Lingyuan Immortal

Chapter 954 Turning stone into gold
Chen Mu's gaze swept across the table, and everyone present paid more or less attention to him.

As his gaze swept over the seats in the central hall, it happened to meet the eyes of two people.

Seeing that he exuded a refined Daoist aura and was led directly to the main hall, the two men knew that he was no ordinary person. Their expressions tightened slightly, and they quickly turned aside and bowed to him from afar.

Chen Mu smiled slightly and returned the greeting.

Just then, two more people were led to the central hall. The two men had an extraordinary bearing and attracted everyone's attention as soon as they appeared.

Chen Mu followed and saw that the person in the lead was a bit young, dressed in Taoist robes, with a pair of slender phoenix eyes, a high nose, red lips, and a tall crown on his head, and his appearance was quite handsome.

The person following closely behind was much less presentable; his face was withered and thin, his lips were dry and shriveled, his nose was sunken, and his appearance was quite ugly.

It's worth mentioning that Chen Mu inadvertently noticed that Xu Rong, sitting to the left, had a fleeting look in her eyes when she saw the two of them, as if she had some connection with them.

The two men, however, kept their eyes straight ahead, seemingly oblivious to the attention they were receiving, and followed the attendant directly to the main hall.

Upon arriving at the hall, he saw Chen Mu already seated in his seat. He paused slightly, nodded in acknowledgment, and then took his seat to the side.

It wasn't until the two were truly seated that the people in the central hall realized—these two... had also gone to the upper hall?
"These two... they look quite unfamiliar, yet they have the audacity to sit in the hall?"

"Fellow Daoists, does anyone recognize these two?"

In an instant, everyone in the central hall began to whisper among themselves, using their divine senses to communicate.

Chen Mu wasn't particularly curious about the two people, but he was somewhat concerned about Xu Rong's reaction earlier. After a moment's thought, he transmitted his voice to Xu Rong and asked, "Does Fellow Daoist Xu know them?"

Xu Rong raised an eyebrow, realizing it was Chen Mu asking, and nodded with a wry smile, replying telepathically, "I wouldn't say we know each other, but we do have some grudges."

"The younger one is named Liu Lin, and the withered old man is called Liu Yan. Both of them are rogue cultivators from Changzhou. It is said that they were originally the son and old servant of a wealthy family. After they attained enlightenment by chance, they have been inseparable and their identities have never changed."

"Back when I was traveling through Xuandu, I traveled with the two of them for a while. However, we fell out over a certain incident and had a very unpleasant falling out, so we lost contact with them."

"I heard that the two of them once traveled to other places, but I don't know when they returned to Xuandu..."

Chen Mu nodded: "So that's how it all started."

Xu Rong was clearly unwilling to bring up the past. She picked up her wine glass, raised it to Chen Mu from a distance, and then drank it all in one gulp.

Chen Mu smiled calmly, raised his glass and took a small sip. As he put down his glass, he overheard the quiet conversation of the people next to him.

A thought stirred within him, and he focused his mind to listen intently.

One person whispered, "According to the ancient rites of Xuandu, banquets emphasize social interaction, while formal banquets emphasize treasures. This time, the abbot of Fusheng Temple is hosting a formal banquet rather than a banquet for social interaction, which shows that he has a hidden intention to test people's worth."

Another person chimed in, "The last time Fuyi suffered a crushing defeat in the debate, how could Fusheng Temple not learn from its mistakes? This is a contest of orthodox traditions, and the outcome cannot be determined by the number of people. A true contest of skill is inevitable."

The man nodded: "I've heard that Abbot Fusheng has not only prepared many rare treasures as a reward, but has also promised the position of an elder in the temple. If the rumors are true, then you and I, master and servant, should show off our skills at the banquet later."

After a lifetime of wandering, the two inevitably began to think about finding a place to settle down, and Fusheng Temple was an excellent choice.

Upon hearing this, the other person quickly shushed him, lowering his voice even further: "Young master, be careful what you say! This is Fusheng territory, and countless eyes are watching us from the shadows. You should keep this to yourself and not speak of it aloud, lest you unknowingly make enemies."

The man suddenly realized and nodded, saying, "It was my oversight."

Listening further, Chen Mu found that the two were talking about trivial daily matters, so he shook his head and smiled, no longer paying attention.

About half an hour later, the guests in the hall had all arrived.

Suddenly, a clear and melodious bell rang out, echoing through the sky. Immediately afterward, auspicious clouds appeared, and more than a hundred Taoist priests from Fusheng Temple emerged on the clouds. Wherever they passed, colorful ribbons fluttered down like rain.

Immediately afterwards, a beam of light seemed to descend from beyond the heavens, landing directly in the center of the main hall. Its source was nowhere to be found. Then, a clear chime resounded, and where the light dissipated, a black-haired Taoist priest holding a ruyi scepter appeared gracefully.

Behind him, Yan Rongmu and Fu Danian stood on either side, while the red-robed Taoist Zhong Zhenjun and two other Zhenjuns also came out together.

The arrival of six True Lords was even more astonishing, as all six of them were at the intermediate stage of the Dao Inquiry Realm!
In an instant, a tremendous aura surged like a tide, stirring up countless dazzling golden lights.

Upon seeing this, the disciples and stewards of Fusheng Temple standing below all bowed their heads and chanted in unison, "Welcome, Abbot, welcome, elders..."

To show their respect, the guests also rose from their seats and greeted him with courtesy.

Tao Fengbian flicked his three long tufts of beard, and upon seeing this, laughed loudly. Holding his Ruyi scepter, he returned the greeting, saying, "I am late, and I have troubled you all to wait. I am truly sorry. Please sit down, there is no need for further formalities."

The guests below politely declined and took their seats with smiles.

Tao Feng turned to look at Fu Danian and the others, and said with a smile, "Junior brothers, fellow Daoists, shall we also take our seats?"

The group bowed in unison and agreed, then each found their seats and settled down comfortably.

As Fu Danian took his seat, he nodded to Chen Mu in greeting, and then called out loudly to Tao Fengbian, "Senior Brother, this is Fellow Daoist Chen Mu."

Upon hearing this, Tao Fengbian turned his gaze to Chen Mu, his smile still warm: "Fellow Daoist Chen is indeed imbued with divine bearing and extraordinary demeanor, worthy of being a distinguished disciple of the Azure Tide Pavilion of the True Immortal lineage..."

He picked up the wine cup on the table and raised it in a toast, saying, "I apologize for not being able to pay my respects sooner, Fellow Daoist Chen."

The moment the five characters “碧落潮生阁” were uttered, the entire hall fell silent enough to be heard as if a pin drop had been dropped.

Xu Rong and the other two suddenly brightened up, realizing, "So Fellow Daoist Chen... is actually a disciple of the True Immortal lineage! No wonder he is so extraordinary..."

The red-robed Taoist, Zhong Zhenjun, also raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise flashing across his face.

Only after he focused his attention and carefully observed Chen Mu's spiritual energy, discovering that Chen Mu's spiritual energy was only at the initial stage of the Dao Inquiry realm, did his tense expression ease slightly, his lips twitched almost imperceptibly, and he lowered his eyes to drink.

Chen Mu seemed oblivious to the various gazes directed at him from all directions, calmly raising his cup to toast Tao Fengbian in return: "Master Tao, you flatter me..."

After this brief silence, the atmosphere in the room became even more enthusiastic as people came to their senses.

Even the disciples of the True Immortal lineage have stepped in to help, so who would dare to say that Fusheng Temple is doomed to defeat this time?

Taking advantage of the lively atmosphere, Tao Feng subtly shifted his gaze and gave a wink to a ceremonial official standing before the palace steps.

The latter immediately understood and announced loudly, "Let the banquet begin!"

In an instant, fine wine flowed freely, and delicacies were laid out in abundance. Everyone raised their glasses, coming one after another to toast Chen Mu. Fu Danian, watching with envy, finally picked up a wine pot and joined in...

The place was bustling with activity, but the seat in front of the red-robed Taoist priest appeared rather deserted and desolate.

The red-robed Taoist observed coldly for a moment, then realized that things could not continue like this.

After all, if this situation continues, how many people will still believe in him? When it comes time to discuss the Dao, will everyone obey his orders or follow Chen Daoren's lead?

Thinking of this, he rolled his eyes and his gaze locked onto the master and servant not far away.

"Since you have the audacity to sit in the hall, it is only right that I borrow you to enhance my prestige and establish my authority..."

The red-robed Taoist muttered something to himself, then abruptly stood up and asked in a loud voice, "Abbot Tao! Your esteemed temple has widely welcomed virtuous scholars for the grand plan of discussing the Dao, without regard to their background or origin, which is why we have such a distinguished gathering today. However..."

A hint of amusement flashed in his eyes as he looked directly at the master and servant: "Forgive my poor eyesight, but may I ask which immortal mountain or treasure land these two fellow Daoists come from? And why do they look so unfamiliar?"

Upon hearing this, all eyes immediately turned to him, and a sense of relief welled up in everyone's hearts.

Thank goodness! Fortunately, I didn't have to go up to the main hall.

Otherwise, how can we be sure that the red-robed Taoist won't use the same method to cause trouble?
At this banquet, even if one truly did not know the person, one should have inquired privately. To question them in public is clearly a deliberate provocation, an attempt to stir up trouble.

Tao Feng frowned slightly, glanced deeply at the red-robed Taoist, and remained silent.

Fu Danian, who was standing to the side, was displeased, but he did not show it on his face. He introduced them, saying, "These two are fellow Daoists from Changzhou whom I invited. Fellow Daoist Liu Lin and Fellow Daoist Liu Yan are quite accomplished. Fellow Daoist Zhong, do you recognize them now?"

The red-robed Taoist priest smiled slightly and nodded, saying, "I recognize him."

He then turned to the master and servant, and said with a smile, "Fellow Daoists, please don't be offended. It's not that I, Zhong, was deliberately being rude. It's just that everyone here is either highly accomplished or renowned in their region. But I wonder what outstanding qualities you two have that make you worthy of being ranked alongside such sages?"

If the first half of the sentence could barely be considered an apology, the second half reveals the true intentions and exposes the true nature of the situation.

The implication was obvious: these two, master and servant, had neither a distinguished reputation nor any outstanding achievements, so what merit did they have to occupy such a high position?

Everyone had their own thoughts, but all eyes turned to the master and servant, secretly wondering: if it were them, they would have stormed off in anger by now. Why, then, were these two still sitting calmly, without even the slightest hint of displeasure?

Little did they know, the two were not angry at all; on the contrary, they felt a secret joy.

Just when I was about to fall asleep, someone brought me a pillow! I was just pondering how to impress Master Tao, and I was at a loss for where to start, when this "understanding" and "kind" person appeared...

Upon noticing the inexplicably intense gaze directed at him by Liu Lin, the red-robed Taoist priest couldn't help but feel a jolt in his heart: "Could it be... that something is amiss?"

Liu Lin stood up, calmly adjusted his tall hat, and said loudly, "Fellow Daoist Zhong asks a good question. My master and I are just humble cultivators, with no reputation and no earth-shattering achievements. However, since we have been honored by Fellow Daoist Fu's kindness in inviting us to this hall, and by Abbot Tao's banquet, how can we do nothing but occupy seats?"

His voice was clear and bright, carrying a kind of lazy nobility unique to wealthy young men.

He turned to Tao Fengbian, his gaze sweeping over everyone at the table, and said humbly, "However, to be honest, my master and I have wandered for half our lives and have not gained any profound understanding of the Great Dao. We have only dabbled in the Dao of 'enlightenment', which can be considered a skill."

He paused, then raised his voice, a hint of amusement in it: "Today I will make a fool of myself and imitate the ancient story of 'turning stone into gold' to add a touch of magic to Abbot Tao and fellow Daoists, to bring a smile to your faces, and I also ask True Lord Zhong for some guidance."

These words immediately caused a stir among the people below.

"Turning stone into gold" is no ordinary magic trick; it is a genuine divine power of creation!

Of course, the "turning stone into gold" technique mentioned here is by no means a superficial illusion, but a genuine endowment of the "golden nature" of the stubborn stone, just as it transforms living beings and seizes the power of creation from heaven and earth...

If it were merely a matter of transforming into gold, not to mention a True Monarch, even an ordinary Foundation Establishment cultivator or a Qi Condensation cultivator could do it.

Since Liu Lin dared to perform this act in front of so many like-minded people, there must be some hidden meaning behind it, which is definitely not as simple as an illusion...

These words not only piqued the interest of the crowd below, but even Tao Fengbian's expression shifted slightly, and he asked in a deep voice, "Fellow Daoist, is what you say... true?"

Liu Lin smiled smugly and said, "Master Tao, you are wise enough to judge me. How could I be a madman? How dare I speak recklessly in such a setting?"

Xu Rong, seated below, looked on with suspicion. He had never heard of Liu Lin and his companion being skilled in such extraordinary techniques. He wondered to himself, "Could it be that in the past hundred years, he has somehow acquired some remarkable secret technique?"

Tao Fengbian looked around and nodded, saying, "In that case, please demonstrate your wondrous methods, fellow Daoist. If you truly possess such supernatural powers, then when you take your seat in the main hall, naturally no one will have any complaints."

Upon hearing this, Liu Lin smiled and said, "To avoid any suspicion that we have fabricated something, I wonder if any fellow Daoist would be willing to provide a piece of stone?"

Xu Rong's eyes flashed, and she was about to get up and agree when she heard someone beside her say loudly, "This is easy!"

Before he finished speaking, the man flicked his sleeves, and an invisible force instantly drew a piece of blue stone from the edge of the Emerald Lake below the platform.

This stone is several feet long and wide, with rounded edges and a natural shape.

"This stone is genuine, fellow Daoist, please feel free to proceed."

"it is good!"

Liu Lin clapped his hands in approval, then nodded slightly to the old servant beside him.

The emaciated old servant silently stepped forward and slowly extended his right index finger.

Those fingers were withered and thin, and the nails had a strange grayish-white sheen.

He neither chanted any incantations nor made any hand seals; he simply touched the blue stone with his gray-white index finger.

The moment the fingertip touched the stone surface, the hard and rough bluestone surface rippled outwards like still water with a stone thrown in, creating soft and dazzling ripples—the color of which was none other than flowing liquid gold!
Wherever the ripples touched, the color, texture, and luster of the bluestone changed dramatically in an instant! A dazzling gold spread rapidly as if it were alive.

In the blink of an eye, the entire piece of bluestone had completely transformed into a piece of pure gold that was crystal clear, shimmering with light, and radiating a soft, precious glow!
"Hiss... Such pure gold! This... this is real gold!!"

It's not gilded, not an illusion, but real, heavy, and warm gold to the touch!

The gold had an incredibly realistic texture; you could even see the subtle metallic patterns and the refracted luster.

In an instant, the entire main hall was illuminated by this sudden golden light, and an air of extravagance emanated from it...

……

(End of this chapter)