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Chapter 644: Siblings About to Reunite
Chapter 644: Siblings About to Reunite
Above the Sacred Mountain Tranquilizes the Heavens, within the Cloudy Sect's Immortal Palace.
A robust middle-aged man, clad in heavy armor, sat astride a ferocious beast resembling a tiger yet bearing the mane of a lion, its neck adorned with a dense, golden-hued mane.
He held the reins tightly, his gaze unwavering.
The lion-tiger beast's sturdy limbs moved forward gracefully, its broad paws stepping silently on the Immortal Jade Corridor.
Within the Immortal Palace, there was no need to dismount one's mount, a privilege reserved for Celestial Weapons and Heavenly Generals of the Fifth Stage.
"I heard that Senior Brother Qing Luan sent you to the mortal realm to observe on his behalf, but why haven't you departed yet?"
The man asked calmly, and behind the lion-tiger beast, a graceful woman followed on foot.
Hearing the question, the woman lifted her head slightly and replied softly, "Zi Ling was too hasty and forgot the rules. Fortunately, General Hong Jing reminded me, which delayed us for some time."
"..."
The man fell silent for a moment, finally turning to glance back but said nothing more.
Having reached the Fifth Stage as a Celestial Weapon and Heavenly General in the Immortal Court, he had encountered countless women like her. Whether she was deliberately acting or genuinely repentant, he didn't care.
"Since we're delayed, let's get going. I recall you're also from Hongze, so while you're in the mortal realm, do me a favor and visit Hongze to see my nephew who's not living up to expectations."
After speaking, the man withdrew his gaze. His relationship with his nephew wasn't particularly close, as the nephew's talent and character were rather lacking, and he had made a significant mistake in the past.
However, the man's parents had been good friends with the nephew's parents, and they had received much help from them. After the nephew's parents passed away, it was only right to provide the boy with a way out.
The nephew was considerate enough to send letters of greeting to his uncles on specific occasions.
The man had grown tired of the overly sentimental words in the letters.
He rarely read them, but this time, upon returning, he noticed that the table where the letters should have been was empty, which reminded him of his nephew.
"General Hong Jing, you're too kind. Zi Ling also wanted to go back and take a look. If it weren't for Minister Shi's wholehearted recommendation, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to enter the Immortal Palace."
At this point, Zi Ling bowed respectfully once more.
Most of the generals within the Immortal Palace, aside from their duties in the heavens, were disciples of the Three Immortal Sect. Their Daoist names often hinted at their master's identity.
For instance, General Qing Luan's fellow disciples all had Daoist names related to divine birds, while General Hong Jing's master preferred using Heavenly Materials as names for his disciples.
Hearing the words "servant," General Hong Jing slightly raised his eyes, and after a moment, a smile appeared on his face, "Senior Brother Qing Luan is currently in high favor. As his only mount, you've remembered the importance of humility."
The saying goes, "In front of the Prime Minister, even a seventh-stage official can act as they please." There were many who took advantage of their master's power, but this woman was considerate.
Coincidentally, the man also wanted to bring his nephew back to the Immortal Court.
Being a local lord in a remote area was comfortable, but it meant giving up on future prospects. If Qing Luan were to rise in rank, there would be many vacancies in his command.
Conveniently, the nephew had a connection with this Dragon Girl. When the time came, they could both serve under Qing Luan, providing some mutual support.
This was also an opportunity for the man to establish a good relationship with Qing Luan.
"Let's go."
With this in mind, General Hong Jing dismounted and led the lion-tiger beast, walking slowly into the Royal Stable.
"Welcome, General!"
Several strongmen hurried forward to take the lion-tiger beast, but General Hong Jing waved them away. They stood there, looking at each other in bewilderment, "What... what are your instructions?"
General Hong Jing remained silent, leading Zi Ling forward. They approached the majestic Golden Body who was recording names and played with the reins in his hand, "Are you the newly appointed Minister Shi?"
Qing Hua was taken aback and stood up to salute, "This lowly one greets the Celestial Weapon and Heavenly General."
Technically, they were not from the same system and had just met, so there was no need for such formality.
However, General Hong Jing did not allow Qing Hua to waive the salute but stood quietly, his expression indifferent, watching as Minister Shi bent down and knelt on one knee. Only then did he speak softly, "My celestial beast is accustomed to good food and drink. You should take good care of it and ensure no mishaps occur."
"This lowly one understands," Qing Hua responded with a bow.
"If there are any issues, let Zi Ling report to me. Do you understand?"
General Hong Jing raised his eyebrows and handed over the reins.
"..."
The surrounding deputy ministers dared not breathe, all of them astute enough to understand the situation.
"This lowly one understands," Qing Hua said, breaking the silence.
General Hong Jing stretched out his hand to take the reins, but just as he was about to touch them, General Hong Jing retracted his hand. He turned to Zi Ling and said, "I almost forgot. You're going to the mortal realm to observe. Coincidentally, my celestial beast is also from the Bodhimanda Sect. It once committed a grave mistake and was stripped of its fruit position by the Venerable. It was sent to the Immortal Court for redemption. You might as well take it with you as your protector."
"Thank you, General Hongjing!"
As soon as these words left her mouth, Zi Ling bowed respectfully, while the officials from the Imperial Stables paled in shock.
The Immortal General had never intended to return the divine beast to the Imperial Stables for breeding. He had come here specifically to challenge his superior, and lending his personal mount to others for protection was a great honor.
"No need for such formality."
General Hongjing smiled faintly and said amiably, "After you're done, just send this beast back to the Imperial Stables on my behalf."
After speaking, he strode out of the Imperial Stables, and even at this moment, he still didn't ask Qinghua to stand up.
After the Immortal General left completely, the lion-tiger beast slowly transformed into a human form, also a burly man with flourishing golden hair.
As a mount, just listening to Zi Ling's words earlier, he could probably guess what had happened.
He stood up and looked at the majestic Golden Body Avatara, his eyes filled with mockery, "Sir, if there's nothing else, we'll take our leave first."
"..."
Qinghua was about to stand up, but Zi Ling quietly stood in front of her. As the stable master, she was clearly bowing to General Hongjing, but at this moment, it seemed like she was kneeling before the Purple Beard White Dragon.
"This is the decree prepared by Zi Ling. Please take a look, sir."
Zi Ling seemed completely unaware of any impropriety, her eyes pure and innocent, standing gracefully as she handed over the decree.
Her face held a smile that was flawless.
Only Qinghua, standing close by, could sense a hint of playfulness in her serene smile.
"What's wrong, sir?" Zi Ling's smile deepened.
"Nothing."
Qinghua stood up and took the decree, giving it a quick glance, "No problem, you may go."
She had come to the heavens to handle matters for her master, not to bicker with others.
As a wild demon from the mortal realm, if not for her master's favor, she wouldn't even have the qualifications to stand before these Immortals, let alone complain about being wronged.
She turned to put the decree into the ledger, but she heard the woman's gentle voice again from behind.
"Sir, my master will be returning soon."
"So what?" Qinghua turned to look at her.
"At that time, Zi Ling will come to visit again."
Zi Ling's smile faded, and she stared seriously at the Golden Body Avatara. She always felt that holding grudges against others was irrational.
So she never did anything meaningless.
But if there was a grudge, she would make sure to send her opponent into an irredeemable abyss, never to have a chance to recover.
It had been many years since someone reminded her of her mount's identity.
Since the stable master wanted to bring it up, then he should be prepared to face her wrath.
A Seventh Stage Celestial Official... Hmph.
Zi Ling glanced at the distant stables, and a faint trace of coldness appeared on her serene face.
Qinghua seemed not to have noticed the threat in her words, and she lightly nodded, withdrawing her gaze, "You're welcome."
Upon hearing this, Zi Ling was taken aback but maintained her smile, and left with the man with flourishing golden hair.
Tsk, stubborn.
These people who relied on merit to ascend to Immortality were too dull-witted, only recognizing the importance of official positions without understanding what lay behind them.
To put it bluntly, this person had no master or close friends. If something happened, who would care about him?
No need to say more.
When she returned to the heavens, this fool would realize the kind of existence he had offended.
"Sir..."
After the Imperial Stables were cleared of outsiders, the Chief and Deputy Stable Masters approached with complex expressions, "Why don't you prepare some gifts and apologize to Immortal Zi Ling?"
The stable hands also gathered around, whispering, "Don't feel embarrassed. When General Qing Luan returns, this Immortal will no longer be a mount, and then she'll be your colleague. We're all Immortals, and bowing is not a big deal."
They understood how difficult it was to ascend through merit, so why lose this great opportunity over a momentary dispute?
"Go back to work."
Qinghua closed her eyes, and even if she felt helpless inside, she refused to show it.
This woman was her master's enemy, and without her master's consent, as the cornerstone, she had no reason to bow down.
The only thing she felt guilty about was accepting this Immortal position but not doing anything for her master, and now she was about to lose it so soon.
...
In the Divine Dynasty, Jianyang Prefecture.
At a high cliff, three people waited quietly.
Shen Yi leaned against a rock, his arms crossed, and his eyes closed as he sensed the changes in the Lotus Platform.
Under the protection of the newly obtained precious scripture,
At this moment, both the Lotus Platform and the Azure Tree had reached the sixth tribulation perfection, meaning that the paths of True Immortality and the Seventh Stage Ascetic had come to an end.
As for the Sixth Stage Celestial Immortals and Golden Lotus Ascetics, they were currently clueless.
Shen Yi had also tried to push through the later stages using the lifespan of demons, but just as Meng Xiwen had said, these stages were merely transitional, and without reaching the Fifth Stage, one couldn't truly see the true form of heaven and earth.
Without even understanding, how could one possibly comprehend and deduce?
A moment of carelessness could lead to being engulfed by tribulations, resulting in the dissipation of one's Dao and the destruction of one's body.
Discipleship...
Shen Yi opened his eyes, directing his gaze forward. Perhaps, as they had discussed earlier, he would have to place his hopes on that Smoky Mist General.
But he and the general were not even acquainted.
The Bodhimanda's Dharma Assembly would likely attract numerous disciples, and if he could take advantage of the opportunity to obtain a Sixth Stage cultivation technique, it would solve this problem.
However, the thought of the assembly being presided over by a Venerable made Shen Yi feel a headache coming on.
According to Meng Xiwen, such existences were figures who could cover the sky with one hand. Trying to stir up trouble under their noses was as good as asking for death.
"You're finally back."
Meng Xiwen seemed to sense something and casually stretched his body.
Just then, a figure covered in dust and dirt transformed into a streak of light and arrived before the three of them. She stood in front of them, originally a valiant woman, but now enveloped in deep fatigue, even the divine light in her eyes dimmed.
It was hard to imagine what kind of situation could reduce a Fifth Stage Taiyi Immortal to such a state.
Ye Lan glanced at the three of them and without much explanation, simply instructed, "The news spread too far, affecting seventeen prefectures. Not only among cultivators and sects, but even among the common folk, there's talk of going to Crane Mountain to pay respects to the Buddha, hoping to receive some of the Bodhisattva's divine light." Ye Lan's voice was slightly hoarse.
A chaotic mix of fish and dragons gathered in one place.
If they weren't careful, it would likely cause a disturbance that would shake the Imperial Capital, and the Demon Slayer Bureau would undoubtedly have to intervene.
"Damn it!" Meng Xiwen couldn't help but curse.
Ye Lan waved her hand to interrupt him, "Go back and remind Elder Min that while the Demon Slayer Bureau is at Crane Mountain, he should take care of Juyang Prefecture and ensure nothing goes wrong."
Crane Mountain would likely become the safest place in the Great Southern Continent, but these seventeen prefectures would be left vulnerable.
"Understood."
Without further ado, Meng Xiwen led Shen Yi and the others towards the Earth God Temple.
Before the three of them could speak, Min Zhiyan spoke up, "That Purple Beard White Dragon came looking for you earlier, but when he couldn't find you, he asked the old man to tell you that he heard there's a Bodhisattva giving a sermon at Crane Mountain, so he's taking some of your fellow villagers to see the world."
"He sure knows how to find places." Meng Xiwen rolled his eyes but didn't say anything. With the entire court and the Demon Slayer Bureau watching, if something could happen at Crane Mountain, there wouldn't be many safe places left in the land.
"I understand."
Shen Yi nodded slightly, also able to comprehend.
After all, Zi Yang's greatest desire was to help the people of Hongze find their opportunities, so they could work together to rescue the remnant soul of the East Dragon King. How could he miss such an event?
For the court, it was chaos, but for most cultivators, this was a heavenly opportunity.
Even if they couldn't listen to the Bodhimanda's sermon, they could still take this chance to make connections with true Immortal elders.
"You three, go ahead. Elder Min will take care of Juyang Prefecture."
Min Zhiyan looked at the three of them, his gaze falling on Shen Yi. Although the other two had their own opportunities and backgrounds, for some reason, he felt that this young man from the countryside had the most promising future.
His only flaw was perhaps his lack of experience and connections.
This trip to Crane Mountain could make up for these shortcomings, allowing him to make friends with some Demon Slayer Bureau officials, who could assist each other during their cultivation journeys.
Moreover, with the Smoky Mist General by his side, it would also help him control his temperament.
"Do you have anything else to prepare?"
Meng Xiwen looked at him, "Let's depart once you're ready."
"Okay."
Shen Yi looked forward with a hint of anticipation. Aside from Zi Yang, even he wanted to see what the true powerhouses of this world looked like.
A Venerable comparable to a Third Stage Celestial Official was already an existence standing above the blue sky.
Just then, his expression froze slightly, and Qing Hua's voice echoed in his mind.
"My master, Zi Ling has descended!"
"I don't know her whereabouts, but according to the Celestial General, it seems related to the Bodhimanda's sermon. She's replacing the Qingluan General to attend the ceremony. Should Qing Hua investigate further?"
Shen Yi didn't respond but suddenly turned back to look at the Earth God. Her previous words echoed in his ears.
Zi Yang, Zi Ling...
When these two former siblings appeared in the same place.
Thinking of this, Shen Yi's pupils contracted, and he clenched his palms tightly.
(End of Chapter)
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