Starting Immortal Cultivation from a White Dog

The next morning, as dawn broke.

Deep within the Lu family ancestral home, there is a pavilion built by the water, named Lanyue Pavilion.

This pavilion is built on a small rocky islet, surrounded by water on three sides, and connected to the shore by only a winding wooden bridge. The pavilion is octagonal with upturned eaves and covered with dark tiles. Copper bells hang under the eaves, and they tinkle softly when the morning breeze passes by.

Several old plum trees are planted around the pavilion; although they are not yet in bloom, their branches and leaves are vigorous and strong. Lotus leaves cover the water, and occasionally a koi carp swims by, creating ripples.

In the distance, the Lu family's buildings, with their white walls and black tiles, are layered upon each other, shrouded in the morning mist, like a traditional Chinese ink painting.

Wu Tian had ordered his men to tidy up the pavilion early in the morning. In the center of the pavilion, there was a round table made of rosewood, with four drum-shaped stools. A set of plain white porcelain tea set was already laid out on the table, and a copper kettle sat on a small red clay stove, with the charcoal fire glowing red.

Just after Chen Shi (7-9 AM), Wu Tian was the first to arrive at the pavilion.

Today he wore a light blue robe, with a matching half-sleeved garment over it, and a light silver sash around his waist, from which hung a white jade pendant.

His hair was tied up with a jade hairpin, with the rest cascading over his shoulders, which made his face even more handsome. He stood with his hands behind his back by the pavilion, gazing at the water in a daze, his posture as upright as a pine tree, exuding an air of profound tranquility and towering grandeur.

Led by a maid, Bai Youhuan walked slowly along the wooden bridge.

Today she wore a dark purple robe with wide sleeves embroidered with silver thread and intertwined branches. Her white hair was neatly combed. Although her face was old, her steps were steady and her eyes were clear. She exuded the majesty of someone who had long held a high position and the wisdom accumulated over the years.

She walked to the pavilion, looked up, and saw Wu Tian turning around to greet her.

The young man appeared to be only in his early twenties, with clear features, a high nose bridge, and a gentle smile on his lips.

What's most striking about him are his eyes—deep-set, with a gentle yet sharp gaze, brimming with spirit. Standing there, he's like a restrained pearl, unassuming yet impossible to ignore.

"Junior Lu Ding greets Ancestor Bai." Wu Tian cupped his hands in greeting, his demeanor composed, neither humble nor arrogant.

Bai Youhuan nodded secretly and returned the greeting with a smile, "You're too kind, Grand Commander. I've come uninvited and have disturbed you."

"What are you saying, Ancestor? Please take a seat." Wu Tian stepped aside to offer him a seat.

Just as the two sat down, footsteps came from the other side of the bridge.

Lady Zhurong arrived first.

She was clearly dressed up carefully today, wearing a long palace dress with a black background embroidered with gold and red phoenixes and peonies. The dress was very well-tailored and accentuated her voluptuous figure.

Her breasts were high and firm, but her waist was incredibly slender, and below that were round and full hips, swaying gracefully as she walked, exuding charm.

Her black hair was tied into a towering Lingyun bun, adorned with three red gold and kingfisher feather phoenix hairpins, each phoenix holding a pearl in its beak, swaying gently with her steps. On her forehead was a red jade headdress, with a ruby ​​the size of a pigeon's egg in the center, its brilliance shimmering.

She was already stunningly beautiful, and this deliberate makeover made her even more dazzling.

Lady Zhurong stepped into the pavilion, her phoenix eyes darting around. She paused for a moment on Wu Tian's face before looking at Bai Youhuan, and greeted him with a smile: "Ancestor Bai, it's been a long time."

Bai Youhuan smiled and returned the greeting: "Lady Zhurong is even more beautiful than before, congratulations!"

Just then, Bai Fengxian arrived.

She was still wearing a light blue flowing dress, simple in style with few embellishments, which shimmered softly in the morning light.

Her long hair cascaded down to her waist, her face was free of makeup, yet her skin was so white it was almost translucent. Her eyebrows and eyes were clear and cool, like a painting. She was like a fairy descended from the moon palace, exuding an otherworldly aura.

Unlike Lady Zhurong's radiant beauty, Bai Fengxian's beauty is serene and ethereal, like snow-capped mountains or a secluded orchid in a valley.

She also had a very good figure, with sculpted shoulders and a slender waist. Although her chest curves were not as exaggerated as Lady Zhurong's, they were still exquisite and well-proportioned, appearing and disappearing under her simple dress, which only added to her charm.

Wu Tian glanced at Lady Zhurong and couldn't help but find it amusing. He had met Lady Zhurong many times before, and the two had often been entangled in private, but he had never seen her dressed up so elaborately.

It seems this woman has developed a competitive spirit with Bai Fengxian.

She really is a woman; even becoming an immortal doesn't change her nature.

However... the thought of her comparing her beauty to Bai Fengxian left him speechless.

"Please have a seat." Although Wu Tian was lost in thought, he showed no sign of it on his face and gestured for everyone to sit down.

The four sat down around the table, and Wu Tian personally picked up the copper kettle and began to brew tea.

His movements were unhurried and deliberate; he scalded the cups, placed the tea, brewed the tea, and poured the tea into individual cups, all in one smooth motion, with an elegant and composed demeanor.

Bai Youhuan watched quietly and nodded silently.

This young man not only possesses extraordinary cultivation but also a calm and composed temperament; no wonder he has achieved what he has today.

As the aroma of tea wafted up, Wu Tian presented the teacups to the three of them one by one before speaking: "I have invited the three of you here today for two reasons: first, to have a chat, and second, to discuss important matters."

He paused, then looked at Bai Youhuan: "Yesterday, our ancestor mentioned the alliance between the Bai and Lu families, and I wholeheartedly agree."

“My Lu family has already formed an alliance with the Zhu Rong clan. If the Bai family is also willing to join hands, the three families can establish a firm foothold in the southern border and support each other.”

"No matter what storms we face in the future, it is always better to look out for each other than to be alone. This is also to protect the family, bless our descendants, and prevent them from being overthrown by outsiders."

Bai Youhuan picked up her teacup, gently blew on the tea foam, and nodded, saying, "What the Grand Commander says is exactly what I was thinking."

"Both the Lu family and the Zhurong clan are outstanding families in the southern border. It is an honor for the Bai family to form an alliance with them."

Lady Zhurong took a sip of tea, her red lips curving slightly: "Ancestor Bai, you are too kind. The three families joining forces is beneficial to each other. This southern border may seem peaceful, but undercurrents are surging. Going it alone will inevitably lead to being defeated one by one."

The atmosphere was very harmonious. The three of them talked about the situation in the southern border region and the movements of various parties. Bai Youhuan admired Wu Tian more and more and praised him a lot.

After the first round of tea, Bai Fengxian put down her teacup and suddenly spoke, her voice clear and melodious like the clinking of jade stones: "Grand Commander, there are only half a month left until the agreed-upon date for expelling the Dragon Clan. I wonder what the Grand Commander intends to do with the Dragon Elephant Temple?"

The pavilion fell silent for a moment.

Wu Tian smiled calmly: "A clown, nothing to fear."

"We were allowed to run wild during our previous seclusion. Now that we're going to take action against the Dragon Clan, we should first use the Dragon Elephant Temple as a sacrificial offering."

Bai Youhuan asked, "What are the Grand Commander's plans?"

Wu Tian's tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable air of authority: "There's no need for any plans. The mere Longxiang Temple can be driven out with a flick of the wrist. If they disobey, we'll wipe them all out."

"There's no need for a big fuss. Just ask Fairy Fengxian and Lady Zhurong to come with me. Our ancestor is getting old; he can wait here for news."

Upon hearing this, Bai Youhuan felt a chill run down his spine.

This young man appears gentle, but is ruthless and domineering at heart.

However, she was eager to see Wu Tian's abilities for herself, so she smiled and said, "Since the Grand Commander says so, I would also like to join in the fun. Is that alright?"

Wu Tian glanced at her and nodded: "If the Ancestor wishes to come, then of course you are welcome. That's fine too, the four of us are enough, there's no need to bring anyone else."

"After you've finished this matter, go and come back quickly." With the matter settled, Wu Tian didn't delay and immediately stood up: "In that case, let's set off now. After we deal with Longxiang Temple, we'll wait for Zheng Hao to come back for dinner, so as not to waste any time."

He spoke these words casually, as if he were not dealing with an ancient temple with a thousand-year history, but rather going out for a spring outing.

The other three would not object. Putting aside everything else, just the fact that Lady Zhurong and Bai Fengxian joined forces was enough for them to run rampant in the southern border region.

Longxiang Temple is not as big as Taiqing or Kunlun, and it is far inferior to even the powerful forces that dominate the southern border, such as Huoshen Palace.

They had little to fear, especially since Wu Tian acted so casually and decisively. Although they were women, they were not going to be outdone.

Wu Tian tapped his foot, and golden light surged forth, transforming into a long rainbow that soared into the sky.

Bai Fengxian was enveloped in azure light, Lady Zhurong was surrounded by crimson flames, and Bai Youhuan rode on a white cloud. The four of them used their respective skills to transform into four streaks of light and sped off in the northwest.

Longxiang Temple is nestled at the foot of the snow-capped mountains in northwestern southern Xinjiang, backed by continuous snow-capped peaks and facing a vast plain. The temple site is exceptionally well-chosen, with a wide avenue paved with white stones leading directly down the mountain in front of the temple gate. Ancient pines, some hundreds of years old, stand tall along the roadside.

The temple buildings are built against the mountain, layer upon layer, with golden roofs and red walls, and are grand in scale. The most eye-catching is the mountain gate hall, which is five zhang high, with flying eaves and brackets, and is very impressive.

In front of the hall stands a pair of stone dragon and elephant sculptures, each about two zhang tall, with elephant bodies and dragon heads, lifelike and symbolizing the Longxiang Temple.

It was nearly noon, and the temple bells rang melodiously. The monks were either doing their prayers or sweeping the courtyard, creating a peaceful scene.

Suddenly, four streaks of light shot through the sky and stopped above the gate of Longxiang Temple.

Wu Tian stood with his feet firmly planted in mid-air, his hands clasped behind his back, his blue robe fluttering in the wind. He looked down at the temple below, his voice booming like thunder, echoing throughout the heavens and earth: "Abbot of Longxiang Temple, come out and see me."

Wherever the sound passed, the ancient pine branches rustled, and the roof tiles trembled slightly. The once tranquil temple instantly erupted into commotion, with countless monks pouring out from the various halls, looking up at the sky with expressions of astonishment on their faces.

Before long, a Buddhist chant came from deep within the temple: "Amitabha."

Five golden rays rose from behind the main hall and landed on the top of the mountain gate hall.

The person in the lead was none other than the current abbot of Longxiang Temple, Zen Master Dajue.

He wore a bright red robe with gold thread, a five-Buddha crown, a full moon-shaped face, long, snow-white eyebrows, and a dignified appearance.

Behind him stood four chief monks, namely the four Zen masters Dawei, Dayong, Dazhi, and Dade.

The Great Master Dawei's face was still somewhat pale. He looked up at the four people in the air, and when his gaze lingered on Wu Tian's face, a hint of anger flashed across his eyes.

Zen Master Dajue clasped his hands in a gesture of respect and said in a loud voice, "So it is Grand Commander Lu who has arrived. May I ask what brings you here with your troops?"

Wu Tian looked down at him and said calmly, "Why does Zen Master Dajue ask a question he already knows the answer to? At the Lu family banquet, I once said that I asked Longxiang Temple to reply within ten days whether it would participate in the matter of the Southern Frontier Humans expelling the Dragon Clan."

"Two and a half months have passed, and there has been no word from Longxiang Temple. I have come here today only to ask one question: what exactly is Longxiang Temple's intention?"

The Great Master Dajue remained calm and slowly said, "Grand Commander, you are wise. The Dragon Clan is powerful, while my Dragon Elephant Temple is weak and powerless. We dare not oppose them."

"Such a momentous matter as expelling the dragons... I'm afraid it requires a powerful family like the Lu family to take the lead. My humble abode has little influence, and I'm afraid I can't offer any assistance."

He spoke politely, but anyone could hear the evasiveness and subtle sarcasm in his tone.

Wu Tian's lips curled into a cold smile: "Oh? So, the Dragon Elephant Temple is unwilling to expel the Dragon Clan?"

Zen Master Dajue put his palms together and said, "It's not that I don't want to, but that I can't."

“Alright.” Wu Tian nodded. “Since Longxiang Temple is unwilling to contribute to the Southern Xinjiang people, then it has no right to remain in the Southern Xinjiang.”

"I'll give you two choices: either pack your things immediately and get out of Southern Xinjiang; or... stay here forever."

These words caused an uproar among the monks below.

The Great Master Dawei could no longer contain himself and shouted sternly, "Lu Ding! You are being far too domineering!"

"This southern border is not your Lu family's territory. What business is it of yours if we build a temple and cultivate here? You, a newly promoted primordial spirit, really think you can command the southern border?"

His voice was extremely loud and carried far and wide: "Back in the Lu family, you only managed to gain an advantage by using some underhanded methods. Do you really think you're someone important? Today you dare to cause trouble at my Longxiang Temple. You are simply ignorant of your own limitations!"

Zen Master Dayong also shouted angrily, "That's right! My Longxiang Temple is an ancient temple with a history of thousands of years. How dare you act so presumptuously here? If you know what's good for you, leave now, or you'll never be able to leave today!"

Although the two Zen masters, Dazhi and Dade, did not speak, their expressions were extremely unpleasant.

The thousands of disciples in the temple were even more enraged and began to clamor:

"Too deceiving!"

"Get out!"

"Does my Longxiang Temple have no one here?"

Curses and shouts rose and fell.

Wu Tian remained expressionless, only saying calmly, "A bunch of ignorant fools, refusing to listen to reason and now they're asking for trouble."

"Since you are unwilling to leave, then don't blame me."

Although his tone was soft, his words reached the ears of everyone, both in heaven and on earth, with unparalleled clarity.

Upon hearing this, the monks of Longxiang Temple below immediately erupted in uproar.

Zen Master Dayong was the first to scoff, his voice booming like a bell: "You little brat, do you really think you're someone important? Spouting nonsense in front of my Longxiang Temple's gate, aren't you afraid of biting your tongue in the wind!"

The Great Wisdom Zen Master clasped his hands together, but his face was full of sarcasm: "Grand Commander Lu, although you have some skills, my Longxiang Temple is an ancient temple with a thousand-year history and profound heritage. How can you, a mere newly promoted Nascent Soul cultivator, insult it so easily? You should leave now. We will let you off the hook because of your youth."

The Great Master was even more blunt: "The mere Lu family dares to run wild in my Buddhist sanctuary? Do they really think that just because they've gained some connections, they can act with impunity? Today I'll show you what it means to be outmatched!"

The disciples also began to clamor:

"Get out!"

"I don't know how high the sky is!"

"Our temple's five abbots have all attained the Great Mighty Heavenly Dragon Relic; how could you possibly contend with them?"

"With our ancestors here to oversee things, how dare you boast like this?"

A chorus of mocking and ridiculing voices filled the air, their words dripping with contempt.

Wu Tian was unwilling to waste any more words with them, and turned to Bai Fengxian and Lady Zhurong beside him, saying, "You two don't need to take action, just cover for me."

He then looked at Bai Youhuan and nodded slightly: "Ancestor, please observe the battle." (End of Chapter)