Li Ping'an held the dao coin-shaped Jade Talisman in his hand and examined it carefully, sensing only an obscure, indecipherable Dao Rhyme upon it.
He pondered briefly, then glanced eastward.
Could this disturbance be related to the Ancient Ruins battlefield on the coast of the Eastern Sea? That place was at least ten thousand li from here.
Wasn't this Jade Talisman a token from his sect?
Why had it suddenly changed like this?
Following the principle that caution never hurt, Li Ping'an wrapped the Jade Talisman in spiritual power and returned indoors. His right fingertip traced through the air, inscribing a faint Talisman, which he flicked with a bent finger.
Two jets of water shot forth, directly waking Wei Yanzi and Daoist Priest Chen.
Wei Yanzi muttered groggily, "Chen Gongmin, does your house leak rain? This place is far too shabby..."
"How could it leak... These are three-hundred-year-old green tiles. They're practically developing sentience..."
Li Ping'an took out two Spirit-Awakening Pills he had refined himself and fed them to the two Daoists, then stood beside them and waited for them to sober up.
Before long, the three Daoists sat on the doorstep, studying the Jade Talisman floating above Li Ping'an's palm.
Wei Yanzi asked curiously, "Isn't this the Myriad Cloud Return Sect Token? The sect actually gave you such a treasure."
For the moment, Li Ping'an set aside his thoughts about Elder Xiao Yue and asked in confusion, "Isn't it just a token?"
"Long ago, a Golden Immortal in the sect gained insight into the Cosmic Dao and crafted thirty-six Cosmic Shift Talismans. The one in your hand is one of them."
Wei Yanzi slowly explained:
"This talisman can only be used once every ten years. If you encounter danger, take it out and inject some spiritual power into it, and it can carry you through the cosmos back to the sect.
"That is why it is called a Sect Return Token. Returning to the sect means returning to one's sect.
"After one use, it is merely a token until ten years have passed and its power is restored.
"The Sect Return Token in your hand can clearly still be used. Only the foremost immortal seedlings of each generation receive such treatment when they leave the sect!"
Chen Gongmin praised him from the side. "This humble Daoist has heard Steward Wei Yanzi speak of the circumstances of you and your father. Others truly have no choice but to envy you. Such a treasure was even given to you to carry with you."
"The sect merely gave me a lifesaving charm out of consideration for my father."
Li Ping'an weighed the Jade Talisman in his palm, took out an empty Storage Artifact, and stored it separately.
"See?"
Wei Yanzi raised his brows at Chen Gongmin.
"Did I say anything wrong? Ping'an is fiercely proud at heart. He wants to make a name for himself instead of constantly living under his father's protection."
Chen Gongmin narrowed his eyes with a smile. "Ping'an, do you still remember what you once said to this humble Daoist?"
Li Ping'an asked with a smile, "What did I say?"
"To blindly avoid clichés is itself a cliché; to blindly pursue individuality is, in essence, conformity."
Chen Gongmin smiled and patted Li Ping'an's shoulder.
"In life and in action, one should seek one's own contentment. Why think so much?
"By avoiding the benefits your father brings you, aren't you also straying down a misguided path?
"Let, it, be, natural."
"Thank you, Daoist Priest!"
Li Ping'an smiled.
"I generally do not refuse what Father gives me. I simply remind myself at all times not to open my mouth and ask him for things. No matter what, I am an adult now.
"Why did the Sect Return Token behave strangely earlier?"
Wei Yanzi and Chen Gongmin pondered it carefully for quite some time, yet neither could offer an explanation.
Wei Yanzi pondered aloud. "Perhaps someone else used a Sect Return Token, causing yours to react. It is a cosmic treasure, after all."
Chen Gongmin drew in a sharp breath. "Hiss! If that is truly the case, then the immortals over there even used Sect Return Tokens... Has the battle in the Eastern Sea become that desperate? Should we go help?"
"We truly cannot involve ourselves in a battle at that level!"
Wei Yanzi sighed.
"If a precious treasure has emerged, most of the immortals rushing there are True Immortals or Heavenly Immortals. With cultivation like ours, going there would only make us another dish on the table."
Chen Gongmin said, "We should report this to the sect as soon as possible!"
Li Ping'an smiled. "There is no need to worry, Daoist Priest. Elders Xiao and Yan have already gone to the Eastern Sea. The sect has long known of this."
Wei Yanzi stroked his goatee and pondered for a while.
He was actually somewhat tempted.
He was an Origin Immortal. Although that placed him at the bottom among immortals, if fortune favored him, perhaps he could pick up some small gain...
A large, strong hand suddenly gripped Wei Yanzi's arm.
Wei Yanzi looked up and happened to see Li Ping'an's handsome face.
Li Ping'an said earnestly, "One's own desires are one's lifelong enemy."
Wei Yanzi gave an awkward laugh. "Fine, fine. This humble Daoist was indeed a little tempted, but protecting you safely is more important."
Chen Gongmin suggested from the side, "Since we have nothing to do, why not take a stroll through Wan'an City? The Deacon rarely visits the mortal world, and mortal scenery has its own special flavor."
Wei Yanzi raised his brows. "Easy enough, easy enough. Let us sample the fine food of the mortal world and admire its beauties!"
"Then let us go."
Li Ping'an smiled.
"I left in a hurry three years ago. I wonder how my residence is doing now."
Myriad Cloud Sect, Bamboo Forest of the Main Peak.
The Front Mountain of the Main Peak was rather lively. Jade Talismans flew back and forth, while elderly immortals continuously rode clouds toward the Eastern Sea.
The Back Mountain of the Main Peak was much quieter. Few dared disturb the places where several of the sect's most senior and powerful experts cultivated in seclusion.
Daoist Master Kongming had begun paying attention to the Ancient Ruins in the Eastern Sea.
However, he was a Golden Immortal of the sect and a long-famous immortal Dao expert of the East Continent. Restricted by many considerations, he could not act lightly.
The struggle for treasures at the Ancient Ruins was no great matter. It was enough to let the sect's immortals handle it themselves.
If they gained benefits, so be it; if they suffered losses, so be it. Such things were commonplace in the East Continent.
Of course, if the disciples suffered too greatly, or if the Sect Leader personally requested aid, Daoist Master Kongming would naturally appear to intimidate lesser villains and protect the disciples.
The contest for treasures depended on ability, but also on fortune. And speaking of fortune...
Daoist Master Kongming opened his eyes and looked toward his closed-door disciple within the formation. A few traces of a smile unconsciously appeared at the corners of the old man's mouth.
Since the human race had emerged in ancient times, how many human descendants had possessed Great Fortune?
Tracing history all the way back, the humans known to Daoist Master Kongming to bear Great Fortune had only been several generations of Human Emperors and the human divine generals of their eras.
Thinking of events tens of thousands of years ago, Daoist Master Kongming could not help sighing.
The Ancient Heavenly Court had fallen, the human race had risen, the hundred races had retreated, and the Mother Goddess had sealed the Southern Continent...
Each of these earthshaking events Daoist Master Kongming had personally witnessed had involved one or two great human sages bearing Great Fortune.
There was a saying in the cultivation world: whenever a Bearer of Great Fortune appeared, a great calamity for all living beings was not far away.
Myriad Cloud Sect had become Li Dazhi's sanctuary for cultivation. Whether this would ultimately bring opportunity or danger to Myriad Cloud Sect, even Daoist Master Kongming could not say.
But he was willing to take this gamble.
In truth, human immortals like Daoist Master Kongming, who had attained the immortality Dao fruit near the end of ancient times, considered far more than that.
Such Bearers of Great Fortune were immensely important to the human race. Guiding them along the immortal path and helping them become outstanding talents would also be a great service to humanity.
Perhaps Daoist Master Kongming might even have the chance to be recorded among the list of great sages upon the walls of the Mother Goddess Temple as Li Dazhi's master...
To leave one's name in the human race's "genealogy"—what incomparable glory that would be!
Daoist Master Kongming stroked his beard and chuckled softly, his eyes filled with longing.
"Enough. Let us see what little Ping'an is doing."
Daoist Master Kongming picked up the Yin-Yang Mirror at his side and smiled.
"If his temperament truly is as Dazhi described—ambitious and steadfast as stone—what would it matter if this humble Daoist swallowed his pride and found him a fine master?"
The old Daoist's beard swayed slightly, and the Yin-Yang Mirror displayed the scene within ten li around Wei Yanzi.
Then the little old man's smile froze on his face, and several dark lines gradually crept across his forehead.
The Yin-Yang Mirror showed a scene of dazzling lights and revelry.
Two rows of red lanterns illuminated the mortal tavern as brightly as day. Everywhere were graceful young women, and everywhere came soft, coquettish voices.
The three Daoists in Daoist robes—two middle-aged men and one young man—sat behind a screen in the corner. Young women behind them refilled their dishes and wine, several alluring women danced gracefully, and female musicians in thin colorful garments played, sang, and performed in another corner.
Smack!
Daoist Master Kongming tossed the Yin-Yang Mirror aside, snorted through his nose, then shook his head and sighed.
Never mind. He had not been much better in his youth.
Back then, many ancient kingdoms had Hundred Flowers Pavilions filled with beauties from the hundred races, and he had occasionally visited them in his younger days.
How could he demand his disciples and descendants do what he himself could not?
Daoist Master Kongming instantly found peace of mind. He drew the Yin-Yang Mirror back into his hand, preparing to tuck it into his sleeve.
Suddenly, Li Ping'an's laughter came from within the Yin-Yang Mirror.
"Deacon, you have seen enough. We should leave... The turbid air here is too mixed. My cultivation is weak, and I fear it may damage my Dao foundation."
"Ah, right! Let us go, let us go! This place is far too filthy!"
Wei Yanzi tossed down a lump of gold and silver, dragged Li Ping'an and Chen Gongmin away from the table and chairs, and rushed out of the brothel.
The three exchanged glances on the street, then threw back their heads and laughed together. Ignoring the stares of mortals all around them, they continued strolling onward amid laughter and conversation.
Daoist Master Kongming stroked his beard and nodded. "Not bad at all."
He then tucked the Yin-Yang Mirror into his sleeve and continued focusing on guarding his closed-door disciple.
A lotus phantom had already appeared behind Li Dazhi. He was clearly not far from comprehending the Life and Death Mysterious Barrier.
Within three to five days, he might achieve Ascension.
Now, Li Ping'an, Chen Gongmin, and Wei Yanzi wandered leisurely throughout Wan'an City, entirely at ease.
At times they drank and sang loudly of moonlit romance; at times they leaned against windows, patted their bellies, and belched wine.
So long as one ignored the gazes of others, one could naturally find carefree freedom amid the mortal world.
They wandered from dawn until the afternoon. The streets before Li Ping'an gradually became more familiar, and he even spotted several familiar faces.
Several old men cooling themselves by the roadside were also studying him with furrowed brows.
Turning a street corner, the grand Li Residence came into view.
"My home is just ahead."
Li Ping'an's eyes held a touch of emotion.
Chen Gongmin smiled. "Cultivating the Dao naturally requires leaving one's hometown. This humble Daoist recalls that only your father was at home. There is no need to feel overly sentimental today."
"This place has been maintained quite well!"
Wei Yanzi smiled.
"Ancestor Dazhi entered the mountains with you to cultivate, yet this place was not abandoned."
Li Ping'an swept his spiritual awareness across the residence and saw that everything was unchanged from three years ago. Even the servants and guards had scarcely diminished, leaving him puzzled.
Chen Gongmin explained, "After your father and you were taken away by immortals, this humble Daoist informed the local authorities and had them keep this place unchanged, lest your belongings be lost."
Li Ping'an cupped his hands in salute. "Many thanks, Daoist Priest Chen."
"Ah!"
Chen Gongmin hastily waved his hands and joked.
"You and I are friends despite our age difference. This humble Daoist now relies on you father and son for support as well. It was only a small favor—what is there to thank me for?"
"Ping'an is simply too polite!"
Wei Yanzi burst into laughter.
"If Ping'an begins accepting disciples several hundred years from now, his first lesson will surely teach them how to bow properly—how many bowing postures there are, and what degree of bending at the waist represents what feeling!"
Chen Gongmin laughed at the joke, while Li Ping'an looked utterly helpless.
"This is called courtesy offending no one. Father and I rose from humble beginnings and lived among ordinary folk. If we offended an immortal through a breach of etiquette, would that not be terribly unjust?"
Li Ping'an gazed at the residence and smiled. "Why don't you two find a teahouse for some tea? I will distribute my mortal assets and settle my worldly ties."
"Together, together!"
Wei Yanzi laughed. "I am immensely curious about Ancestor Dazhi's former residence!"
Li Ping'an did not refuse and led the two Daoists to the front gate.
The two guards at the entrance froze for a moment, then hurriedly shouted inside, "Young Master has returned home!" Men and women swiftly gathered in both the Front Courtyard and rear courtyard.
Li Ping'an put on no airs. He simply comforted them with a few words, gave them pills mortals could use to extend their lives and strengthen their bodies, and had them take the pills before him. He then instructed the steward to tally the accounts and distribute all the household's movable property among them.
Half the servants were unwilling to leave, so Li Ping'an left written instructions allowing them to continue living in the great residence.
There was no need to mention how everyone repeatedly thanked him.
After settling these trivial matters, Li Ping'an returned to the courtyard where he had lived.
The courtyard showed no signs of neglect. The three-story pavilion had recently been painted with vermilion lacquer, and a faint scent of wood lingered in the air.
Led by several somewhat nervous maidservants, Li Ping'an brought Wei Yanzi and Chen Gongmin into the lofty pavilion, opened a hidden door, and descended the stairs into Li Ping'an's "secret base."
The so-called secret base had only excavated less than half of what Li Ping'an had originally planned. There were only two studies.
One study was filled with books. Li Ping'an took out a Storage Artifact and put away all the books he had spent heavily to collect in those years, leaving several erotic picture books on the shelves.
The other study displayed all manner of objects Li Ping'an had tinkered with: improved carriage models, Luban Locks, Mechanism Crossbows, clockwork Mechanism Puppets that could walk on their own...
"You actually possess such skill!"
Wei Yanzi smiled.
"No wonder you usually enjoy studying the Dao of Artifact Refining. It turns out you enjoyed tinkering with such things in the mortal world long ago.
"This puppet is quite well made, though it is rather simple."
Li Ping'an smiled. "They were merely things I made for amusement. I have nearly finished packing. Let us vanish from here; I do not like parting from others."
"Good!"
Wei Yanzi and Chen Gongmin walked toward the earthen wall where a landscape Scroll Painting hung, and their figures vanished into it.
Li Ping'an looked around one last time and walked to the wall, his fingers brushing over the edge of the desk.
He gave this place a shallow Daoist salute, then turned and vanished, leaving no trace behind.
As Li Ping'an was leaving, he did not forget to sweep the area with his spiritual sense. Those spring palace picture books had somehow been casually taken away by some Daoist priest.
(PS: Thanks to Da Ying Yu De and sfqk for the Silver Great Leader support!
Thanks to Hangqing Buyu, Liren Xinshangju, Zisang Lingfeng, Wuwang Changkong, Bushi Rong Xiaorong, AdrianWen, Lianruo v, Wangqing i, Tcmiaou, Xiao Fengzi and Da Yingzi, Braised Duck, There Was Once a Girl Who Called Me Big Pig Trotter, Young Master Queyue, Blue Algae Is Not Algae, Ren Zhi Chu 1967, Qingquan Liuxiang, Tuanzi Tuanzi Tuan, Canglan Fate, and There Will Be Some More Later for their generous support as Alliance Leaders!
There'll be an extra chapter at seven tonight! I'll work hard to add more chapters after it goes premium! Please vote and bookmark!
If you all enjoy reading it, I'll write more.)
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