Great Red Immortal Sect

Chapter 716 Protecting the Way
Mengzhou, Yangqiu, Daoxian Palace.

This location is in the east of the continent, adjacent to the blue sea. It is a sunny hill with green soil and rocks, lush vegetation, and dotted with one or two mysterious temples and pavilions. At the very top of the hill is a simple green wooden Taoist palace.

Before the long white jade path leading to the palace stood a stone tablet, nine zhang tall, entirely blue-green, surrounded by wisps of white mist, upon which were several ancient characters gleaming with divine light.

【Emperor's Shepherd at Dawn】

Standing beneath the stone tablet was a young man dressed in a dark blue robe, with a golden dot between his brows, exuding an aura of immortality, and his profound primordial wood energy subtly resonated with the stone tablet.

'That brat Xu Xuan is here too; he's probably meeting with that Azure Dragon King of the Cave.'

Tian Tuo seemed to be deep in thought as he looked at the stone tablet. But then he heard a calm and composed voice behind him, and the energy of Jia wood rose up like a towering tree with leaves that covered the sky.

"The Lesser Yang Divine Power [Eastern Extreme Brightness], also known as [Early Yang Shepherd], is said to have the merit of [Shepherding the Early Yang and Leading the Saints] in ancient times. At that time, the sun rose from the [Fumu] in the east, crossed the vast sea, and entered the celestial orbit."

"Your sect indeed possesses the Shaoyang Dao lineage. What you said is correct, senior. This is the reason why [Qingyang Hui] can borrow the nature of Shaoyang!"

Tian Tuo turned around and looked at the person in front of him.

It should be Dong Qing, but he was not in the form of a dragon. Instead, he appeared as a young man in a green robe, with handsome features and an air as steadfast as a pine tree, and as beautiful as a white pear blossom. He stood tall and straight like a bamboo, and at his waist hung a green wooden ruler with dragon patterns, which shimmered with a subtle light.

Tian Tuo looked at the wooden ruler.

In a daze, the Eastern Star appeared, and the Azure God returned to his palace. He then threw his staff and transformed into a dragon, riding a winnowing basket to ascend to immortality. Tree buds broke through the soil like vigorous dragons and snakes, and branches spread out like coiled dragons. So he climbed the tree to ascend to heaven and saw dragons and snakes in his delusions.

magic weapon.

The bright, golden light of the [Azure Jade] was extremely eye-catching, displaying the name of this celestial artifact.

The Azure Ruler is a magical artifact of the Azure Flower Immortal Sect, left behind by the True Monarch Panzhang!
'It's unbelievable that Qinghua has now become a sect here, its grotto-heaven has fallen and transformed into a blessed land, yet its inheritance has been preserved, and its treasures have been sent to Dongcang.'

Tian Tuo's mind raced, and he had already made a plan. It seemed that although Qinghua had declined, it probably had a new backer, namely Dongcang!
However, Panhai is nearly a million miles away from Yandi. Although Dongcang is powerful, it probably cannot take care of the land, unless Qinghua directly moves its sect to the sea and merges into Dongcang.

Of course, this was just his thought at the moment; the relationship between the two families is probably more complicated and difficult for outsiders to fathom.

Tian Tuo didn't ask much about the magic treasure. If it wasn't as he guessed, but rather that the two sides had a feud and that the True Lord had taken the Qinghua magic treasure in a fit of anger, wouldn't it be a bit awkward for him to ask about it?
"I am Qingyuan Zhenren, Ruan Yuan, from the Shangxiao Immortal Sect, Qingyuan Dao Lineage. My master is Zhouyou Zhenren."

He introduced himself, then smiled slightly and said:

"I am grateful to have had the honor of seeing you in person today."

“Our sect has received the grace of Donghua. Since we are the successors of the Qingyuan Yiyang, how can we be negligent? Please follow me to enter the Dao realm first, and we can talk later.”

Dong Qing led the people behind him forward, stepping on the ancient white jade path, passing the stone tablet, and finally stopping in front of the Daoxian Palace.

This palace is ancient and simple, filled with Taoist energy. Several halls are scattered here, and the radiance of wood virtue can be faintly emitted from the green wooden doors, which makes Tian Tuo feel his magical power flow freely.

Upon entering the main hall, one sees a green wooden platform with a coiled dragon, upon which a statue is enshrined. Wisps of bluish-white incense smoke swirl around the statue, creating a hazy, ethereal atmosphere.

This image depicts a man with an indistinct face, wearing a blue robe with a wood-patterned design. He holds up the sun in his left hand and supports a dragon in his right. Countless golden forests seem to sprout beside his blue-gold shoes, a scene of receiving the sun's grace.

【Panjia Xiu Guangtian Yu Zhenjun】

Dongqing respectfully bowed to the statue, and Tiantuo behind him followed suit.

The old demon remained calm, not daring to have the slightest thought of disrespect. Standing before a statue of a manifest and revered True Lord meant that he had already fallen into the sight of that True Lord Tianyu.

After Dongqing waited for the distinguished guest beside him to pay homage to the statue of the True Lord, he nodded slightly and led him into a side hall, where the two took their seats.

"Is there something important that you have come here, Master Qingyuan?"

Dong Qing smiled warmly. After fully transforming into human form, no trace of dragon-like characteristics could be found on his body. He truly resembled a highly accomplished immortal cultivator.

"I have no important business here. I just heard that Dongcang has been settled and is considered a branch of the former Donghua Great Dao, just like my Shangxiao. So I thought I would like to pay a visit to strengthen the friendship between our two paths."

Tian Tuo did not reveal his thoughts directly, which was indeed one of the reasons. However, his greater scheme was to observe the situation of this immortal sect and test its stance.

Is this family truly close to Donghua? Even if they are, what are their views on Ruan Yuan, and what are their views on the former Tian Tuo Xiao Sheng?
Of course, after figuring out all these things, it would be wonderful to acquire a few more treasures.

He wasn't eyeing any weapons. After all, the treasures that the heavens had given him and the treasures that Tianye had obtained were more than enough. Even at the peak of the Purple Mansion realm, there was no shortage of spiritual weapons.

Among the Yuanmu spiritual treasures are the [Eastern Azure Sun Branch] and the [Azure Bamboo Sword], as well as the superior-grade Sky Thunder Sword [Change of Years] and a [Yangjin Pearl] from the Unyielding Daoist lineage. He rarely uses the last pearl, not for any other reason than that he dislikes anything from the Hanshui Daoist lineage.

Currently, cultivating at the [White Wood Temple] requires drawing upon wood energy and gathering various types of wood, resulting in a huge demand for various wood-virtuous spiritual lands and spiritual roots.

The Panlin in Chiyun was just a piece of cake for him, completely unimportant. If it weren't for needing a pretext for the transaction, he wouldn't have bothered going. Mengzhou was the real feast, the place where the Jianmu tree was!
He has now refined the [Taiyuan Green Branch] and integrated it into the [Azure Cloud Golden Bamboo], causing this spiritual root to undergo a transformation and acquire the properties of ancient Fu wood.

If he could obtain the five wood spiritual roots and complete a set, his cultivation speed in the White Wood Temple would be incredibly fast. However, this would also consume an enormous amount of resources, which his inner realm alone could not sustain; he would definitely need precious soil!
Shangxiao is considered to have a profound foundation, but most of his items are in thunder, primordial wood, and pure qi, with very few earth-related items. The only item left in his treasury is the [Suwang Gentu] of Gentu. Because he obtained one of the last twelve immortal items of Tianye, and it is thunder, which is of great use to the sect, this earth was bestowed upon him.

'How can I subtly hint to Dong Qing that he should give me some spiritual roots, precious soil, or something similar? If all else fails, I could at least stay under that Jianmu tree for a few days!'

Just as Tian Tuo was about to speak and continue probing, the Azure Dragon King of the Cave spoke first.

"The timing of Qingyuan Zhenren's arrival was both extremely good and extremely bad."

'Don't try to play mind games with me.'

Tian Tuo muttered a few words to himself, but his expression remained calm as he smiled and replied:
"I wonder what you mean, senior?" "The Duobao lineage probably didn't tell you the truth, and their power doesn't extend beyond the cave heaven. They could only lure you here."

Dong Qing's eyes shone brightly. As he finished speaking, the sound of a soaring dragon seemed to echo in the sky. He activated his extremely powerful Jiamu divine power to isolate himself from the outside world.

The main hall next to it seemed to be dissipating and collapsing, transforming into pure Jia wood essence. The dragon coiled around the wood, the azure dragon moved eastward, and the Jia and Guang moved, ultimately causing a blue celestial talisman to appear on the top of Tian Tuo.

This talisman, radiating azure light and resonating with the primordial wood, bears the inscription "Edict for Establishing the Year," making it extremely mystical. However, at this moment, it is shrouded in a layer of bluish-gray wind, obscuring the celestial light and dissipating into profound mystery.

Following the immortal talisman bestowed by the sect, Tian Tuo saw an extremely thin vine swaying in the wind, its blood and blue hues seemingly merging with the void, extending all the way into the sky.

He was startled. The seal script began to emanate pure energy, protecting his mind and gradually clearing his consciousness.

Only then did the old demon realize his mistake. The seal script could protect his mind and prevent him from being controlled, but it was difficult to isolate him from the gaze and influence of the golden elixir.

Although he had thought about this question, he had a talisman on him, which was the writings of the Immortal Jian Sui, a treasure of the heavens, bestowed by Patriarch Jiang Li.

When he was first tested by the spiritual lightning, it was this talisman that saved his life before he was able to meet the Patriarch Jiang Li.

This talisman has been modified, and only the master of the Great Wind Profound Sky could so silently conceal it and even affect its use.

Yuan Yan.

The Golden Core cultivator who has lived since the Thunder Palace era was once on good terms with Tian Huo, and in terms of time spent in the Yuanmu position, he probably even surpasses that of Jian Sui.

And this persistent crimson vine must be the work of that [Pan Mi], but that person should still be outside the heavens, right?

Tian Tuo doesn't have a celestial artifact like the Taiqing Stele to protect him, and the seal script can only conceal his unusual appearance. For a True Lord, there are far too many methods to use besides controlling the mind, especially since they both belong to the Wood element.

"Two trees: Yi Wood and Yuan Wood."

"more than."

Dong Qing continued in a low, melancholic tone:
"There are many powerful figures in the world who want to kill you, but they are all waiting for the right time—a time when the heavens are in chaos and karma is incomplete—when the three of you are fighting, especially when that [Suspended Chaos] True Monarch makes his move."

"The time is ripe."

The Dongcang Sect Master looked at the Shangxiao True Person beside him, only to see that the other party quickly regained his composure, as if he had made up his mind, and was not frightened by these words.

"This calamity is unavoidable unless you hide in the cave for your entire life. The restoration of Yuanmu is unacceptable to Dafeng Xuanqiong, Xuanmi Demon Land, and even the East Sea Dragon family. If it weren't for the fact that Shen Guang Zhenjun is no different from being destroyed, He would also eliminate you."

Dong Qing's tone turned slightly somber. He drew the green ruler from his waist and with a gentle swipe, the primordial wind and long vines dissipated and disappeared.

Tian Tuo could still sense that as soon as he stepped out of Pan Hai, he would definitely be targeted again.

'Jiang Li's words are useless; it was agreed that this talisman could intimidate Golden Core cultivators.'

A thought suddenly struck him: he was already caught in this deadly predicament, but the patriarch remained completely still. Back then, the patriarch had crossed the ocean to support him.

Perhaps something went wrong somewhere he couldn't see, or perhaps the Golden Core cultivators received some information that emboldened them to take action.

His ancestor, Jiangli, is probably not in good condition either.

"So, your clan is willing to help me?"

"Indeed, the master intends to support you."

Dong Qing's gaze darkened, and he said solemnly:
"If you want to verify the Yuanmu, you must go to Qiuhai and visit Duobao. This is absolutely impossible under normal circumstances. Tengzhou of the Changsu lineage is located north of Qiuhai and will not allow you to go there."

"This great master of the Yi Wood Dao has the ability to stir up the winds and clouds and influence the world. He can be said to be the first among all the True Lords. Now that his true body has left, it is the right time, but also the time for a killing calamity."

"To enter the Autumn Rebirth stage, one must pass through the [Hidden Autumn Sea Road]. Even a flight from the Purple Mansion takes three full days. And since you possess the destiny of the Primordial Wood, you cannot hide it. Do you still wish to go?"

As Dongqing's voice faded, Tiantuo had already made his decision.

"Why not?"

His words were extremely decisive, displaying the air of a general heading to battle, but then he shrank back and tentatively said:

"Why don't you come with me and escort them to their door?"

"I cannot leave Panhai."

Dong Qing's tone was slightly regretful, then he said:
"However, I have found two protectors for you."

Just as Tian Tuo was about to ask about the situation, he sensed something was amiss beside him. A woman was sitting on the previously empty green wooden chair.

No, the woman was already here before he entered the hall, but Tian Tuo couldn't see her at all.

The pale, luminous light of the moon obscured that ethereal face, making her appear as an afterimage rather than a physical entity. Only a distant, ethereal female voice could be heard echoing through the hall.

"I will deal with the long-term inhabitants of Jiyue."

(End of this chapter)