The next day

As dawn was breaking.

Yu Yuan returned to Linhuan Pass and descended from his cloud in front of the Water God Temple by the Huai River bank.

Wen Zhong had been waiting inside the temple all night and finally breathed a sigh of relief upon his return.

"How come it took you so long? Was your opponent that formidable?"

Yu Yuan pondered briefly and nodded slowly: "Indeed, very formidable."

That White Lotus youth took a hammer blow from him without being completely obliterated, managing to escape with his Primordial Spirit intact – surely that counts as formidable, right?

Wen Zhong, unaware of his thoughts, assumed the two must have gone through an incredibly fierce battle, with the senior brother ultimately emerging victorious.

"It must have been tough on Senior Brother!"

Wen Zhong expressed his gratitude.

In his eyes, this was a matter concerning the Human Race.

The fact that Yu Yuan had offered his help was all due to taking care of him, his junior brother.

"Hmm."

Yu Yuan did not offer the common courtesies like "Don't mention it" or "It's only right," though his involvement was also due to his own considerations. But indeed, he was assisting Wen Zhong.

Expressing thanks was only proper.

Even between brothers of the same sect, it should be so.

"This time I pursued that Daoist..."

Yu Yuan briefly recounted his experience, mentioning only superficial details, and not giving away his own speculations.

Even so, it was enough to make Wen Zhong's three eyes bulge in complete shock and anger.

"I can't believe these guys have been stealthily stealing the Human Dao Destiny!"

"The Three Emperors governed the world, the Five Emperors set the moral order, and the Saints granted their protection; our Human Race has endured untold hardships to finally secure our eternal leading role in Heaven and Earth, how dare they brazenly steal our Human Destiny!"

Looking at his intensely indignant junior brother, Yu Yuan thought: If you knew that all this is orchestrated by the Saints behind the scenes, perhaps you wouldn't be so surprised.

He hesitated slightly but decided not to hand over the small triangular flag to Wen Zhong.

Although controlling those Incense Spirit Gods could speed up the progress of what Wen Zhong needed to do, some things should not be hastened.

What's truly important is the process, to cultivate diligently and at a deliberate pace, to truly enjoy it.

If one simply rushes headlong, the outcomes are often unsatisfactory.

After giving Wen Zhong a few instructions, Yu Yuan left him a Sound Transmission Treasure Pearl and a hundred ingots of Heavenly Gold, before summoning the Golden-eyed Five Clouds Camel and heading southwest.

The White Lotus youth had already been slain by him.

The cluster of Incense Spirit Gods lacked a leader now, so they should pose no further threat to Linhuan Pass.

As for the Western Sect, they likely wouldn't make any significant moves for a while.

Rather than continuing to sit idly at Linhuan Pass, it would be better to look for the Treasure Falling Gold at Wuyi Mountain.

Bai Ling had been searching through that vast mountain range for many days; it was only right to go and properly reward her efforts.

Right, and there was also that Enlightenment Tea Tree.

He wondered if the Spirit Root was still there, or if it had been dug up by the Red Cloud Ancestor or someone else?

The Golden-eyed Five Clouds Camel's four hooves kicked up a golden radiance, carrying Yu Yuan away like a misty cloud.

The Southern Continent was vast and brimming with life.

Heading southwest from Linhuan Pass, the plains were quickly left behind, revealing an endless expanse of ancient forests.

Tall trees stood like giants, silently guarding this mysterious land.

This place was known in ancient times as Du Guang's Field.

There was a legend that a mighty giant tree once stood on this land, serving as a bridge and bond between Heaven and Earth, connecting the Human World to the Heavenly Realm.

Riding on the Golden-eyed Five Clouds Camel, Yu Yuan crossed mountains and rivers at a steady pace towards Wuyi Mountain.

Occasionally, he would stop for a little rest, wandering into local Human Race villages or strolling through the woods.

Having been in the Primordial world for more than a thousand years, he had never taken the time to relax so comfortably.

With the impending doom of the Calamity, his urgent desire to become stronger, to achieve Sainthood, and to ensure the safety of those around him through the storm!

Now, ordinary cultivation was no longer effective for him.

Logically, he should be anxious and restless, but in fact, he felt as if a tightly wound string in his heart had slightly loosened.

This relaxation was not about being lazy, but rather it signified an elevation in his state of mind.

Especially after facing beings like Ming River and Kunpeng, who were Quasi-Saint powers, he had gained a rough understanding of such high-level powerhouses.

For him, Quasi-Saint powers were no longer untouchable or unreachable.

One morning, after resting in the forest for the night and getting back on the road, the Golden-eyed Five Clouds Camel suddenly snorted loudly and slowed its pace.

Yu Yuan looked up and saw the sky ahead changing dramatically as clouds of grey and black swiftly gathered, enveloping tens of thousands of miles.

The world instantly dimmed; thunderbolts appeared like dragons and snakes, manifesting in the air.

Yu Yuan raised an eyebrow, admiringly saying, "This scene isn't bad; it feels quite immersive."

As his words faded, a clear voice echoed.

"The Taoist friend indeed has a discerning eye!"

Along with the voice, the scene of the rolling clouds and thunder in front dissipated into a painting, rolling up from both sides toward the center.

The sky immediately returned to its azure color.

"Dang~"

Yu Yuan felt a slight tremor and sensed the Chaos Bell within his Primordial Spirit suddenly vibrating, emitting a clear and melodious bell chime that only he could hear.

His expression grew a bit solemn, and his gaze gradually deepened.

In the vast expanse of heaven and earth ahead, a white cloud floated gently toward him, resembling a floating island, on top of which astonishingly rested an elegant and exquisite palace.

The palace was surrounded by ancient trees reaching into the sky, shaded by green trees, mist exuded from Yao Grass, and exotic flowers exuded a fragrance, all of which genuinely made one feel tranquility and comfort.

"Squeak~"

A light sound echoed as the palace doors opened to both sides.

A pure and otherworldly girl stepped out of the main hall and bowed deeply to Yu Yuan, her crisp voice saying, "My master invites the Immortal to come inside for a conversation."

Yu Yuan's eyebrows lifted slightly, and he looked through the palace gate, his gaze piercing through a dozen pavilions and lofty towers to catch a glimpse of a tall, well-dressed man sitting behind a desk in the main hall, looking towards him.

This man was handsome, with distinct facial features, a square face, smooth lines, and a clear outline. His every movement exuded an air of unrestrained elegance and scholarly grace.

Their gazes met, and the well-dressed man smiled slightly, gesturing an invitation.

Yu Yuan looked down at the girl and said half jokingly, "Just because he invites me, does that mean I must go?"

The girl raised an eyebrow, and her demeanor suddenly turned colder, "You should recognize..."

Before she could finish, a clear and bright voice came from inside the palace.

"Do not be rude!"

Then, Yu Yuan could only see a shifting of light and shadow, and the man in elegant attire had already appeared outside the palace door, standing with his hands behind his back, exuding an air of nobility.

He smiled at Yu Yuan, "My maid lacks etiquette; if she has offended you in any way, I hope you will not take it to heart."

Yu Yuan also smiled.

"If she lacks manners, just teach her more. Since you have time to spare, instead of stirring up winds and clouds, why not travel the world leisurely with a beautiful maid."

The elegantly-dressed man nodded slightly, "The Immortal speaks truly; Bai has learned a lesson. If the Immortal is unwilling to come in for tea, then let this be our parting..."

Yu Yuan's eyebrows lifted slightly, and he chuckled, "Hold on, I haven't said I won't go."

The man in elegant attire was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and said, "Please, Immortal!"

After speaking, he stepped into the cloud-top palace first.

Yu Yuan did not hesitate, following closely behind into the palace.

He quickly followed the elegant man into the main hall.

"Immortal, please have a seat."

The man gestured for him to sit down and then seated himself on a cushion behind the desk.

"What may I call this Immortal friend?" asked Yu Yuan with a smile.

"His name unabridged, his family unchanged, I am known as the Venerable White Lotus from the Western [Sect]," Yu Yuan replied with a grin.

The handsome man's smile stiffened, and he looked up in surprise, "The Immortal doesn't seem to resemble a man of the Western [Sect]."

Yu Yuan laughed and said, "Genuine as can be, and how should I address you, friend?"

The elegantly dressed man's expression became somewhat more serious, and he smiled, "The Immortal can call me Mister Bai."

Yu Yuan nodded, stood up, and turned to leave, causing both Mister Bai and the girl preparing tea to be completely stunned.

"Immortal, why leave so abruptly?" Mister Bai asked curiously, standing up.

Yu Yuan walked out, saying irritably, "I've never liked dealing with people who hide their heads and tails. Since you're unwilling to disclose your origins, I have no reason to stay."

Mister Bai: (▼ヘ▼#)

The girl: o(▼皿▼メ;)o

Daring to accuse us of hiding heads and tails!

Do you really think we don't know your origin and background?

But even though they were inwardly frustrated, the master and servant pair couldn't vent their feelings, and both felt rather upset.

The master and servant pair had noticed Yu Yuan's movements and had purposely waited here to see for themselves this recent rising star of the Jie Sect, the Primordial One Qi Immortal.

If possible, they hoped to strike up a good relationship with him, to prepare for the upcoming Sealing God Tribulation.

However, they hadn't expected the other party to be so elusive, his behaviors repeatedly beyond the master and servant's expectations.

Seeing Yu Yuan about to leave, the girl's expression darkened, and she looked at Mister Bai, an aggressive aura subtly swirling around her, subtle yet ready to pounce.

Mister Bai shook his head slightly at her; she then reined in her ferocity, reverting back to that pure and otherworldly girl.

Yu Yuan did not turn around, but he could feel the murderous intent behind him gradually subsiding; his expression became somewhat regretful.

Mister Bai did not attempt to retain him, allowing him to leave.

As soon as he left, the girl immediately asked in confusion, "Master, why let him go?"

"He must have seen through my identity, and forcibly keeping him here would be pointless. Besides, his behavior is rather strange, as if he's deliberately trying to provoke us... hmm, let me think... he's probably trying to test me," mused Mister Bai, sighing softly. "There are pros and cons to everything. By offering the Myriad Demon Map to the Human Emperor, I obtained protection from Human Dao Destiny, cleansed myself of Calamity Karma, no longer rejected by Heavenly Dao, but it has also drawn the attention of others."

Admiration flashed in the girl's eyes, "Master, you are the foremost among the Demon Saints, and your actions are bound to attract countless attentions..."

Before she could finish, Mister Bai interrupted, "Let us speak no more of this. The Demon Court has long since fallen; I am merely Mister Bai."

The girl lowered her head, respectfully responding, "This servant will remember."

Mister Bai waved his hand, "Let's go, we're heading to Wuyi Mountain!"

The girl asked, confused, "For what purpose, sir?"

Mister Bai smiled, "Yesterday, Immortal Gods fought and inadvertently collapsed a valley on Wuyi Mountain. From that valley burst forth Qi of Seven-colored Mists and a radiant glow soaring to the heavens, reaching tens of thousands of feet high."

Hearing this, the girl narrowed her eyes.

"A treasure has emerged!"

Knowing her master could perceive events around the world, she naturally didn't doubt his words. She gave a light command, "Hurry, hurry, to Wuyi Mountain!"

The white cloud supporting the palace trembled slightly and transformed into a Cloud Whale, gliding toward the southwest.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.