In early autumn, the layers of trees are dyed, vibrant and colorful.

    The golden-colored Dragon's Backbone Terraced Fields are spread across the mountains and fields.

    Under the azure sea and blue sky, the saltwort grass is so bright red it seems to drip, forming a vast red beach.

    Magnificent mountains and rivers, a masterpiece of rich ink and color paintings.

    In front of the Red Lootai in the courtyard of the Daoist teaching hall, the three Daoists kneeling there were all sweating profusely.

    After all, the three of them were the sect leader of the Yellow Turban Cult and his two senior disciples, all of whom had cultivated to the level of a True Man. By all accounts, they should have been immune to cold and heat by now, and it was impossible for them to sweat coldly.

    That is why they were like that, completely because of the presence of Zhong Li Yu in front of them. He had his hair tied in a queue, his beard long enough to cover his belly, holding a fan, and exposing his breasts and chest.

    Here, the term "teach master" and "high function" refers to their positions, not their cultivation level.

    Chen Yun stood on the right side of his teacher, curiously glancing at the three individuals.

    Just now, the three individuals had introduced themselves, and he knew that the middle-aged man with a long face and white beard, who had claimed to be the leader of the Yellow Turban Cult and self-proclaimed as the General Commander of Great Virtuousness and a Great Sage, was Zhang Cheng.

    The other two are the left and right high functions of the Yellow Turban Cult.

    The man is named Zhou Zhi Xiang, who styles himself as the General Commander of the Earth God, and had been a Taoist in the Chen Dynasty during the Southern and Northern Dynasties.

    During Chen Xuanjong's reign, this person had served as the Taoist priest to the emperor and the common people, delivering lectures on the "Taiyang Jing." He had gained a great reputation among the people.

    The woman was precisely the right high function, People's General, of the Yellow Turban Cult who had previously visited Xigou City. Her name was Song Huayang.

    Yes, she was the female Taoist who once inspired the famous poet Li Shangyin to write the poem "Untitiled."

    Chen Yun, except for not being very familiar with Zhang Cheng, had never thought that Zhou Zhi Xiang and Song Huayang, two famous historical Taoists, were both from the Yellow Turban Cult.

    Zhong Li Yu's face remained calm as he looked at the three, his tone showing no signs of fluctuation, "Do you really think my Daoist teaching hall is an easy target just because it is a Yellow Turban Cult? First, the commander of the western gully city Lin Feiyun went to cause trouble for my disciple. Then he sent his senior disciple Liu Guibi. These trivial matters between the young disciples can be ignored by me. However, your cult's Corpse-Solving Saint Zhang Qing, who is an immortal from a side path, why did he attack my disciple? Your Yellow Turban Cult is so mighty!"

    Zhang Cheng was scared to death, and he knelt down quickly, saying, "Master Zhong Li Yu, please forgive me, Mr. Zhang truly did not know that Zhang Qing would act in such a manner. Since we three have become immortals, we no longer interfere with the affairs of the cult. It really has nothing to do with us!"

    His first move was to completely distance them three from the situation.

    Zhou Zhi Xiang also pleaded desperately, "Master Zhengyang, if I had known about this, I would never have let Lin Feiyun and Liu Guibi off. We truly were unaware of this matter."

    Song Huayang also directly admitted the mistake, saying, "I am aware that I failed in my supervision. I should have discovered the matter of Lin Feiyun, but when I last came to Xigou City, I happened to meet Guandu Wang. My newly-transformed mount was even taken away by him. I had no idea about this matter."

    There was no way to rectify the situation, as Zhang Cheng, Zhou Zhi Xiang, and Song Huayang were all immortals, reaching only the level of Jushi (person and immortality). They had not even reached the level of Dixian (earth immortality). Zhong Li Yu, on the other hand, was an Tianxian (sky immortal), who had transcended the mortal realm. The gap between Jushi and Tianxian was far greater than that between ordinary people and immortals.

    Put simply, Zhong Li Yu could kill them three with the ease of crushing three ants.

    Although immortals are not allowed to interfere with mortal beings at will, Zhang Cheng, Zhou Zhi Xiang, and Song Huayang are true Taoist immortals. Zhong Li Yu can certainly intervene.

    Chen Yun never expected that the tiger demon he consumed was Song Huayang's mount.

    He couldn't help but glance at the woman cultivator twice. By the faint recognition, he could tell that this elderly woman was also a beauty in her youth, which was why she could fascinate Li Shangyin.

    Zhong Li Yu wasn't polite with them. "You say you don't know, then you don't know? If it weren't for my disciple's quick thinking, you would have already died at the hands of your cult followers. So, what should we do?"

    Zhang Cheng helplessly said, "I am willing to compensate your disciple."

    Zhong Li Yu coldly snorted, "Do you think my Daoist teaching hall is as dirty as your Yellow Turban Cult, hiding dirt and extorting people?"

    Zhang Cheng really didn't know what to do anymore, so he could only say, "Master Zhengyang, whatever you wish of us, we will certainly comply."

    Zhong Li Yu finally nodded in satisfaction, "I want you to do two things."

    Zhang Cheng said, "I'm willing to hear your instructions."

    Zhou Zhi Xiang and Song Huayang both perked up their ears to listen intently.

    "The first thing is, you have been negligent in disciplining your followers. While you are not the main culprits, you still have other faults. I hope that after returning to the Yellow Turban Cult, you will meditate and reflect on your mistakes for seventy-seven years," Zhong Li Yu said a very strange number.

    Chen Yun was stunned for a moment. Generally, others use whole numbers of years when being confined, such as thirty years, fifty years, or one hundred years. How come Master's number of years have both zeros and whole numbers?

    He carefully calculated the time. It is currently 883. Seventy-seven years later would be 960, which seems to be the year when the Song Dynasty was established...

    Chen Yun seemed to understand something and couldn't help but glance at his teacher's profile.

    Zhang Cheng hastily agreed, "I will start meditating and reflecting as soon as I return."

    Zhong Li Yu slightly nodded, "The second thing is, your Yellow Turban Cult followers are scattered all over the world. I want you to send a message to all cultivators in the world, saying that Chen Yun is my disciple Zhong Li Yu."

    He didn't say the following words, but anyone could understand what he meant. It was just a warning to all cultivators that they should not mess with Chen Yun, his disciple. Otherwise, although Zhong Li Yu might not be able to find trouble with unascended cultivators according to heavenly laws, he would definitely seek revenge on the cultivator's senior who had already achieved immortality.

    Chen Yun was surprised that his master had such high expectations for him. He couldn't help but feel a burst of emotion deep inside.

    Zhang Cheng dared not argue with Zhong Li Yu's words; he agreed immediately, "I will definitely spread this message throughout the vast lands of the south and north. Thank you, Master Zhengyang, for not holding a grudge."

    Zhou Zhi Xiang and Song Huayang both looked at Zhong Li Yu with gratitude on their faces. They knew that Zhang Qing had been sealed in a certain sea eye, and they also knew from the broken important teaching plate of the cult that Li Guibai and Lin Feiyun had died. They knew that it was Chen Yun who did it, but they didn't have a desire for revenge. They only hoped that Zhong Li Yu wouldn't find any trouble with them.

    This is the manifestation of strength!

    Zhong Li Yu didn't bother to interact with the three any further. He waved his hand and said, "Go back."

    The three only then stood up, first apologizing to Chen Yun, then bowing respectfully before leaving.

    After all, the other three had cultivated to the level of a True Man. How could they apologize to a lower-level mage like me?

    This made Chen Yun feel secretly pleased in his heart, thinking that having such a powerful patron as his master was really good.

    After the people left, Zhong Li Yu couldn't help but sigh deeply, "Zhang Jiao and I once met in passing during his lifetime. Now that the fate of the Yellow Turban Cult has run its course, his disciples still harbor ambitions and seek to establish their own realm. That's why I asked them to be in seclusion for seventy-seven years so that they wouldn't join the wrong faction and end up with their bodies and heads separated. It was not simply to take out my anger on you, Chen Yun. Do you understand what I mean?"

    Chen Yun nodded and said, "Understood, Master, you are a person who values emotions and righteousness."

    Zhong Li Yu smiled and shook his head, "Alright, I have already taken care of the matters regarding our old friend. Your grievances have been avenged, and I will now properly train you in my cultivation techniques."

    …

    A month passed in a flash.

    During this time, Zhong Li Yu spent a considerable amount of time guiding Chen Yun in his cultivation.

    The guidance not only included refining inner dantian, Zongdili Jin Guang, Huishen So, and Yushu Shigui, but also encompassed a comprehensive series of activities such as cultivating mind and understanding nature.

    Under the meticulous guidance of his teacher, Zhong Li Yu's cultivation and skills progressed rapidly, as if by leaps and bounds.

    He had already mastered the Huishen So.

    The Zongdili Jin Guang was both an art and a law, which was quite challenging to learn. Moreover, its usage consumed tremendous qi and jing. Chen Yun could barely use it, managing to jump out several thousand li in an instant before exhausting his qi and jing.

    As for the Yushu Shiqi (Ten Laws of the Jade Pivot), it was even more difficult to practice. He had not yet even understood the principles, and could only use some of the smaller thunder techniques recorded within, such as Palm Thunder and Little Five Thunders.

    Don't be fooled by the names "Palm Thunder" and "Little Five Thunders"; they may sound like small techniques, but in reality, their power is quite formidable.

    Chen Yun had previously released a Palm Thunder, which shattered a rock over ten meters high in an instant. If it struck a person, it could probably reduce the person to nothing but bones and flesh in an instant.

    But this was not the full extent of Palm Thunder's power. According to Zhong Li Yu, when Palm Thunder is refined to its highest level, even immortals will need to avoid its might.

    On this day, the weather was clear and sunny.

    Chen Yun, who was meditating outside on the bench, suddenly heard his teacher's voice.

    "Chongyong, your teacher will be out for a few days to handle some matters. Stay at the Taoist teaching hall and practice your cultivation in peace. Do not go out and cause trouble."

    Chen Yun quickly opened his eyes, stood up, and bowed to say, "Disciple will abide by Master's instructions."

    Zhong Li Yu looked at him with a half-smile, "Of course, you can go out on your own if you wish. But when I come back, I might give you some time in solitary confinement."

    Chen Yun quickly said, "Disciple will definitely not run around without permission."

    Zhong Li Yu didn't say anything more and vanished in a cloud of smoke, probably going to meet some friends.

    Watching his teacher leave, Chen Yun thought to himself that there's no need for him to go out and cause trouble if there's nothing to do.

    However, he always felt that his master's words seemed to have a deeper meaning, as if he had predicted something.

    Chen Yun had not studied the art of divination, so he naturally did not know what would happen in the future.

    That is a highly sophisticated technique that he is not yet qualified to learn due to his insufficient cultivation.

    Although he did not understand why his teacher had emphasized this to him, Chen Yun again sat down and focused on quietly appreciating the changes of nature.

    Whether it was due to the influence of his master's words.

    This time, when Chen Yun sat down, he found his mind filled with distractions and could not focus on cultivating his spirit.

    He was contemplating that he had not yet had a chance to test the real power of the arts he had learned, such as Zongdili Jin Guang (Soaring Gold Ray), Huishen So (Body-guarding Spell), several minor thunder techniques, and Zimwei Hui (Purple Microsystem Oath).

    "If there were someone who could test my strength, it would be great."

    Chen Yun blinked and thought.

    But then he shook his head, realizing that he had no enmity with anyone recently. Where could he find someone to test his strength?

    As he was thinking, Li Si hurriedly walked into the inner courtyard, then whispered, "Brother Chen, is there some time?"

    Chen Yun opened his eyes again, noticing that Li Si wasn't wearing a Daoist robe. He was slightly taken aback and asked, "Yes, what's up?"

    Li Si pointed towards the door, "Someone is looking for you."

    "Who is looking for me?" Chen Yun asked as he walked out, "And Li Si, did you go to the Xigou city today? Why didn't you wear a Daoist robe?"

    "Oh, the man outside claims to be Ma Qin, a lieutenant of the God Strategy Army of the Tang Dynasty." Li Si was one step behind Chen Yun and said with a smile: "As for me not wearing a Daoist robe, it's because I'm preparing to leave the mountain and return home today."

    Upon hearing this, Chen Yun suddenly stopped in his tracks and sharply turned his head to look, "You're going to leave the mountain?"

    Li Si said with some sadness, "Yes, the five-year term has expired, it's time to leave and go back home."

    Chen Yun looked at him with some reluctance and said, "Why didn't you tell me earlier? So I could send you off properly."

    Li Si, being rather honest and simple, smiled and said, "You've been busy accompanying the elder master for cultivation lately, and I didn't want to disturb you. As for the others, my relationship with them isn't as close as with Zhang Si, so I didn't have a farewell banquet like him to avoid adding more sadness."

    Chen Yun asked, "Where will you go when you leave the mountain? How will you make a living in the future?"

    Li Si took a deep breath and said, "My hometown is in Chen State Xiangcheng. As for how to make a living, I have no grand ambitions. Brother Wang Laozhi gave me fifty taels of silver, and adding the two hundred or three hundred taels of silver I've saved over the years, I should be able to buy about ten good acres of land and become a rich villager in the countryside to live out the rest of my life."

    Chen Yun thought for a moment and said, "I'll give you some talismans. If you ever encounter special circumstances in the future, you can use these talismans to help you overcome difficulties."

    Li Si expressed his gratitude with tears and said, "Thank you, Brother. You should go out first and see the General Ma Qin first, as he has been waiting for a long time."

    "Let him wait a bit longer, drawing the talismans for you is more important."

    In this world, Chen Yun has two and a half friends: one is Zhang Qian, and the other is Li Si. The half friend is Lin Chen.

    Since he has already taken care of Zhang Qian and Lin Chen, it is only natural to take care of Li Si as well.

    As for the "Training Method of Yin Shen", he pondered over it for a moment and decided not to pass it on to Li Si.

    The other person's meaning was clear: they only wanted to live out their days in peace and prosperity as a wealthy countryman.

    Why should he teach the "Training Method of Yin Shen" and bring more troubles for the other person?

    After all, if one becomes a cultivator, the danger is much greater than that of an ordinary person.

    Chen Yun did not immediately attend to General Ma Qin waiting at the mountain gate. Instead, he ran to the talisman-making hall, borrowed some yellow paper and vermilion ink, and in one breath, painted a dozen or so talismans for Li Si.

    As Chen Yun's cultivation has greatly increased, creating several dozen talismans does not consume much true qi.

    After painting the talismans, Chen Yun personally handed them over to Li Si, who was carrying his belongings, and holding his hands firmly, he said: "Brother Li, I'm not sure when we will meet again after this farewell. Please take care of yourself!"

    Li Si grasped Chen Yun's hand in return, and tears were swimming in his eyes, "Brother Chen, you too."

    After saying that, he was afraid of adding any more bittersweet feelings and turned around to leave for the mountain gate without hesitation.

    Chen Yun saw clearly that as Li Si turned his head, a crystal clear tear fell from his eyes.

    It was obvious that although Li Si kept saying he didn't want to add to the sadness of parting, his heart was genuinely reluctant to leave the Taoist teaching hall and Chen Yun.

    This made Chen Yun feel a bit suffocated, as one friend after another left, making him feel like an orphan.

    Although he felt very sad inside, he thought about General Ma Qin waiting outside, so he walked towards the mountain gate.

    After a moment, Chen Yun saw Ma Qin, who looked tired, holding the reins and leading his horse.

    As soon as he saw him, Ma Qin immediately bowed and said, "General Ma Qin has the honor to meet Brother Chen."

    Chen Yun looked at him curiously and asked, "General Ma, you look very tired. Is it because you haven't slept well for a long time?"

    Ma Qin replied with a wry smile, "I've been coming from Xiangcheng for over a month and haven't had a good night's sleep."

    Hmm?

    Xiangcheng?

    Chen Yun suddenly recalled that Li Si's hometown was there. He furrowed his brows and said, "Xiangcheng?"

    Ma Qin said, "Yes, Huang Niao's rebel general Meng Kai led his troops to attack Xiangcheng. There was also a witchcraft practitioner who helped to set up an array within the city, trapping all the soldiers and civilians inside for more than a month. I still tried my best to break through and escape. My goal is that Zhuang Chengfan General asked me to seek Brother Chen's help in destroying the witchcraft practitioner's array."

    What?

    Xiangcheng is in a state of war?

    Chen Yun suddenly thought of Li Si, who was on his way to Xiangcheng. If he encountered war, it was not just a matter of returning home, but also the possibility of being harmed by the war. He was truly worried about Li Si's safety and hastily asked, "Is the situation very serious in Xiangcheng?"

    Ma Qin nodded vigorously and said, "The rebels are now extremely fierce, and they will slit the throats of anyone who dares to appear before them, whether it's a merchant caravan passing through Xiangcheng or the starving citizens in the city. It's just that there is a witchcraft practitioner who has set up an array blocking us. Our troops have been unable to break through it. If this continues much longer, perhaps tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians in the city will starve to death. Therefore, I dare to ask humbly that Brother Chen can come out and help us."

    Saying the truth, your teacher had just reminded you not to run around during this period.

    By all accounts, Chen Yun should listen to his teacher's advice.

    But after listening to what Ma Qin said, and then thinking about what could happen to Li Si if he encountered war upon returning home, Chen Yun must have been conflicted.

    Furthermore, even if Li Si did not encounter any life-threatening dangers because of the war, what would he feel if he returned home and found that his family had been starved to death by the Huang Niao army while besieging the city?

    There is also the fact that he owes favors to Zhuang Chengfan, Wang Shihui, and Zhao Ke. Now that they have come looking for him, it is clear that they want him to repay their kindness.

    As a man, a promise is worth ten thousand ounces of gold.

    This favor, he must repay.

    These thoughts flashed through Chen Yun's mind.

    He knew that he probably had no choice but to leave the mountain to assist in the battle.

    Although disobeying his teacher's advice would result in being put in solitary confinement, Chen Yun could not care at the moment.

    He had to make sure that Li Si would return safely to his hometown and meet his surviving relatives and friends.

    At the same time, he had to repay the favors he owed to Zhuang Chengfan, Wang Shihui, and others.

    Chen Yun took a deep breath, thinking to himself, "Then I'll go down the mountain for a trip. Let it be a test of my own strength."

    However, before that, he had to ask Ma Qin about the performance of the witchcraft practitioner in Huang Niao's army. He needed to make sure that he was truly capable of facing them. If the other side showed great strength and he himself was far weaker, there would be no need to sacrifice himself.

    (End of this chapter)