Majestic mountains loomed, and the misty hue of green and white floating among them seemed as if it had been lingering for thousands of years.
The dark jungle hides behind, while the clear azure sky hangs above.
Trees are lush and dense, with sunlight spreading everywhere.
Chen Yun, after being away from Zhongshan Mountain for more than three years, returned to this land and felt a sense of homesickness as he approached his hometown.
A few days ago, he had made a promise with Qin Ming to meet up in Minzhoushi City in a few days, and then proceed together to the Yueyangtan Lake. After that, he hurried back to Zhongshan Mountain.
Staring at the characters "Xuan Yang Gudao" (Ways of the Sunny Realm) on the front of the Ningshang Temple, Chen Yun hesitated before stepping inside.
Suddenly, a stranger in Daoist robes emerged from the temple.
The young boy, noticing Chen Yun standing there, approached cautiously and greeted him, "Sir, may I ask what business brings you to my temple of the teachings?"
Chen Yun was about to respond.
A slightly older worker in traditional clothes emerged from behind.
Upon seeing Chen Yun, he was momentarily taken aback and then exclaimed with joy, "Brother Chen, is that you?"
Chen Yun turned to look at the young man who had emerged from behind, carefully distinguishing him to be the worker who had replaced Li Sì after he left the herb garden.
He nodded and smiled, "Season Brother, it's been a long time."
The young boy looked at Chen Yun with some hesitation, then involuntarily turned his gaze to his younger brother, as if puzzled by the handsome young Taoist in front of him.
"Oh, it really is Brother Chen," said Ji Season Brother in a hurry, bowing respectfully. He then eagerly introduced the young worker to the boy, saying, "Brother Zhou, this is Brother Chen Pu, who often mentions him to you as the powerful brother who rules over Sichuan."
"Oh!" Brother Zhou was astonished and immediately bowed respectfully, "Greetings to Brother Chen."
Chen Yun nodded in return, then looked at Ji Shidai, "Is the Master in the temple?"
Ji Shidai said, "There hasn't been any sighting of the master leaving recently, so he should be in."
Chen Yun nodded and said, "I'll go in first. You guys keep busy."
"Ahh."
"Brother Chen, you lead the way."
Ji Shidai and Brother Zhou watched Chen Yun go inside.
As soon as Chen Yun went inside, Brother Zhou couldn't help but whisper in awe, "Season Brother, this Brother Chen who rules over Sichuan seems not to be much older than us."
Ji Shidai smiled and said, "I once heard Li Si's brother say that Brother Chen seems to be the same age as me."
Brother Zhou took a deep breath and said, "Brother Chen has made such a big name for himself in Sichuan at such a young age, and even we at the end of Zhongshan Mountain have heard of him. It's truly incredible. I must strive to be like Brother Chen in the future."
Ji Shidai laughed heartily, "Brother Chen is a rare genius among tens of thousands. Don't compare yourself to him; otherwise, you'll live in the shadow all your life."
...
The usually tranquil temple of teachings had become the center of attention today.
The reason for the stir was none other than the return of Brother Chen, who had gained a prominent reputation in Sichuan over the past few years.
Of course, the new workers were eager to catch a glimpse of this renowned Brother Chen.
Some speculated that he might have three heads and six arms.
Others believed that Brother Chen must be like the rumors in the streets, with a blue face and sharp teeth, hair like cinnabar, and wings of wind and thunder on his back.
"Is that really Brother Chen?"
"Oh, but why doesn't he look like what the rumors say?"
"The rumors said Brother Chen was fierce-looking, like one of our Taoist deities, didn't they?"
In the end, everyone was disappointed when they saw Brother Chen as a tall and majestic figure, with an imposing and heroic appearance.
It was certainly not what they had envisioned in their minds of a "fierce and imposing" appearance.
Walking through the temple, Chen Yun, with his keen sense of hearing, overheard the younger workers whispering behind him, and for a moment, he found himself feeling a mixture of amusement and chagrin.
Perhaps the noise made by the junior disciples startled Wang Zaixi, who manages everyone.
Wang Zaixi, with his usual face like stone, lightly roared at the senior workers, "Go back to work!"
The senior workers scattered in a hurry, all heading back to their respective posts.
At this moment, Wang Zaixi stepped forward, bowing respectfully, "Greetings, Senior Brother Chen."
Although Chen Yun had joined Zhongli Quan's doorway and become Wang Zaixi's senior brother, he harbored a deep sense of gratitude in his heart for the man who had tirelessly taught him before they became formally master and disciple.
Therefore, Chen Yun returned the greeting to Wang Zaixi, his tone warm and friendly, "Wang junior brother, it's been three years since we last saw each other. Have you been well?"
"Everything is the same."
Wang Zaixi answered in a straightforward manner, yet his gaze towards Chen Yun was laden with subtle nuances, a mixture of envy, jealousy, and sheer delight.
Just as they were talking, the voice of Wang Laoyi echoed from behind, "Huh, Brother Chen?"
Chen Yun hurriedly turned around and bowed respectfully, saying, "Greetings, Wang Brother."
When he looked up, he saw Wang Laoyi's spirit appearance was a bit off as he slowly approached.
Wang Laoyi used to be full of vitality, but now he looked not only emaciated, with eyes that seemed sunken, but also exuded a strange "vigor" that felt unsettling to others.
Chen Yun always felt this unsettling "vigor" familiar, yet unable to recall.
Although Wang Laoyi emitted an air that was quite uncomfortable for others, his attitude towards Chen Yun remained unchanged.
With a laugh, he stepped forward to pat Chen Yun on the shoulder, "You young fellow, you've been out for over three years. I didn't expect you to make such a big name for yourself."
Chen Yun modestly replied, "It's just a few empty titles."
"Won't be humble, won't be humble," Wang Laoyi looked at him with relief on his face, "Remember when I bought you from the tooth shop? You were a thin, dark-haired boy. Now you have grown tall and handsome, having dealt decisive blows to the evil Yin Wujue in Sichuan and slain Guishuai as well as over ten thousand ghost troops. Excellent! Very good!"
It was evident that he was sincerely happy for Chen Yun.
Wang Zaixi also nodded in agreement. Long before two and a half years ago, when traveling merchants spread the news of Chen Yun's extraordinary feats in Sichuan around the foot of Zhongshan Mountain, Wang Laoyi and he naturally knew what an impact Chen Yun had made in that region.
Chen Yun knew why Wang Laoyi was so happy. Wang Laoyi was his "guide" into the realm of immortality, and Chen Yun's great achievements were a source of joy for Wang Laoyi because they signified that he had chosen wisely.
After a few more humble words, he spent a long time catching up with Wang Laoyi and Wang Zaixi before heading to the inner courtyard.
...
The inner courtyard, three stories of red buildings.
Like before, Chen Yun knocked three times on the door on the third floor with reverence, waiting until he heard Zhongli Quan say "Come in" from inside before pushing open the door.
Inside.
Zhongli Quan was sitting at the desk by the window, reading Taoist scriptures.
Chen Yun stepped forward, showing the utmost respect, then stood up and waited.
When he saw that his Master's tea cup was empty, he refilled it without being asked.
A cup of tea passed quickly.
Zhongli Quan slowly put down the Taoist scripture and said, "Make it a tea infusion."
Chen Yun hurriedly responded, "Master."
Zhongli Quan turned his head to look at him, "Three years have passed; are you ready to enter the world and temper your heart?"
As they often saw each other, there was not as much small talk as with Wang Laoyi and Wang Zaixi. They pretty much went straight to the point.
Chen Yun replied seriously, "Master, I have another important matter to attend to. I will enter the world and temper my heart after completing it. This time I returned was to report my movements to Master."
Zhongli Quan asked, "Where are you heading?"
Chen Yun recounted his plan to go with Qin Ming, Wu Kejiu, and others to the Riyue Tan realm to "complete quests."
"Riyue Tan realm?" Zhongli Quan glanced towards the east, "If my memory serves, it is a small piece of Yanzhou Paradise extending into the mortal world. Indeed, there are countless celestial roots and treasures formed by Dao Qi in that place."
So, it seems that Qin Ming's information was indeed without a trace of falsity.
Chen Yun had previously been half-believing, but with his Master's confirmation, he could now be certain that there was something he wanted inside the Riyue Tan realm.
Thinking about it, he hurriedly explained his purpose, "Qin Ming, Wu Kejiu, and Kang Yuan are all from evil paths. I'm not sure if it's appropriate for me to go with them to the Riyue Tan realm. I'm worried that other famous sects might consider me as corrupt, so I want to ask Master about it."
"These people are indeed from external sects, but they cannot be considered evil. External sects just want to spread their own beliefs. For those relying on offerings to grow stronger, they certainly wish to eliminate them." Zhongli Quan waved his hand.
Chen Yun nodded slightly, acknowledging that for most sects, offerings were indeed of utmost importance.
Zhongli Quan continued slowly, "However, our school of internal elixir does not rely much on the power of offerings. Taking myself as an example, I have long since ascended to the heavenly realm and been enshrined as a deity, but I am just a 'dispersed position'. The offerings I have are not many, yet I have still achieved the status of a celestial Immortal. This is where we are different from other sacred sects and my school of internal elixir. When they reach the realm of Immortals, they basically can no longer self-grow."
Chen Yun thought back to the sacred he had encountered, such as Erlang Shen, Xie Ziran, and it seemed that they were all "stuck" at the Immortal realm.
Although their "refining theory" involved Great God realm, they had not yet reached the Celestial Immortal realm. Whether the "theory" could be proven correct is still unknown.
As for Zhang Tianshi, Chen Yun knew that he was a celestial Immortal, but since he lived in the Immortal City, it was likely that when he first entered the realm of immortality, he was only at the level of an Immortal. Subsequently, he relied on the power of offerings to enhance himself and eventually achieved the celestial Immortal fruit.
As he said this, Zhongli Quan revealed a slight contemptuous look towards the world, "But for internal elixir cultivation, it's not like that. As long as you have enough wisdom, you can continuously break through yourself. One doesn't necessarily have to reach the level of an Immortal or even attain true fusion with Dao to become a Great God!"
Chen Yun felt a surge of blood in his veins as he realized why the school of internal elixir would later become the mainstream in the world of cultivation. The upper limit of the internal elixir school was much higher than that of other schools.
"Of course, other Immortals need offerings, so they establish sects and expand their influence in the mortal world. If you help others propagate their teachings, you are sure to incur resentment from others," Zhongli Quan changed the subject, "You just need to remember, it's fine to make friends with people from external sects, but you should not help with propagation of teachings. This way, you won't be at the mercy of what others say."
Chen Yun said, "I understand, Master."
"Hmm." Zhongli Quan looked at him with a smile, teasingly saying, "You've got a lot on your mind. I suspect you're not just here to discuss these matters today."
Unembarrassed by the revelation, Chen Yun had no awkwardness. His Master treated him like a father, and he similarly regarded the other as both "Master" and "Father" in his heart. "Disciple is uncertain of the fortune and misfortune of this trip to Riyue Tan realm, and would like to ask Master to cast a horoscope for me."
If the forecast result is very dangerous, he might not take the risk.
Zhongli Quan teased with a smile, "I know you're here for no other reason. Alright, I'll calculate it for you."
Said and done, he pinched his fingers to calculate.
Chen Yun looked worried on his face.
After a while, Zhongli Quan nodded slightly and said, "Great fortune!"
Great fortune?
Then it means that I might gain very abundant rewards this time for my trip to Riyue Tan realm?
Chen Yun felt elated in his heart. He knew that his Master, with such profound cultivation, would never make a miscalculation. Therefore, it was safe to say that he could go to the Riyue Tan realm!
(Chapter ends)
