Jade Clarity Retreat

The Jade Clarity Retreat was nestled in a valley. While it didn't possess the grandeur of a celestial abode one might imagine, it was nonetheless serene and ancient.

Several Taoist temples were built against the mountainside, with faint arrays of light flowing around them, isolating the valley from the evil qi and dangers outside, creating a pure and tranquil world of its own.

When Ming Chen and his two companions returned to the retreat, they immediately drew the attention of the disciples on duty.

Two Taoist priests in the late Earth Immortal stage were on duty. Upon seeing Ming Chen and the others return in such a disheveled state, and moreover, bringing back a demonized ink bamboo with a peculiar aura and a rabbit demon, they both wore expressions of surprise.

"Martial Nephew Ming Chen, what happened?" a middle-aged Taoist with a gaunt face asked, his gaze cautiously sweeping over Li Su and Zhiwei.

Ming Chen quickly stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and then reported the encounter with the Flying Centipede along the way, and how he was saved by Li Su. He emphasized the profound array Li Su had displayed, and the righteous and peaceful Taoist charm that faintly resonated with the Jade Clarity Celestial Light.

Upon hearing this, the two Taoist priests' expressions softened slightly, and their gazes towards Li Su became tinged with more surprise and scrutiny.

The gaunt Taoist priest cupped his hands towards Li Su. "This humble Taoist is Yu Jizi. I thank Fellow Taoist Mo Xing for your assistance in saving my martial nephews. Please, come inside for some tea."

His attitude was polite, yet carried a hint of examination. After all, Li Su's appearance was unusual, and he was a demon. Although he had saved them, his origins were unclear, and cultivators of the Xuanmen naturally harbored a degree of wariness towards such beings.

Li Su slightly bent his bamboo body in return. "You are too kind, Fellow Taoist. I merely did what was right when I saw injustice."

The group entered the main hall of the retreat. The hall's interior was simply furnished, with prayer mats, incense tables, and a portrait of the Taoist Ancestor, exuding an atmosphere of tranquility and non-action.

Yu Jizi invited Li Su to take the seat of honor (a spacious prayer mat was specially prepared for him), while Zhiwei stood obediently behind Li Su, appearing somewhat reserved.

After serving them spiritual tea that could nourish the Primordial Spirit, Yu Jizi began to converse with Li Su, his words laced with probing questions about Li Su's origins, cultivation methods, and so on.

Li Su was prepared. He merely stated that he was a spiritual bamboo from the wilderness, who, by chance, was enlightened by the power of the stars, gained sentience, and had explored cultivation on his own. He admired the righteous path of the Xuanmen, and thus traveled westward, seeking immortals and the Tao.

As for the system, the "Bedrock Rune," and other core secrets, he naturally kept his mouth shut. His words were candid, and his Taoist charm flowed naturally (benefiting from the power of the stars and his understanding of array formations), making it difficult for anyone to suspect him.

When the topic turned to array formations, Li Su elaborated based on his understanding of the "Minor Chiliad Array Analysis." This caused Yu Jizi and the others' eyes to shine with appreciation. The foundation of the Xuanmen's orthodox array formations was undeniable, and their doubts diminished further.

"I never expected Fellow Taoist Mo Xing to have such mastery in the art of formations, and to have comprehended it through self-study. Truly admirable."

Yu Jizi stroked his beard and sighed, his attitude becoming even more sincere.

At this moment, another Taoist priest, who had been silent all along and possessed a more profound aura (cultivation at the early Celestial Immortal stage), suddenly spoke:

"Fellow Taoist Mo Xing, I am Yu Hengzi. Forgive my presumptuousness, but I observe a faint clear light emanating from around you. While your Taoist charm is unique, it is righteous and not evil. May I inquire if I may use the Jade Clarity Celestial Light to sense it slightly? Perhaps it might help you discern your own path."

A hush fell over the hall at his words. This already carried a degree of scrutiny into one's origins.

Ming Chen and the others looked at Li Su nervously.

Li Su pondered for a moment, then said calmly, "Please, Fellow Taoist."

He felt that although his own power was peculiar, it was not impure or evil. Moreover, he was curious about how the Jade Clarity Celestial Light would react to him.

Yu Hengzi nodded. He condensed a wisp of pure and gentle Jade Clarity Celestial Light on his fingertip, imbued with the intent of educating all beings and explaining all laws, and gently pointed it towards Li Su's bamboo body.

As the celestial light touched him, Li Su immediately felt a gentle yet vast power surge into his body, circulating within.

He did not resist, but rather, carefully observed.

The Jade Clarity Celestial Light encountered the Stellar Evil Energy and the Soul Devour origin within his body. Initially, there was slight repulsion, but soon, the Taoist charm of the "Bedrock Rune" subtly circulated.

It allowed these forces to find a peculiar point of balance, and even seemed to complement each other! Especially the power of the stars, which appeared exceptionally compatible with the Jade Clarity Celestial Light.

Yu Hengzi's face showed surprise. He withdrew the celestial light and mused, "Remarkable! Although your origins are that of a spiritual plant, your fundamental essence is clear, and you possess the righteous energy of the stars, which aligns with the Heavenly Dao. While it is not the orthodox cultivation method of my Xuanmen, it is indeed a righteous path. Furthermore... it seems to have a certain affinity with my Jade Clarity Great Dao?"

This outcome caused everyone in the hall to breathe a sigh of relief, followed by astonishment. A bamboo spirit having an affinity with the Jade Clarity Great Dao? This was an extremely rare occurrence.

Yu Jizi chuckled, "It seems Fellow Taoist Mo Xing truly has a connection with my Jade Clarity Sect. Since that is the case, why not stay at the retreat for a few days? We can also discuss the Tao.

Three days from now is when Senior Brother Yu Heng will begin his lecture. If you are interested, Fellow Taoist, you are also welcome to attend."

Li Su's heart stirred. This was an excellent opportunity to learn about the Jade Clarity's Taoist methods. He immediately agreed, "It is my greatest wish, and I dare not ask for more."

Thus, Li Su and Zhiwei took up temporary residence at the Jade Clarity Retreat.

The disciples of the retreat were quite curious and respectful towards this "Bamboo Senior" who had saved their fellow disciples, possessed peculiar Taoist methods, and had an affinity with Jade Clarity.

Li Su also took this opportunity to interact with these Xuanmen disciples, learning more about the Primordial World and matters concerning the Jade Clarity Sect.

Three days later, Yu Hengzi began his lecture on the "Jade Purity Mind-Calming Spirit-Nurturing Chapter" in the retreat's lecture hall. Although it was a foundational Taoist method, it directly addressed the core of Xuanmen Qi refinement.

The hall below was filled with disciples from the retreat, and Li Su also listened attentively from the side.

Yu Hengzi lectured in a clear and accessible manner, explaining how to calm the mind, focus the spirit, sense the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, and nurture one's own Dao Foundation.

Although Li Su was not human and his cultivation system was different, the Great Dao was universal. Especially his understanding of "calm," "enlightenment," and "nurturing" benefited him greatly. Many ambiguous points he had encountered during his self-cultivation became clear.

The clear light on his bamboo body seemed to have become even more condensed.

After the lecture, Li Su even sought Yu Hengzi's guidance on several questions regarding array formations and energy circulation. Yu Hengzi patiently answered each one, and the two conversed happily.

After this exchange of discussions and inquiries, Li Su's relationship with the Jade Clarity Retreat had significantly improved. He had also truly experienced the vastness and depth of the Xuanmen orthodox path, and his yearning for the Kunlun sacred realm grew stronger.

However, he did not rashly propose to become a disciple.

Firstly, the retreat was merely an outpost and did not have the authority to accept disciples.

Secondly, he knew his own special origins and still needed to demonstrate more and seize opportunities.

After staying at the retreat for five days, Li Su felt he had gained a great deal. He bid farewell to Yu Jizi and the others, intending to continue his journey westward.

Yu Jizi and the others could not persuade him to stay. They gifted him a more detailed map of the northwestern region (marking more dangerous areas and safe routes), as well as several Jade Clarity protective talismans.

"Fellow Daoist Mo Xing, your ambitions are lofty, and I admire them. This journey to the northwest is long and fraught with extreme danger.

If you are fated to reach the foot of Kunlun Mountain, you may present this item at the 'Welcoming Immortal Pavilion,' and perhaps you will find an opportunity."

Yu Jizi finally took out a palm-sized white jade token, inscribed with the words "Jade Clarity," emitting a gentle Dao rhythm, and handed it to Li Su.

Li Su solemnly accepted the token, knowing it might be an important stepping stone. "Thank you, fellow Daoist! Mo Xing will remember this kindness in his heart."

With Zhiwei, and under the reluctant gazes of disciples like Ming Chen, Li Su once again embarked on his westward journey.

Behind him, the Jade Clarity Retreat gradually receded.

This time, his goal was even clearer—Kunlun Mountain, the Jade Clarity Sect!

And just half a day after Li Su left the retreat, a magnificent celestial light descended from the heavens and landed within the retreat.

Within the radiance, a middle-aged Daoist priest, clad in Bagua robes and holding a whisk, with an unfathomable aura, revealed himself.

Yu Jizi, Yu Hengzi, and others quickly and respectfully welcomed him. "We welcome Martial Uncle Qingxu's arrival!"

The Daoist priest, referred to as Martial Uncle Qingxu, nodded slightly, but his gaze was fixed on the direction Li Su had departed. A hint of deduction flashed in his eyes, and he let out a soft sound of surprise:

"That aura that just left... like bamboo but not bamboo, containing stars and harboring malevolence, yet possessing Jade Clarity affinity... Strange, strange... The heavenly secrets seem to be stirring. Could it be related to what Master said... Never mind, let's see his destiny."