Lingyuan Immortal

Chapter 957 The Jade Book Confirms the Contract, and a Storm Rises

The atmosphere in the room subtly changed. Everyone had different expressions, but they all remained silent without making a sound.

Zhong Zhenjun's face was ashen, his lips were tightly pressed together, his body trembled almost imperceptibly, and fine beads of cold sweat even seeped from his forehead.

Chen Mu's seemingly casual yet fundamental "Universe in the Palm" not only shattered the prestige he had painstakingly built up, but also exposed the hidden dangers in his technique in front of everyone, revealing the extreme power that breeds malice!
The fleeting gray-black aura reflected in the mirror, like a maggot clinging to his bone, gnawed wildly at his mind, bringing unspeakable panic and shame.

He stared intently at the table, his eyes vacant, all traces of the arrogance he had displayed moments before. He felt that every gaze directed at him was filled with silent mockery and pity.

Because of him, the air seemed to freeze, and even the string and wind instruments had already stopped, leaving only the sound of everyone breathing.

The situation was even more tense than when Liu Lin and his servant left, almost on the verge of exploding.

Just as this suffocating silence was about to reach its peak, Tao Fengbian, who was in the head seat, finally spoke.

His face wore a perfectly measured expression of amazement and a warm smile, his voice gentle yet clearly carrying throughout the banquet: "Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful!"

He broke the deadlock by clapping his hands in praise, and then looked sincerely at Chen Mu.

"Fellow Daoist Chen's 'Moon in the Water' technique is insightful, reflects reality and illusion, and points directly to the origin of the Great Dao. It is truly the first time I, Tao, have ever seen such a technique. The lineage of the True Immortals is mysterious and unfathomable. Today, having witnessed a glimpse of it has broadened our horizons and benefited us immensely!"

His praise came from the bottom of his heart, and at the same time he cleverly shifted the focus, directing everyone's shock to awe of the Biluo Chaosheng Pavilion, rather than simply focusing on Zhong Zhenjun's disheveled state.

Then, Tao Feng changed the subject, looking at Zhong Zhenjun with a reassuring tone: "Fellow Daoist Zhong just now broke through the illusion and revealed the truth. His thunderous methods are truly admirable."

"The path of cultivation is long and arduous, and occasional setbacks are inevitable. Even minor imperfections can be opportunities to hone your skills and move forward. Fellow Daoist Zhong, with your profound cultivation and unwavering Dao heart, you will surely be able to dispel the clouds and reach new heights."

He avoided using sharp words like "inner demons and resentment," only using "flaws" and "sharpening" to gloss over it, which could be considered as giving Zhong Zhenjun a dignified way out.

Tao Fengbian, as the abbot, held a significant position, and his personal intervention to smooth things over carried considerable weight.

He praised Chen Mu, affirming the profound and mysterious nature of his methods, while also upholding the dignity and basic integrity of Zhong Zhenjun as a True Lord in the Middle Realm of the Dao Inquiry. His words were watertight, revealing his shrewdness.

"Haha, that's right, that's right! Fellow Daoist Chen's methods are profound, and True Lord Zhong's divine power is also extraordinary. It is truly an honor to have the opportunity to hear the profound discussions of the two of you today!"

Fu Danian immediately understood and quickly echoed with a smile.

The other two True Lords in the main hall and some clever guests also chimed in, and the atmosphere finally began to ease.

"Come on, play the music, dance! Let's not waste this fine wine and beautiful scenery!" Fu Danian ordered loudly.

The melodious sounds of silk and bamboo instruments returned, and graceful dancers filed in once more, their robes fluttering as they danced. The aroma of the celestial wine once more filled the air, and the subtle sounds of clinking glasses gradually resumed.

However, after experiencing those two breathtaking "demonstrations," especially the mental impact of Chen Mu's almost miraculous methods, this deliberately created scene of peace and prosperity seemed somewhat fake and pale. The cheerful music also sounded as if it were behind a veil.

Many people, especially the cultivators near Zhong Zhenjun's seat, seemed somewhat distracted.

They cautiously stole glances at Zhong Zhenjun, only to see him sitting there stiffly, his face so gloomy it could drip water, the wine cup in front of him untouched, seemingly oblivious to the fine wine, delicacies, and enchanting songs and dances before him, as if he were in another cold world.

Even the air around him seemed heavier than elsewhere, making the nearby guests feel oppressed and afraid to talk or laugh loudly.

Tao Feng took in all of this and understood that dragging it out any longer would be pointless and might even create more complications.

He gradually made up his mind, and during a break in the music, he gave Fu Danian, who was not far away, a subtle wink.

Fu Danian understood immediately, stood up, walked to the center of the hall, cleared his throat, and infused his voice with magical power, making it clearly reach everyone's ears:

Fellow practitioners, please be quiet.

The music and conversation stopped again, and everyone's eyes turned to each other.

Fu Danian looked solemn and cupped his hands, glancing around: "We are deeply grateful to all of you fellow Daoists for coming from afar to help our Fusheng Temple participate in this 'Fuyi Dao Discussion'. The abbot and we are extremely grateful."

"On this auspicious occasion, in order to avoid any omissions in future discussions and to thank all fellow practitioners for their assistance, Fusheng Temple has prepared a jade contract."

With a wave of his hand, several disciples immediately presented several trays, each containing a jade slip that shimmered with a warm, spiritual light and was covered with intricate runes.

Although both parties had reached an agreement, the meeting to discuss the Dao was of utmost importance, and Fusheng Temple naturally had to consider all aspects.

With this contract in place, if anyone changes their mind at the last minute, Fusheng Temple has the right to handle the matter, which greatly reduces potential problems...

"This contract is guided by the Daoist heart and witnessed by Heaven and Earth. Its contents have been discussed and agreed upon with you all in advance. For those who make contributions in the discussion of the Dao, Fusheng Temple will reward them with its treasured treasures, elixirs and medicines, and even secret manuals of cultivation techniques. We will not be stingy."

Fu Danian announced the core content of the contract in a loud voice: "Those who make outstanding contributions will have the opportunity to obtain the position of elder of my temple and share the fortune and destiny of the Fusheng lineage..."

After reading it through once, he paused, then continued, "The contract jade slip is ready. All you need to do is imprint it with your own blood essence or a wisp of divine thought, and the contract will be formed, witnessed by heaven and earth! Fellow Daoists, do you have any further questions?"

The crowd in the audience shook their heads.

Those who have come here have all been screened in advance and are already familiar with the contents of the contract. They are here for the reward and even the promise of an elder position at Fusheng Temple.

Although the incident just now was shocking, it did not shake their fundamental purpose for this trip.

"Since there are no objections, then fellow Daoists, please imprint the contract!" Fu Danian announced loudly.

In an instant, the guests in the upper and middle halls all stood up.

Streams of essence blood or condensed divine light of various colors flew from the fingertips or between the eyebrows of the crowd, landing precisely in the contract jade slips in front of them.

When the jade slip comes into contact with essence blood or divine thought, it immediately shines brightly, and the runes on its surface seem to come alive, flowing endlessly and emitting a series of deep and solemn Daoist resonances, as if it has established a connection with the rules of heaven and earth in the dark.

The next moment, an invisible binding force spread out, marking the formal establishment of the contract.

The whole process was quick and orderly; in the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, all the invited guests had completed their branding.

Fu Danian looked at the jade slips on the tray, where all the light had stabilized, and smiled. He cupped his hands again, saying, "The contract is complete. Thank you all for your trust. Fusheng Temple will live up to your expectations!"

He turned to Tao Fengbian, bowed, and said, "Master, the contract is now complete."

Tao Feng nodded slightly, a look of satisfaction on his face. He raised his cup again and stood up: "Good, now that the contract is in place, we are of one mind. We have enjoyed the banquet today. However, the time for the Dao discussion is approaching, and we need all of you to conserve your energy. Let's end this banquet here."

His voice was loud and clear, conveying a sense of farewell: "Fellow Daoists, please return to your quarters to rest early. About a month from now, we will meet again in front of the Three Immortals Valley to discuss our important plans!"

"Thank you for your hospitality, Abbot!" Everyone stood up and returned the greeting.

After he finished speaking, the guests began to leave one after another. However, many people unconsciously slowed down and cast respectful or even somewhat ingratiating glances at Chen Mu, as if they wanted to go up and talk to him for a while. But when they saw that everyone had the same idea, they hesitated.

If everyone rushes forward at this moment, how can the person in question remember who is who?

As they pondered, everyone's gaze swept over Zhong Zhenjun's seat, and they couldn't help but feel a pang of unease. After giving Chen Mu a distant bow, they quickened their pace, or simply turned and left, fearing to incur his wrath...

Zhong Zhenjun could sense the difference. He grunted and stood up abruptly. Without looking at anyone, he skipped the formal farewell and rushed out of Wanfutai like an arrow, leaving only a fiery red silhouette.

Fu Danian quickly walked to Chen Mu's side, his face full of smiles: "Fellow Daoist Chen, please wait a moment. The abbot would like to chat with you for a while longer..."

Chen Mu seemed to have anticipated this, and smiled slightly, nodding calmly.

Xu Rong and others who were acquainted with Chen Mu also stayed behind for the time being, looking at Chen Mu, who was being led to the head of the table by Fu Danian, with complicated expressions.

The noise subsided, and the singing and dancing ceased.

On the vast Wanfu Platform, besides their group, there were only the disciples cleaning up the mess, the lingering aroma of wine, the faint smell of burning thunder and fire, and the invisible aura that foreshadowed an even more intense storm a month later.

The true turning point will unfold at that forum of philosophical discussions...

……

"Fellow Daoist Chen, please sit down."

Tao Feng personally poured Chen Mu a steaming cup of spirit mist tea, his face bearing a smile far more genuine than at the banquet earlier, his gaze fixed intently on Chen Mu.

"You're too kind, Abbot." Chen Mu sat down calmly and accepted the teacup.

"There were too many people and too much chatter in the hall just now, so it was inconvenient to discuss some things in detail."

Tao Feng cut to the chase, his tone filled with undisguised admiration: "Fellow Daoist's 'Universe in the Palm of Your Hand' truly leaves me in awe..."

He praised her several more times, his words far more sincere than when he was in the palace.

Chen Mu smiled slightly: "It's not my doing, but rather a close connection to the Dao through immortal techniques..."

Tao Feng waved his hand, his expression turning solemn: "Fellow Daoist, please don't be so modest. It is precisely because of your profound abilities that I have a matter to entrust to you. This matter concerns the success or failure of my Fusheng Temple's upcoming Daoist debate, and even... the survival of our lineage!"

He leaned forward slightly, lowered his voice, and carried a hint of barely perceptible earnestness:

“Fellow Daoist Chen, I believe Junior Brother Fu has already given a detailed introduction to Qi Yunsu, but I, Tao, have a few additions.”

"This person's cultivation is unfathomable, and his Daoist techniques are unpredictable. During the last Daoist debate, he single-handedly held off my three fellow disciples, causing the Daoist friends who came to help to lose their composure. They found his weakness and killed three of them in succession..."

"Qi Yunsu must also have such thoughts during this discussion. Once he leaves the stage, my two fellow disciples and I must go all out and join forces to fight him. We must not be distracted by anything else."

Tao Fengbian's eyes flashed with a complex expression as he said this: "Therefore, after we were entangled by Qi Yunsu, the responsibility of overall coordination, on-site command, and even dealing with other experts from Liangyi Temple was originally intended to be undertaken by... Fellow Daoist Zhong."

“His cultivation has reached the middle stage of the Dao Inquiry realm, his combat strength is not bad, and he has a rather fierce reputation in Xuandu. His original intention was to use his power to intimidate the other party.”

He changed the subject, his tone filled with deep disappointment and helplessness: "However, you have witnessed today's banquet with your own eyes."

“Fellow Daoist Zhong… has strength, but he is stubborn and self-willed, and too selfish. In order to establish his authority, he did not hesitate to make a move at the banquet, seriously injuring his fellow Daoist. Furthermore, because of his violent nature, Fellow Daoist, he is unstable and I am afraid he is no longer capable of shouldering great responsibilities.”

Tao Feng looked at Chen Mu, his eyes filled with hope and a hint of determination: "After this incident, I know that if we were to entrust this crucial task to Zhong Zhenjun again, it would be tantamount to putting the outcome on a precarious egg, which is too risky."

He took a deep breath and solemnly cupped his hands, saying, "Fellow Daoist Chen's Daoist arts are profound, his temperament is calm, and his vision is far-reaching. I, Tao, dare to humbly request that you take charge of the overall situation of the battle in this Daoist discussion."

"Except for Qi Yunsu, who will be handled by my two fellow disciples, all other battle strategies and coordination are entrusted to you, fellow Daoist!"

"This is the key to the survival of my Fusheng Temple. I earnestly hope that you will not refuse."

Actually, they had considered asking others to deal with Qi Yunsu, but since the other party had reached the perfect realm of enlightenment, who would be willing to take such a risk to help?
Even if they reluctantly agreed, how could they possibly have the will to fight to the death?

If something unexpected were to happen in the end, it would be extremely difficult to remedy the situation, so they gave up on the idea...

The room fell silent for a moment, with only the rising steam from the spirit tea.

Chen Mu lowered his eyes, as if weighing his options.

Fu Danian was also extremely nervous, even getting up and pacing back and forth, seemingly wanting to say something but holding back.

After a moment, Chen Mu raised his eyes, his gaze clear and calm, and looked at Tao Fengbian: "Master, you flatter me. Since I have agreed to come, I will do my best."

"Good! Good! Good!"

Tao Fengbian said "good" three times in a row, his excitement overflowing. He stood up and bowed deeply, "Fellow Daoist Chen is so righteous. On behalf of the entire Fusheng Temple, I, Tao Fengbian, thank you in advance!"

A huge weight was lifted from his heart. Although Chen Mu's cultivation level didn't seem high, after this banquet, who would dare to underestimate him based on his cultivation level?

Needless to say, Chen Mu is undoubtedly a better choice, or even the only choice, than the stubborn and self-willed Zhong Zhenjun, who is fraught with hidden dangers.

Chen Mu also stood up and gently helped Tao Fengbian up, saying, "Abbot, there's no need for such formalities. This is simply my duty."

He agreed, naturally for the sake of that crucial power of cause and effect.

Taking control of the situation means he will become another key figure in determining the outcome, and the karmic rewards he receives will far exceed those of simply being a henchman.

Both sides reached a consensus, and the atmosphere at the meeting shifted from initial tension to a tacit understanding based on mutual recognition of strength and shared goals.

After chatting for a while longer, Chen Mu got up to take his leave.

Watching Chen Mu's figure disappear outside the hall, Tao Feng's smile slowly faded, replaced by a deep contemplation and anticipation.

“Qi Yunsu…Chen Mu…”

He muttered to himself, "This time, we'll see who comes out on top."

The candlelight flickered, reflecting the light dancing in his eyes—a light tinged with worry, but even more so with a determination to take a gamble…

……

(End of this chapter)