Starting from the Tiger Demon Yaksha, the demon immortality

Chapter 231 230 The Gates of Dukes and Marquises, Dao Tong Zhenren

Thousands of doors unlock and ten thousand lanterns shine; the capital city stirs in the middle of the first month of the lunar calendar.

The Lantern Festival is the most prosperous festival in the world, enjoyed by everyone from kings and nobles to commoners.

There was no curfew that day; the city was filled with joy as tens of thousands of lanterns were lit and kept burning all night long.

Although he wasn't in Xijing Daxing City, Li Cunxiao could imagine the shocking scene just by looking at the Lantern Festival in Huayin County.

He originally thought that with the world in turmoil and war raging, the festive atmosphere should be rather weak. However, during his stay in Huayin County, the celebratory atmosphere grew stronger and stronger, finally reaching its peak on the night of the fifteenth of the first lunar month.

There are all kinds of lanterns, such as dragon lanterns, Buddha lanterns, sun and moon lanterns, ingot lanterns, etc., as well as a huge Aoshan lantern, which is ten feet tall and decorated with gold, jade and brocade.

Under the colorful lanterns, well-dressed citizens laughed and ran around, while high-ranking officials and nobles drank wine, composed poems, and discussed romance in restaurants. Even the refugees from outside the city could get a bowl of thick porridge and a piece of old clothing on this day.

It was as if at this moment, all the people in the world were once again bathed in the glorious light of the Qin Dynasty, and wherever they went, there was still singing and dancing.

But when Li Cunxiao saw this prosperous scene, he couldn't help but think of the ghostly scene in Hongnong County, the white bones on the road, and the starving people who risked their lives for a piece of millet cake.

This morbid prosperity failed to intoxicate him; instead, it made him work even harder, spending his days either cultivating Azure Dragon True Qi or entering secret realms to fight against demons and humans.

Fortunately, Taiyi didn't keep him waiting too long. The day after the Lantern Festival, the group finally headed to Louguandao.

"Our sect leader is not currently in the sect."

"Apart from the Vermilion Bird Sect Master, the other two sect masters are currently in seclusion."

Horses trotted along the flat official road. This dirt road connecting Sixiang Peak and Huayin County was clearly frequently repaired, making one sigh that even a road can have different fates depending on where it is built.

"What about the transmission of skills?"

Li Cunxiao's heart skipped a beat upon hearing this, but Taiyi waved his hand dismissively.

"The Nine Revolutions Divine Elixir Scripture involves divine skills, and there are some rules that cannot be bypassed."

"But the Azure Dragon True Scripture is fine. I sent a message to my senior brother a few days ago. We should be able to receive a reply today since we have arrived at Louguandao."

The old Taoist priest spoke with great conviction, which reassured Li Cunxiao, but he still had some doubts.

With relations between the Western Capital court and the puppet Qi regime so tense, and Louguan Dao caught in the middle, its position is extremely sensitive. As the sect leader, it is ironic that he is not currently within the sect.
"Of course, it's because the Xijing court invited me. In name, my senior brother is still the governor of Huazhou appointed by the emperor, so of course I have to go."

Taiyi's expression clearly showed no respect for the Xijing court. "It was one thing when there were military governors everywhere before, but now that rebels are proclaiming themselves emperors right at our doorstep, it's no wonder that old bastard Gao Pian can't sit still."

"Is Master referring to Gao Pian, the current Prince of Bohai, Grand Chancellor, General of the Shence Army, 'Eagle-Falling Attendant,' and Grandmaster?"

"Junior brother, there isn't enough room for so many people."

Du Guanglei made a joke, but he also confirmed Li Cunxiao's guess.

However, his attitude towards Gao Pian in his conversation with the old Taoist priest also stirred something in the latter's heart.

Since the An Lushan Rebellion, the regional military governors and military commanders have become increasingly powerful, and the granting of various titles of kings and marquises has become more and more rampant, but these were basically posthumous conferments.

This Gao Pian was originally the grandson of Gao Chongwen, the Prince of Nanping, and was also granted the title of Prince of Bohai. Naturally, he had made great contributions.

It can be said that for the past few decades, the Qin Dynasty has been teetering on the edge of a precipice, and every time it was about to slip away, it was Gao Pian who single-handedly pulled it back.

In the imperial court, there were three departments and six ministries, and the Grand Secretary was the highest official of the Grand Secretariat, which was undoubtedly the prime minister.

The Shence Army was originally the emperor's imperial guard, but in recent years, local troops have stopped taking turns to serve in the capital, so the Shence Army has become the de facto central army and has been entrusted to the prime minister Gao Pian by the young emperor.

The phrase "the Eagle-Shooting Attendant" refers to a young man who shot down two large eagles flying side by side in the sky with an arrow. From then on, he distinguished himself and made many military achievements.

Such titles and honors are enough to demonstrate this person's prestige in Xijing.

His Grandmaster-level strength, coupled with his possession of the sacred treasure upon which the Qin Li family relied for establishing their state, was the reason why the regional military governors dared not rashly usurp the throne.

"Gao Pian was a stubborn and domineering man who did not tolerate dissenting opinions. But it was precisely because of this that he became the prime minister who saved the country."

Du Guanglei, offering his opinions on the affairs of state, clearly did not have much affection for this savior prime minister.

"Junior brother, do you also know that this General Gao has another nickname, the Golden-Winged Roc?"

"So impressive?"

The two did not lower their voices when they spoke, and the people nearby could hear them.

Upon hearing this, Wei He blurted out without thinking. Wei Ying, being very cautious, quickly tugged at her younger brother's sleeve.

"I'm afraid it's not an exaggeration to praise his power."

Ye Chengxiao stayed at Tiangu Temple for half a year. In order to learn martial arts, he also read a lot of Buddhist scriptures. At this moment, he remembered a story.

In Buddhism, there is no such bird as the Garuda. The so-called Golden-Winged Garuda is actually the Garuda bird with a bird's head and a human body, also known as the Golden-Winged Bird or the Wonderful-Winged Bird.

As one of the eight classes of gods and dragons who protect the Dharma, it has various magnificent images, a golden body, a wish-fulfilling jewel on its head, and a mournful cry.

Because of its karma, this bird is able to feed on dragons. In Jambudvipa, it can eat one dragon king and five hundred small dragons in a single day.

However, the dragon's body contains poison, and the more it eats, the more poisoned it becomes.

When the poisonous gas accumulates, Garuda will eventually be unable to eat. Tormented by pain, it will fly seven times before flying to Vajra Wheel Mountain. The poison will then take effect, causing it to burn itself, leaving only a pure blue crystal heart.

Applying the name of this bird to Gao Pian carries an undercurrent of both awe and irony.

"If Gao Pian is a roc, then the military governors of the world are poisonous dragons. The roc eliminates the dragon to protect Buddhism, but this can only solve the problem temporarily. In the end, it will surely suffer a backlash."

"Even a celestial being could not save the Qin Dynasty; everything was burned, leaving only a heart of crystal."

Li Cunxiao pondered these words in silence.

The relationship between Louguan Dao and the Xijing court is probably more delicate than he imagined.

But as I said before, there's no turning back now.

The Four Symbols Peak is not far from Huayin County. The group rode on divine steeds or horses blessed with magical powers, and arrived at the gate of Louguan Taoist Temple in a quarter of an hour.

The Four Symbols Peaks are not a single mountain, but a group of mountains surrounding it, with the Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise peaks being the most towering, guarding the Yin-Yang Peak of the sect leader's lineage in the center.

The group dismounted at the mountain gate and saw Taiyi and Du Guanglei among the seven. The disciples on duty immediately widened their eyes and exclaimed in surprise from the foot of the mountain all the way to the mountainside.

Before long, a streak of crimson light descended from Vermilion Bird Peak. The disciples who had originally gathered to watch the spectacle all respectfully made way for it.

"Junior Brother Li, you've been away for more than half a year, and you've finally decided to come back."

The newcomer was a middle-aged Taoist priest dressed in a purple robe and a golden crown, but what he held in his hand was not a whisk or a ruyi scepter, but an ivory tablet.

He had a square face and a dignified presence, which made his disciples keep their distance. However, when facing Taiyi and Li Cunxiao, his attitude was very gentle, even somewhat enthusiastic.

"Is this Junior Brother Li's newly accepted disciple?"

Li Cunxiao noticed the other person's gaze and bowed respectfully.
When he resumed his conversation with Taiyi, Du Guanglei quietly explained via telepathy:
"This is the Vermilion Bird lineage, Sect Master Changsun Chi, a descendant of the Changsun lineage of Duke Zhao of the current dynasty." Just as Taiyi and Changsun Chi were talking, several young Taoists who looked to be around thirty years old arrived from other mountain peaks.

Judging by their appearance alone, these people were all handsome and extraordinary. Their aura made Li Cunxiao feel a sense of crisis, and their strength was even greater than that of Du Guanglei.

"This is Guo Zhao, a direct disciple of the eldest grandmaster, and a descendant of Guo Huayin, the Prince of Fenyang."

Li Cunxiao looked in the direction of the sound and saw a young man with bright red hair. It was clear that this strange phenomenon was caused by the martial arts he practiced.

As for Guo Huayin, the Prince of Fenyang, he was also better known as Lord Guo, who recovered the two capitals and rebuilt the Qin Dynasty.

However, this nobleman, just like his master Changsun Chi, was warm and friendly, displaying a respectful and courteous attitude.

"This is Cheng Ruoshui, the personal disciple of Yuchi, the leader of Xuanwu Gate, an important figure of Emperor Taizong, and a descendant of Duke Lu."

The person Du Guanglei was referring to was over two meters tall, looking like a small giant, with a resolute face, but his attitude towards Li Cunxiao was gentle.

"This is Qin Sixing, a direct disciple of the White Tiger Sect. There are rumors in the sect that he is the illegitimate son of Sect Master Qin Li, but the Qin family of Duke Hu refuses to acknowledge him, so Sect Master Qin can only accept him as his disciple."

Qin Sixing was a man with a bronze complexion. Compared to the other disciples' refined demeanor, he had a rugged feel to him, as if he had been tempered by time. He carried two black iron maces at his waist, which was not commonly seen.

His attitude was not as friendly as the previous two; he was polite but distant, and after a greeting, he took the initiative to keep his distance.

Lady Changsun, Duke of Zhao; Lady Guo, Prince of Fenyang; Lady Yuchi, Duke of E; Lady Cheng, Duke of Lu; Lady Qin, Duke of Hu
They were all powerful and influential figures who shared the fate of the nation. Just by looking at these sect leaders and their true disciples, one could tell the true nature of the Louguan Sect.

"But that's normal. Although Louguan Taoism is a sacred site, it's too close to the imperial court."

While possessing geographical advantages, one inevitably becomes subject to the influence of the imperial court.

'Among the court officials, some may be able to change their allegiance, but these nobles who share the fate of the nation enjoy their honor only because of the Li family of Qin.'

'Now that the world is on the verge of collapse, I fear the descendants of kings and nobles in Louguandao will be in grave danger.'

Just as he was deep in thought, another young man rushed over from Qinglong Peak, or rather, Qinghua Mountain.

Like the other disciples, this person wore a light purple Taoist robe and a simple golden lotus crown on his head, unlike Changsun Chi, who wore one inlaid with various gemstones.

What's interesting is that when he looked at Li Cunxiao, his expression wasn't exactly pleasant, but he quickly masked it, gave a brief greeting, and then walked over to Taiyi's side.

"Master, you are back."

"Oh, it's Siqi."

Seeing that Changsun Chi was about to ramble on, Taiyi took advantage of the arrival of the visitor to change the subject.

"Senior Brother Changsun, I have been away for a long time and must have a lot of things to do. Let's talk later."

Having said that, he left without giving the other party a chance to argue, leading his group away.

"Master, look at Azure Dragon Peak over here."

Guo Zhao, with his red hair, approached Changsun Chi and whispered something to him.

The latter did not speak immediately, but instead looked at the two disciples beside him.
"Junior Nephew Cheng, Junior Nephew Qin, is your master still in seclusion?"

"Replying to Uncle-Master," Cheng Ruoshui and Qin Sixing both bowed respectfully.

"Master said he has grasped some of the inspiration for the ninth realm, and we must not miss this opportunity."

“My master also said that the sect has been in turmoil lately. If we can make further progress, we can provide some assistance to our sect leader.”

"Our Louguan Sect has only one Grandmaster, Senior Brother Yan. If the two junior brothers can break through that final barrier, it will be a great achievement."

Changsun Chi said this, but his tone was flat, and he didn't seem very happy.

"In that case, if there is any good news, my two junior disciples should inform me immediately."

The two readily agreed, then bowed and took their leave. The disciples who had been watching naturally did not dare to linger and quickly dispersed like birds and beasts, making the mountain gate quiet again.

Guo Zhao watched this scene in silence, while only Changsun Chi murmured to himself:

"Being a terrestrial immortal is not as easy as it seems."

"Why did this opportunity have to come in these last few days? Perhaps it's because they're waiting for the sect leader to return and for everyone to come out of seclusion. They're saying that the most difficult and mysterious opportunities are hard to come by, but the opportunity might just be a piece of cake."

"Taiyi is the same. He didn't come back earlier or later, but only when Songzhou was trapped and the secret realm was revealed did he finally come back."

"The world is already in this state; what you want to hide, you can't hide from; what you want to avoid, you can't avoid."

Changsun Chi sighed for a moment before turning to look at his disciple:
"Zheng Lang's letter clearly states that Taiyi was entangled with the Cloth Bag Maitreya, but the monk was nowhere to be seen."

"If the two of them join forces, they are most likely to seize that greatest fortune."

"Even if not, Li Cunxiao is associated with two grandmasters, and for that alone, he cannot be treated lightly. You must treat him well, and it would be best if you could win him over."

"Disciple understands. I will have someone take care of those people Li Cunxiao brought from the outer sect."

Guo Zhao nodded in agreement, then revealed a playful smile.

"However, given Uncle Taiyi's status, the only one who could cause him trouble is probably his fellow disciple Li Siqi."

“The Li family of Longxi,” Changsun Chi sighed.

"How did such a peculiar genius like Taiyi emerge? How did such a rebellious clansman like Pharmacist Li come into being?"

"So this Li Siqi is also from the Longxi Li clan, just like my master. No wonder he looked at me like that."

Remembering the other party's subtle hostility, Li Cunxiao stepped into Miaoyan Palace.

Compared to the Miaoyan Palace on Qinghua Mountain in his dream, everything in reality paled in comparison. At least when he climbed the mountain with Taiyi, there was no scene of immortals lined up like hemp.

As for Li Siqi, it is said that he was already a true disciple ten years earlier, but he was not a direct disciple of Taiyi Zhenren, and was always one step behind.

Li Cunxiao suddenly appeared out of nowhere and was highly regarded by the old Taoist priest. As a member of the same clan, Li Siqi had the advantage of being close to the emperor, but the emperor's favor was taken away from him. It would be strange if he did not feel jealousy.

“Cunxiao, now that you have entered the sect, you are already a disciple of Louguan Dao.”

"Although there are still some rules to follow before becoming a true disciple, the Azure Dragon True Scripture can be passed on to you."

Taiyi entered Miaoyan Palace, casually sent Li Siqi and Du Guanglei away, and had someone take Li Mucha, Ye Chengxiao and the others away to settle them down, before getting straight to the point.

"Master, didn't we say we were waiting for the Sect Leader's reply?"

Li Cunxiao knelt properly on the prayer mat. Upon hearing this, he suddenly turned his head to look out the window. A white crane folded its wings and flew through the hall into the house.

Then he spoke in a human voice:

"I approve of the transmission of the Azure Dragon True Scripture to Li Cunxiao."

(End of this chapter)