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Chapter 644: Siblings About to Reunite
Chapter 644: Siblings About to Reunite
Cloud Palace in the Azure Sky.
A muscular middle-aged man, clad in thick armor, rode a fierce beast that resembled a tiger but also had the appearance of a lion, with a golden, lustrous mane encircling its neck.
He held the reins tightly, his gaze straight ahead.
The Lion-Tiger Beast moved forward with ease, its broad paws stepping silently on the Immortal Jade Corridor.
In the Immortal Palace, there was no need to dismount, a privilege of a Fifth Rank Celestial General.
"Word has it that your senior brother Qingluan sent you to the mortal world to observe the ceremony. Why haven't you set out yet?"
He asked calmly. Behind the Lion-Tiger Beast, a graceful woman followed on foot.
Hearing the question, the woman lifted her head slightly and replied softly, "Zileng was too hasty and forgot the rules. Fortunately, Stablemaster Hongze reminded me, so I was delayed for a while."
"..."
The man fell silent for a moment, finally turning back to glance at her but said nothing more.
Having reached the rank of Fifth Rank Celestial General in the Immortal Court, he had seen countless women like her. Whether they were deliberately being coy to attract attention or genuinely repentant, he didn't care.
"Since you've been delayed, set out quickly. I remember you are from Hongze. Take this opportunity to visit my incompetent nephew while you're there."
H
However, he and the nephew's parents had been close fellow disciples, and he had received much help from them. After his senior brothers and sisters perished, it was only right to prepare a path for the boy.
The boy was also quite sensible, sending letters to his uncles and aunts on fixed dates to inquire about their well-being.
After reading too many flattering words, one gets tired of them.
The man rarely read them anymore, but upon returning this time, he noticed the desk where the letters should have been was empty, which reminded him of his nephew.
"General Rainbow Thorn, you are too kind. Zileng also wanted to return and visit. If it weren't for Lord Shi's full recommendation, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to ascend to this Immortal Palace."
Having said this, Zileng bowed respectfully.
These generals in the Immortal Palace, besides their positions in heaven, mostly belonged to the Triad Immortal Sect, with their own masters. Their Dao names often gave clues about which Celestial Venerable they served.
For example, General Azure Phoenix and his fellow disciples all had names related to divine birds, while General Rainbow Thorn's master preferred to name his disciples after celestial treasures.
Hearing "your servant," General Rainbow Thorn raised his eyes slightly and after a moment, smiled faintly, "Azure Phoenix is currently very prominent. As his only mount, you remember the humility well."
Many people rely on their master's influence to act arrogantly, but this woman was quite sensible.
He also wanted to bring his nephew back to the Immortal Court.
Being a local ruler in a remote area might be comfortable, but it offered no future prospects. If Azure Phoenix were to be promoted, there would be many new positions available.
Coincidentally, his nephew and this dragon woman had a past. Working under Azure Phoenix together would provide some mutual support.
This would also allow him to form a good relationship with Azure Phoenix.
"Let's go."
With that thought, General Rainbow Thorn dismounted, leading the Lion-Tiger Beast and slowly walked into the Imperial Stable.
"Welcome, General!"
Several Warriors hurried over to take the Lion-Tiger Beast, but General Rainbow Thorn waved them off, leaving them standing there in confusion, "What... do you need us to do?"
General Rainbow Thorn remained silent, leading Zileng forward to the mighty Golden Body Buddha Statue recording the register, playing with the reins in his hand, "Are you the newly appointed Stablemaster?"
Qinghua was startled, rising to bow, "Your servant greets the Immortal General."
Technically, they were not in the same system and this was their first meeting, so there was no need for such formality.
However, General Rainbow Thorn did not dismiss the formality, standing quietly with a cold expression as the Stablemaster bowed deeply, even kneeling on one knee, before he spoke calmly, "My Celestial Beast is well-fed and pampered. Take good care of it and avoid any mishaps."
"Your servant understands," Qinghua responded with a bow.
"If there are any issues, have Zileng report to me. Understood?"
General Rainbow Thorn raised an eyebrow, handing over the reins.
"..."
The surrounding Stable Supervisors and Deputies dared not breathe, all being astute enough to see the situation.
"Your servant understands."
Qinghua paused, reaching for the reins, but just as her hand was about to touch them, General Rainbow Thorn pulled back, turning to look at Zileng, "I almost forgot. You are going to the mortal world to observe the ceremony. My Celestial Beast is also a disciple of the Bodhimanda Sect and once committed a grave error, losing its Fruit Position. It was sent to the Immortal Court for atonement. Take it with you; it can serve as your protector."
"Thank you, General Hong Jing!"
As these words left her mouth, Zi Leng bowed respectfully, her face filled with surprise at the favor shown by the Immortal General. The stablemaster and his men, on the other hand, turned pale.
The Immortal General had never intended to return the celestial beast to the Imperial Stable. Zi Leng's words were clearly meant to embarrass her superior, and lending her personal mount to another was a significant display of favor.
"There's no need for such formality."
General Hong Jing smiled lightly and said, "Once I've returned this wicked beast to the Imperial Stable, I'll be on my way."
Without waiting for a response, he strode out of the Imperial Stable. Even now, he showed no intention of asking Qing Hua to stand.
After the Immortal General had left, the lion-tiger beast slowly transformed back into a human form, revealing a robust man with vibrant golden hair.
As a mount, he could guess what had happened from Zi Leng's earlier words.
He stood up and looked at the majestic golden-bodied figure with a mocking gaze, "Sir, if you have no other matters, we'll be on our way."
"..."
As Qing Hua prepared to stand, Zi Leng quietly stepped in front of her, appearing to bow to the Immortal General, but her posture resembled that of someone kneeling before a bearded white dragon.
"This is the handwritten order I prepared, please take a look, sir."
Zi Leng seemed completely unaware of any impropriety, her eyes pure and innocent, as she handed over the order with a graceful stance.
Her smile was flawless, without a hint of malice.
Only Qing Hua, standing so close, could sense a hint of playfulness in her serene smile.
"Is something the matter, sir?" Zi Leng's smile widened.
"It's nothing."
Qing Hua stood up and took the handwritten order, scanning it briefly, "No problem, you may go."
She had come from the heavens to handle matters for her master, not to bicker with others.
As a wild demon from the mortal realm, without her master's favor, she wouldn't even have the qualifications to stand before these immortals, let alone speak of grievances.
As she turned to record the order, she heard the woman's smooth voice behind her again.
"Sir, my master will be returning soon."
"So?" Qing Hua glanced back.
"At that time, Zi Leng will visit again."
Zi Leng's smile faded, and she stared intently at the golden-bodied figure. She had always believed that holding grudges was an irrational act.
Therefore, she never engaged in meaningless actions.
If there was a grudge, she would ensure her opponent faced eternal damnation, leaving no chance for redemption.
It had been many years since anyone had reminded her of her mount's identity.
Since the Stablemaster before her wanted to bring it up, she should be prepared to face her wrath.
A Seventh Rank Celestial Official... Ha!
Zi Leng glanced at the distant stable and a subtle smile appeared on her serene face.
"You're welcome." Qing Hua nodded slightly, her gaze withdrawing, "Feel free to come again."
Hearing this, Zi Leng paused, still smiling, and left with the golden-haired man.
Tsk, stubborn.
These immortals, who achieved their status through merit, were too dull-witted, only recognizing the importance of official ranks without understanding what lay beneath.
To put it bluntly, without a mentor or close friends, who would care about them if something happened?
No need for further words.
On the day she returned to the heavens, this fool would realize the magnitude of his offense.
"Sir..."
Once the Imperial Stable was free of outsiders, the Stable Supervisor and Deputy approached with complex expressions, "Why don't you prepare some gifts and apologize to Zi Leng?"
The stablemen gathered, whispering, "Don't feel embarrassed. When General Phoenix Majestic returns, this Immortal will no longer be a mount. At that time, she'll be your colleague, and as fellow immortals, bowing is not a big deal."
They understood how difficult it was to achieve immortality through merit. Why lose such a precious opportunity over a momentary argument?
"Back to work."
Qing Hua closed her eyes, determined not to show any weakness, despite her inner turmoil.
This woman was her master's enemy, and without her master's consent, as the Foundation Stone, she had no reason to bow.
Her only regret was accepting the immortal position without doing anything for her master, and now, she was about to lose it.
...
In Shenzhou, at Jianyang Prefecture, three figures waited quietly on a high cliff.
Shen Yi leaned against a boulder, his arms crossed, eyes closed, sensing the changes in the Lotus Platform.
Under the protection of the newly acquired sacred scripture, both the Lotus Platform and Caelum had reached the sixth tribulation, the culmination of the seventh rank, signifying the end of the True Immortal and Cloud Walker paths.
At the sixth rank, the Celestial Immortal and Golden Lotus Ascetic were currently devoid of thoughts.
Shen Yi had also tried to push through with his demonic lifespan, but as Meng Xiuwen had said, these realms were merely transitional, and without reaching the fifth rank, one could not truly comprehend the essence of heaven and earth.
Even if one cannot understand, how can one deduce?
A slight moment of inattention could lead to being swept up in the tribulations, resulting in the destruction of one's Dao and body.
Master...
Shen Yi opened his eyes and cast his gaze forward. Perhaps he should indeed place his hopes on the Yan Lan General as they had discussed earlier?
But he and she aren't even acquaintances.
The Bodhimanda Sect’s Dharma Lecture Assembly would likely have many disciples present. If he could seize the opportunity to obtain a Sixth Rank cultivation technique, this issue would also be resolved.
However, the thought of the assembly being presided over by a Venerable made Shen Yi quite anxious.
According to Meng Xiuwen, such beings were practically heaven-blocking figures. Attempting to do anything under their watch would be no different from courting death.
"Finally back."
Meng Xiuwen seemed to sense something and stretched lazily.
As he spoke, a weary figure appeared before them, standing in front of the three. The originally spirited woman now appeared heavily fatigued, her eyes dimming.
It was hard to imagine what kind of matter could reduce a Fifth Rank Taiyi Immortal to such a state.
Ye Lan glanced at the three, without much explanation, and simply instructed, "The news couldn't be contained; the impact is too widespread. You all must come with me to prevent the situation from getting out of control."
"Too widespread?" Meng Xiuwen spat out a blade of grass, his expression becoming more serious.
"Seventeen Prefectures in total. Not just cultivators and sects, but even commoners are spreading the word. They wish to go to Crane Mountain to pay respects to the Buddha, hoping to bask in the Bodhisattva’s divine light." Ye Lan's voice was slightly hoarse.
A mix of all kinds of people gathering in one place.
A slight misstep could result in a major incident that would alarm the Imperial Capital, necessitating intervention from the court and the Demon Slaying Bureau.
"Damn it, they must be bored out of their minds!" Meng Xiuwen couldn't help but curse.
Ye Lan waved to interrupt him, "Go back and inform Elder Min. During the time when the Demon Slaying Bureau is entirely at Crane Mountain, please take care of Jianyang Prefecture and ensure nothing goes wrong."
Crane Mountain will likely become the safest place in Great Nanshao Province, but these seventeen major prefectures will be left vulnerable."
"Understood."
Without further ado, Meng Xiuwen led Shen Yi and the other two swiftly toward the land temple.
Unexpectedly, before the three could speak, Min Zhiyan said, "That Bearded White Dragon came looking for you earlier, but couldn't find you. He asked the old man to tell you that he heard a Bodhisattva is lecturing at Crane Mountain and took a few of your fellow villagers to broaden their horizons."
"He’s quite good at finding places," Meng Xiuwen rolled his eyes, not saying much. Under the watch of the entire court and Demon Slaying Bureau, if something could still go wrong at Crane Mountain, there wouldn't be many safe places left in the land of the Divine."
"Understood."
Shen Yi nodded lightly, able to understand.
After all, what Zi Yang most wants to do is help the people of Hongze find their own opportunities so they can work together to save the Eastern Dragon King’s remnant soul. How could he miss such a grand event?
To the court, it’s chaos, but to most cultivators, it’s a heaven-sent opportunity.
Even if he can’t hear the Bodhimanda Sect’s lecture, he can still use this chance to make connections with true Immortals.
"Please go, Jianyang Prefecture will be watched by the old man."
Min Zhiyan looked at the three, his gaze falling on Shen Yi. Though the other two had their own opportunities and backgrounds, for some reason, he felt this young man from the countryside had the most promise.
His only flaw, perhaps, was his shallow experience and lack of connections.
This trip to Crane Mountain could help him make up for these shortcomings, allowing him to make more friends in the Demon Slaying Bureau, providing mutual support on his cultivation journey.
And with the Yan Lan General watching over him, it would also help temper his character.
"Do you need to prepare anything else?"
Meng Xiuwen looked over, "Once ready, let’s depart."
"Alright."
Shen Yi looked forward with a touch of anticipation. Not just Zi Yang, but he too wanted to see what kind of great beings truly existed in this world.
A Venerable comparable to a Third Rank Celestal official was already a being standing atop the blue sky.
Just then, his expression froze, and Qinghua’s voice resounded in his mind.
"My lord, Zileng has descended!"
"I don’t know her whereabouts, but according to what the Immortal Commander said, it’s related to the Bodhimanda sect’s lecture. She’s representing the Azure Phoenix General to attend. Should I investigate further?"
Shen yi didn’t respond, just suddenly turned to look at the land god, the old man’s words echoing in his ears.
Zhi yang, zileng...
When this former siblings appeared in the same place,
Thinking of this, Shen Yi’s pupils contracted, and he clenched his fists tightly.
(End of Chapter)
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