, marking those that wouldn’t cause “great commotion” or “massive attention” as their own.
If not, and if one had to complete unrelated difficult tasks before obtaining the divine weapon from the Sixfold Samsara, then what was the criterion by which the Master of the Sixfold Samsara determined the presence or absence of a divine weapon? Was there any profound connection between the Sixfold Samsara and the Blue-Blooded People? And what was the relationship between the Sixfold Samsara and the ancestral deity Zushen, worshipped by the Blue-Blooded People?
All these questions awaited answers or discussion with the Celestial Venerable of Treasures.
As Meng Qi had just landed before Biyou Palace, he saw the “Lady of Azure Clouds,” Qu Jiuniang. She looked at Meng Qi with suspicion and hesitated slightly before asking, “I heard you’ve crossed the first Heaven’s Ladder?”
Meng Qi’s breakthrough had occurred two or three days ago, and the major factions that should know already did. The struggle over the Du Ren Qin had only happened yesterday, and the absolute power Meng Qi displayed had only spread around Langya.
“Jiuniang, what do you think?” Meng Qi replied with a question, his tone carrying a hint of amusement.
Qu Jiuniang snorted, “What’s there to be smug about? If you don’t advance at this pace with four calamities upon you, you might as well go buy a block of tofu and crash into it!”
Then, she suddenly looked a bit melancholic: “I’ve endured for years, going through task after task, barely surviving several times to become a peerless expert. How long has it been since you started cultivating?”
Just as Meng Qi thought Jiuniang was being unusually sentimental, she suddenly lifted her head. The beautiful eyes behind her mask radiated a gentle glow, as she looked at Meng Qi like he was a pile of treasure: “Guys like you must have had countless extraordinary encounters. If you have any leftover scraps in the future, better to sell them cheaply to me than to others or the Sixfold Samsara. We’ve known each other for years, and it was even me who introduced you to the Immortal Ruins. Don’t be a stranger!”
Her mood changed faster than turning a page… Meng Qi laughed heartily: “Jiuniang, you’re really straightforward.”
“Of course. Why should one be so hypocritical?” Jiuniang raised her head proudly, looking like a woman who had always been upright and honest.
From her tone, Meng Qi knew that the Celestial Venerable of Treasures had not revealed that he could bring others to Lanke Temple to comprehend the Grand Total of Divine Palms. Otherwise, Jiuniang’s attitude would not have been just this.
Since he had just brought a gluttonous friend to Lanke Temple to comprehend the Grand Total, Meng Qi decided not to mention this matter for now, after all, one shouldn’t treat another’s Pure Land as a “public restroom,” especially when he still couldn’t defeat the other party!
“Jiuniang, is the Venerable at home?” Meng Qi changed the subject.
Jiuniang shook her head, puzzled: “The Venerable has been acting mysteriously these days, no one knows what he’s up to. He hasn’t come to Biyou Palace for a long time.”
The matter of the Jade Root at Yuxu Palace in Kunlun Mountains? Meng Qi nodded thoughtfully, didn’t say more, left a message, and flew toward Xianyou Bazaar.
There were no Cycle Talismans for sale in Xianyou Bazaar at the moment. Considering that distant water cannot put out a nearby fire, Meng Qi decided to go to Zhenwu’s Suspected Tomb alone and posted a notice offering unlimited purchase of Cycle Talismans.
Standing before the central jade pillar, he took out the Jade Purifying Vase and poured out those few drops of deep blue liquid.
The moment he grasped it, Meng Qi sensed its immense weight—as though a single drop of the Ancestral Deity’s breath, condensed into water, could form an entire lake!
Dignified, vast, sacred—these feelings filled the air. Meng Qi carefully sensed it but found no connection to the Master of the Sixfold Samsara.
“I wonder what appraisal result the Sixfold Samsara will give…” With a testing mindset, Meng Qi extended his hand toward the jade pillar.
The grand and indifferent voice of the Master of the Sixfold Samsara sounded, still devoid of any emotional fluctuation:
Ancestral Deity (Zushen) Breath (Residual) — The lingering breath of an ancient great being known as Zushen (Ancestral Deity), capable of repairing any water-based artifacts and refining elixirs of longevity. However, most of its power has been depleted, limiting its efficacy. Value: 9,000 good deeds.
The origin was explained clearly and thoroughly… Meng Qi felt a sense of disappointment, implying that the Sixfold Samsara had no real connection with the Zushen (Ancestral Deity)?
Collecting his thoughts, he simultaneously placed the Xuan Shui Banishing Flag and the deep blue liquid transformed from the ancestral deity’s breath into the jade pillar.
“By utilizing the residual breath of the ancestral deity, Zushen, along with a high-grade Water Blue Heart, the Xuan Shui Banishing Flag can be partially restored. When fully activated, its usable count will be replenished to two times.” The Master of the Sixfold Samsara delivered the verdict in its characteristically detached tone.
“Having two uses is reassuring enough.” Meng Qi nodded inwardly. The Great Emperor Zhenwu was undoubtedly a figure beyond legend; caution was never excessive when dealing with his malevolent thoughts. Previously, the Suspected Tomb of Zhenwu was simple because the malevolent thoughts were under suppression and seal. Now, to destroy it might require penetrating the seal or even breaking it open!
Mist rose and light floated. Some of the cracks on the Xuan Shui Banishing Flag were slightly mended, while Meng Qi’s Water Blue Stone was reduced to just one, and it was of a lower grade, fetching only 500 good deeds.
As for the “Formless Sword Worm” residue left by a peerless expert, though valued at 3,300 good deeds and possessing unique and mystical functions, Meng Qi kept it and did not exchange it with the Sixfold Samsara.
After finishing all this and inspecting the Xuan Shui Banishing Flag and the Dongji Changsheng Pill among other items, Meng Qi took out a Cycle Talisman and activated it on the spot.
A greenish light shimmered, and he stepped into darkness, where a series of scenes unfolded before his eyes—worlds he had visited before.
Without hesitation, he chose the Jiuxiang World.
Then, the voice of the Master of the Sixfold Samsara sounded: “Returning to the Jiuxiang World for two months. You may choose to teleport to the vicinity of any acquaintance or any place you have previously visited.”
Where to teleport? Meng Qi hesitated. His first thought was to go directly to the Suspected Tomb and settle things quickly, but he soon discarded the idea. It had already been several years since his last entry into Jiuxiang, and even more time had passed within. The Suspected Tomb might have undergone changes!
Perhaps Zhenwu’s malevolent thoughts could sense their impending doom and, no longer caring about future consequences, had attempted to escape with reckless abandon, achieving some success?
He must investigate thoroughly before entering… Taking the matter seriously, Meng Qi made a swift decision and chose Huangfu Fei!
…
In the distance of Meng Qi’s vision stood a grand manor covering a vast area, complete with pavilions and terraces, backed by mountains and forests, and surrounded by endless fields.
Now, the manor was decorated with lanterns and red paper, exuding festive cheer. Carriages continuously passed by, heading toward the main gate, where a horizontal tablet bore three large characters:
“Jushen Manor.”
“Jushen Manor?” Meng Qi smiled. Huangfu Fei and He Canshang had gotten along well enough to already be able to resist Master Xiyue and rebuild Jushen Manor?
Seeing that no one was paying him any heed, Meng Qi flicked his sleeves, altered his appearance, and donned a water-blue robe. He wore a fan-shaped cloud cap upon his head, hemp shoes on his feet, a silk sash around his waist, and carried nothing in his hands. He now resembled a refined and elegant young Daoist.
Treading on the remaining snow, Meng Qi slowly approached Jushen Manor. At this time, the carriages had become sparse, and the sounds of celebration came from within.
“Master Daoist, do you have an invitation?” A disciple guarding the gate approached to inquire.
Seeing the other’s distinguished demeanor, unlike that of an ordinary wandering Daoist, he dared not be careless.
Meng Qi made a Daoist bow, smiling slightly: “This humble Daoist is Qingyuan. I have old ties with the Huangfu family, though we haven’t met for many years. Today, I happened to pass by and came specially to visit. I wasn’t aware that your manor had an upcoming celebration, so I don’t have an invitation.”
“If you don’t have an invitation, we cannot allow outsiders inside. Please wait a moment while I go in and report.” The gate disciple politely returned the bow.
“That’s only proper.” Meng Qi did not take offense, “May I ask what happy occasion is being celebrated today?”
The gate disciple immediately straightened his back, a proud and honored expression on his face: “It’s the wedding day of Master He and the eldest Miss. They’ve endured hardships for years, and today they can finally announce their union to the world and declare the reestablishment of Jushen Manor.”
“That’s truly commendable. It seems Master He has broken through to the Outer Scenery realm.” Meng Qi calculated with a finger, already understanding.
Back then, He Canshang had been close to the realm of Heavenly and Human Convergence. Now, after several years, it wasn’t impossible for him to have advanced from the Half-Step Outer Scenery to the Outer Scenery realm, without necessarily demanding the full mastery of Heavenly and Human Convergence or a clear personal path.
“Exactly!” The gate disciple looked at Meng Qi with slight suspicion. Master He’s breakthrough was common knowledge. Otherwise, how dare they openly rebuild Jushen Manor without fearing pursuit from the Moon Township? This Daoist looked so young, how could he be so ignorant? Was he perhaps a reclusive Daoist who had spent years gathering herbs and refining elixirs deep in the mountains?
He paused, his tone filled with deep admiration: “Master He’s talent isn’t considered top-tier, but he possesses rare perseverance, diligently persisting, and was favored by Master Huangfu, who accepted him as his first disciple. Later, although he and the eldest Miss were pursued for years, enduring many dangers, he always managed to turn danger into safety, growing stronger with each battle. He expanded Jushen Manor’s secret forces, eventually breaking through his limits, merging internal and external cultivation, becoming a great hero renowned throughout the land, forcing Master Xiyue to temporarily retreat…
Meng Qi listened with a smile to his continuous stream of praise without interrupting, until the disciple suddenly realized and apologized: “Master Daoist, please wait a moment while I go report. However, today is Master He’s and the eldest Miss’s auspicious day, and they and the matriarch are very busy. If there’s any delay, please be understanding.”
“No problem.” Meng Qi smiled, hands behind his back.
Inside the newly rebuilt Jushen Manor, He Canshang and Huangfu Fei did not perform the traditional wedding ceremony like ordinary couples. Instead, they held wine cups with the demeanor of martial artists, toasting their guests.
Looking at the couple, the Huangfu matriarch, whose appearance hadn’t changed much, touched the silver strands in her hair, filled with contentment.
Years of hardship had finally borne fruit today!
“Master He, Miss Huangfu, no, now it should be Mrs. He, why go through so many formalities?” The martial artists being toasted by He Canshang and Huangfu Fei looked flattered and surprised. These were Outer Scenery experts, rare in the world!
Except for Immortal Wuliang and others who were friends of Huangfu Tao, who would not react this way to a toast from an Outer Scenery expert?
“Seeing that he has worthy successors, this old Daoist is truly happy…” Immortal Wuliang slapped his thigh, filled with both emotion and joy, with Lady Hongxian and the Camel of the Northern Regions beside him.
Just then, a gate disciple entered.
“Master, Madam, there is a Daoist outside who claims to be an old friend of the Huangfu family and requests an audience.” He had waited for a while and seized a moment to approach the two, whispering his report.
“An old friend? A Daoist?” Huangfu Fei’s eyes widened slightly, “Did he state his name?”
He Canshang also stopped toasting, drawing the attention of the martial artists.
What had happened?
“He calls himself Qingyuan.” The gate disciple suddenly felt uneasy, not understanding why the Master and Madam reacted this way.
“Master Qingyuan Daoist!” Huangfu Fei exclaimed in both surprise and delight, immediately pulling He Canshang toward the gate, leaving a room full of puzzled guests.
Suddenly, He Canshang summoned a whirlwind, wrapping Huangfu Fei in it, and they rushed to the edge of the manor.
The martial artists looked at each other in confusion. Who could make Master He and his wife so important and lose their composure? He was one of the few Outer Scenery experts in the world!
“Master Qingyuan Daoist?” The matriarch, Huangfu Madam, suddenly stood up at the main table.
Immortal Wuliang’s breathing quickened as he turned to Lady Hongxian and the Camel of the Northern Regions: “Could it be that Master Qingyuan Daoist?”
The two looked at him blankly, with hidden anticipation.
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