If you don't give up, I'd like to be your adoptive father.

Chapter 1416 Stealing Books Doesn't Count as Stealing

This wasn't the first time Grand Tutor Yu had stolen scriptures from the Cave Heaven Immortal Sect. Compared to his previous act of thievery at the Divine Firmament Sect, this time it was even simpler, and he was much more relaxed and at ease.

Because she had spent about ten days in the library of Taiyi Dao, she was very familiar with everything, so it could be considered a crime committed by an acquaintance.

Of course, her last visit to the Taiyi Dao Library to view Daoist texts was a special case. Not only were the immortal arrays outside the library and the restrictions inside closed, but even the immortals guarding the library had temporarily left.

Two months later, the library has returned to normal.

Outside the building, the spiritual light of a celestial array flickered among the trees and rocks. From the main gate of the outer courtyard all the way to the interior of the scripture pavilion, Taoist priests stood guard.

Grand Tutor Yu's methods were simple and brutal, yet highly sophisticated: he first transformed into the Dream-Eating Demon Ancestor and wandered around the cave, searching for immortals who had a spiritual connection with the dream dimension.

The so-called spiritual connection with the dream dimension, in layman's terms, is like a celestial being who is dozing off or even dreaming.

It has to be said, finding someone who is dozing off in the immortal realm is not easy.

The main reason is that the first human instincts that immortals "give up" during the process of becoming immortals are eating and sleeping.

Giving up eating is called "Bigu" (辟谷), and giving up sleeping is called "Fighting the Sleep Demon" (战睡魔).

A Taoist master once said: "To defeat the demon of sleep, one must first defeat the demon of slumber; this is the first step in cultivation." Now, one can toil through the night, and within the pot, a thousand years will have passed.

If it is a female cultivator, then "slaying the Crimson Dragon" should be added.

Immortals are not human, but they don't suddenly become non-human. The transformation from human to immortal is a gradual process.

However, the significance of precepts lies in demonstrating what kinds of things people are prone to commit.

After wandering around for a while, Meng Shi Xiaoyu found several dozen little Taoist boys dozing off.

Unfortunately, the Taoist acolyte was of lowly status, so she ultimately chose an immortal in the Taiyin Palace whose Taoist name was "Starlight".

This fellow wasn't dozing off; instead, he was cursing Grand Master Yu and Master Yumen in his own Taoist temple.

"That damned old demon Yu, she did it on purpose! She knew we were discussing how to break her Dream Erosion Curse, and she knew that once the Great Luo Dharma Assembly was held, her curse would definitely be broken."

He deliberately passed on the teachings to the old ghost of Yumen, so that he could act as an inside agent and go to the Great Luo Dharma Assembly to gather information.

He even deliberately misled the Great Luo Immortals with the "Grand Master Yu's Divine Incantation."

He was cursing and swearing, and naturally, his mind was filled with all sorts of distracting thoughts.

Grand Tutor Yu first recited a Dream Erosion Spell to him.

He used magic to erode his Dao heart, transforming the impure thoughts within it into demonic thoughts.

She ultimately showed mercy; the demonic thoughts did not damage his cultivation, but only made him drowsy.

Then the Dream Eater Demon Ancestor opened his mouth, "Buzz buzz buzz~~"

A swarm of flying insects, smaller than mosquitoes, flew out of the "Nightmare's" throat, densely packed, like a dark cloud.

They fly in circles within the dream dimension, round and round, getting closer and closer to the real world.

Eventually, they escaped the dream dimension, entered the spacetime rift, and then passed through the dimensional rift to arrive beside Starlight Real Person. A flying insect crawled into his nose, and another into his ear. He tilted his head to the side and lay down on the ground, fast asleep.

The Dream-Eating Demon Ancestor took the sect leader's token from his body.

Hmm, this guy is the headmaster of the Taiyin Palace.

The Dream-Eating Demon Ancestor transformed into the Starlight True Man.

That's not all.

Meng Shi Xiaoyu also wove a "dream of reality" for Xingguang Zhenren: in reality, the fake Xingguang Zhenren flew towards the Sutra Repository, and in the dream, Xingguang Zhenren also flew towards the Sutra Repository.

The fake Starlight Immortal encountered a Taoist priest while flying away, and the Starlight Immortal in the dream also encountered that Taoist priest.

In the dream, the real Starlight gave a cold, indifferent glance; in reality, the fake Starlight gave a cold, indifferent glance.

In reality, the fake starlight encounters Master Luo, who has just come out of the Sutra Repository. Master Luo exclaims with delight, "The Heavenly Realm's Ten Thousand Immortals Assembly has ended, and Master Yumen has confirmed his participation in the Great Luo Dharma Assembly at the Mi Luo Palace. Our Taiyi Sect has gained immense prestige!"

The starlight in the dream also met Master Luo and heard him say this.

In the dream, the Starlight Taoist snorted coldly, "Do you think it's possible to use Old Demon Yu's divine spell to deal with Old Demon Yu?"
"Just watch, the only two things Yumen will do at the Miro Palace are present the 'Yu Lao Demon God Curse' and listen attentively to Da Luo's sermon. He will remain completely silent throughout the entire assembly."

The fake Starlight Taoist in real life said the same thing. Then I heard Master Luo say, "To be able to see the Taoist Ancestor and many Great Luo Golden Immortals, and then be recognized and remembered by them, is the greatest honor and gain."

There are very few in the entire Three Realms who can truly speak eloquently on the topic of Grand Tutor Yu's curses.

Upon hearing this, the Starlight Daoist in the dream looked greatly displeased. "Old Demon Yu merely came to visit Zhengyang Palace. Master Luo, why do you seem to have fallen into demonic possession?"

In reality, when the fake starlight said this, Master Luo was also unhappy. "To tell you the truth, how did I fall into demonic possession? The 'First Anti-Dream-Eroding Demon Ancestor Ten Thousand Immortals Symposium' in the Heavenly Realm has already concluded."

Calling it a gathering of ten thousand immortals is not an exaggeration at all.

At the Hall of Gathering Immortals, the Queen Mother of the West personally presided over the Grand Assembly of Ten Thousand Immortals, which was attended by the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden and the Eastern Emperor.

Even three of the old immortals from the Chan Sect came: the Antarctic Longevity Emperor, the Taiyi Heavenly Venerable, and the Yellow Dragon Immortal.

Even they praised the "Yu Taishi Divine Incantation" highly.

The Antarctic Longevity Emperor said this publicly: "Grand Tutor Yu truly lives up to his title of Demon Ancestor; his understanding of the Great Dao of Rahu is far more profound than that of the immortals of the Xuanmen."

In the dream, Zhen Xingguang looked depressed and silently walked past Luo Zhenren's hair, heading straight into the Sutra Repository.

The real-life fake starlight, however, became quite talkative, freely elaborating, "This isn't exactly a nice thing to say, is it?"

As expected of the Demon Ancestor, this is tantamount to publicly confirming the fact that Old Demon Yu is an "unparalleled ferocious demon".

Haha, this is recognition from the old immortal of the Chan Sect! Yu Fengxian is indeed the old demon!

The fake starlight laughed even more happily and heartily than the real starlight.

The joy on Luo Zhenren's face vanished, and he frowned and sighed, "Now that you mention it, it seems that the Antarctic Longevity Emperor does indeed have some issues with Grand Tutor Yu."

Fake Starlight chuckled and said, "It's definitely related to the Great Immortal Yin Yinzi. The immortals of the Chan Sect are the most protective of their own, and the older the immortal, the less they care."

Master Luo looked at her with some surprise and said, "We can't just say things like that."

"I see."

Fake Starlight realized he had said a bit too much, smiled again, and walked past Master Luo into the Sutra Repository.

After that, she followed Zhen Xingguang's lead in every word and deed.

The starlight in her dream led her all the way to the top floor of the Sutra Repository, and she arrived there without any obstacles.

She saw "The Five Elements Escape Technique" again, but this time it was different from before. Last time, she could clearly see the title on the cover at a glance, without any Daoist aura or celestial light obstructing it. When she saw it again, she even felt that it wanted to be close to her.

Now, like other true immortal techniques, the "Five Elements Escape Technique" is woven into a cocoon of light by Daoist rhyme and immortal light, as if isolating the Daoist book from the real world and hiding it in another dimension.

Forget about getting close to her; even before touching her, she felt a strong resistance. As if sensing her thoughts, it seemed to be warning the other immortals in the Scripture Pavilion.

"It seems that Master Yumen truly intended to give me the Celestial Immortal Technique last time."

Fake Starlight glanced back and saw a Taoist priest climbing up from the lower level, looking at him with a puzzled expression.

The fake starlight smiled slightly at him, "The treasure has a spirit, but unfortunately it has no power."

She raised her right hand, using her fingers as a sword, and pointed forward. The sword light, as thick as a chopstick, pierced through the barrier and arrived in front of the Taoist book's cover.

The sword light suddenly expanded, from the thickness of a chopstick to a basketball-sized sword-shaped balloon, containing the Taoist book, and then floated out with a "whoosh".

She maintained the raised right arm posture, and the flying sword balloon went straight into her sleeve and disappeared.

"Master Xingguang, what are you doing?" The Taoist's spiritual sense had already detected something was wrong, but his spiritual eyes could not see the slightest flaw.

Therefore, he was filled with doubt and uncertainty, and his actions were somewhat hesitant, failing to activate the guardian immortal array immediately.

"I am Yu Fengxian, and I have become a demon in the throes, robbing your Taiyi Sect!" The fake starlight instantly transformed back into Grand Tutor Yu, and then soared into the sky.

With a swift stroke, Qiao Shi drew his sword and slashed the sky in a "ten" shape. The roof remained undamaged, and the celestial array of light that had risen rapidly, resembling an inverted bowl, was cleaved open.

Without a sound, Grand Tutor Yu's figure disappeared into the small cave of Shouyang Mountain.

The Taoist priest remained stunned for a long time before his face contorted in pain as he screamed, "A thief disguised himself as Grand Tutor Yu and entered the Scripture Pavilion to steal the immortal book!"

A scream startled the entire cave.

"Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh~~" Beams of immortal light converged from all directions.

"No wonder I felt uneasy. Which immortal book did you steal?"

"Master Luo, you're already feeling uneasy, yet you still haven't figured out which immortal book is missing? It's the Heavenly Immortal Technique!"

"Ah, so it's the 'Five Elements Escape Technique.' But not only are the Celestial Immortal Techniques protected by powerful restrictions and magic arrays, the immortal book itself also possesses sentience. If someone tries to steal it, it will actively give a warning!"

"There was indeed a warning. I was reading on the third floor when I suddenly felt anxious and wanted to go upstairs to check, but I was too late. No, I wasn't late; I arrived at just the right time."

That thief was too powerful; he broke the seal in a single move. He even used a sword technique I didn't understand to directly remove the immortal book from the 'Locking Heaven Pavilion'.

The immortal book was taken away, and the Yin-Yang Micro Dust Array was activated on its own. The thief broke it with a single sword strike once again.

The whole process took less than a breath; even if I had arrived in time, it would have been useless!

"Could it be that the 'Heavenly Pavilion Lock' is broken? The Immortal Book has issued a warning and indeed attracted True Man Hong, so why didn't the Heavenly Pavilion Lock immediately lock it into the 'Heavenly Pavilion Spacetime'?"

"The Heavenly Pavilion's golden lock isn't broken, but the Heavenly Pavilion's spacetime has been cut open. Such sharp sword energy! Who is the thief?" Master Luo exclaimed in surprise.

"The thief's attempt to slander Grand Tutor Yu is a clumsy trick that won't fool us! Our search for Xingguang at the Taiyin Palace might be related to him."

It wasn't until the afternoon of the next day that Grand Tutor Yu finally received the Divine Mace Protector and the Gray Crane Immortal.

However, Master Grey Crane only led the way, and when he saw her from afar and saw that she was indeed holding the "Five Elements Escape Technique", he turned away without saying a word and "sneaked away".

—Damn it, aren't you all immortals of the Taiyi Dao Sect? You've all shrunk back, leaving only a lowly spirit official to take the lead. That's too much!
The Divine Mace Protector felt disgusted, his face full of gloom and resentment. He flew in front of her and shouted, "Grand Tutor Yu, how dare you steal the most precious treasure of my Taiyi Sect!"

Having stolen such a treasure, instead of finding a secluded place to hide, they dared to openly admire their loot in the study of the Grand Tutor's mansion's backyard!

Grand Tutor Yu seemed to be sharpening a knife, holding a "jade tablet" and sharpening it on the edge of the Qiaoshi sword.

The Qiaoshi Sword hovered in mid-air.

The jade plaque is eight inches in size and as thick as a palm. It is entirely off-white and has the color of jade.

Grand Tutor Yu took the jade tablet and scraped it against the blade of the Qiaoshi sword.

"Crack, crack~~" With each stroke, sword energy bursts forth from the blade, and sparks of spiritual light fly out from the jade plate.

“There are no outsiders here,” she said.

The Divine Mace Protector looked up at the sky and could see the Talisman Envoy and the Chief Clerk watching from a distance.

"They saw you fighting me!" Grand Tutor Yu laughed.

Taibao sighed, "Alas, you are not destined for the Celestial Immortal Technique. You should return it to me!"
This matter has alarmed the Heavenly Court. The Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden personally ordered that someone retrieve the immortal book within three days, bring the thief to justice, and bring him to the Heavenly Court for trial.

If the task is not completed, someone will be punished.

Grand Tutor Yu asked, "Why is the Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden in charge of this matter? Where is your Taiyi Dao Ancestor? I thought Zhang Daoling would come looking for him."

Taibao said, "Master Zhang is very cunning. He didn't show his face at all. It was right after you stole the 'Five Elements Escape Technique' that the immortals in the cave were discussing it. When they couldn't find the thief, Master Zhang sent his attendant to the cave to tell them that you were the one who stole the immortal book, and that they should come directly to you and not make wild guesses."

The Nine Heavens Mystic Maiden and the Eastern Emperor are in charge of the Eight Views Palace and the Academy of Literature.

The Five Elements Escape Technique is one of the Five Secrets, all of which originated from the Xiuwen Academy.

Now that the immortal magic has been stolen, the Goddess Xuan Nu naturally has to intervene.

Grand Tutor Yu stopped his "jade-polishing" action and asked in surprise, "I had already revealed my face and identity at that time, so why are they still making wild guesses?"

Taibao said with a strange expression, "I didn't expect this either. Although the rumors about you in the martial arts world and the celestial realm are not good, it seems that your reputation is ruined."

Yet, in the hearts of the immortals, you are quite prestigious and virtuous.

They would rather suspect that Starlight Immortal was colluding with the thief than believe that you would do such a thing. Of course, it is also possible that your prestige is limited to Shouyang Mountain Cave.

After all, you just visited Shouyang Mountain, and your demeanor and bearing were truly admirable.

In fact, Yu Taishi's reputation has always been quite good in the Taiyi sect of Shouyang Mountain.

Many disciples of the Taiyi Dao sect served in the Imperial Observatory of the Qin Dynasty. The celestial masters of the Imperial Observatory now held Grand Master Yu in the utmost reverence. Naturally, they would help spread Grand Master Yu's good name and prestige within their own Daoist palaces.

Grand Tutor Yu laughed and said, "It is not surprising that I have such prestige, because my virtue is genuine and true."

—Last time, I clearly sensed that the "Five Elements Escape Technique" was destined for me, but I didn't steal it, which proves that I am virtuous and reliable; why did I openly rob it this time? Those who know, know; it doesn't prove that I am immoral.

"However, why would they suspect Master Xingguang? Isn't that old Daoist always sound asleep in his own Dao Palace?" she asked curiously.

Taibao understood her unspoken meaning, and Zitang's face became somewhat conflicted: You only "suddenly realized" and decided to run back to the Scripture Pavilion to steal the immortal book because of my reminder. Now you have successfully stolen the book, but I have been implicated by you and must take responsibility!
"Originally, everyone just had doubts and asked him questions, but he said that he had indeed been to the Sutra Repository and had even met Luo Daoren and others."

His words and actions almost perfectly matched what Luo Daoren and the others had seen and heard.

(End of this chapter)