Sage's Edict

Yuqing Zhenren invited him alone? Li Su's heart stirred slightly. He signaled Zhiwei and Ming Chen to wait, then followed the young Daoist, flying towards a palace suspended on auspicious clouds behind the square.

The palace was named "Yuqing Hall." It wasn't luxurious but possessed an ancient, grand, and Dao-filled aura. Stepping inside, Li Su saw Yuqing Zhenren sitting alone on a meditation cushion, looking at him with a smile.

"Disciple Mo Xing pays his respects to Senior Yuqing," Li Su said, bowing slightly.

"No need for formalities," Yuqing Zhenren waved his horsetail whisk. "Young friend Mo Xing, do you know why I summoned you here alone?"

Li Su pondered, "Is it because of my affinity evaluation?"

"Yes and no," Yuqing Zhenren's gaze was profound. "A-grade aptitude and deep affinity are indeed astonishing, but Kunlun Mountain is not without such geniuses.

What truly caught the attention of myself and my fellow brothers is the word 'unfathomable,' and the Dao you manifested in the Myriad Phenomena Illusionary Realm."

He paused and continued, "'Unfathomable' implies that your Dao path and future are widely connected, possibly even related to the schemes of the Sect Master and several uncles.

As for the Dao you manifested, drawing from destruction, upholding through slaughter, and integrating various methods to forge your own path. While it seems different from my own path of pure and effortless action, it subtly aligns with the principles of Yin and Yang's interaction in heaven and earth.

The principle of survival of the fittest. What's even more commendable is that unwavering resilience, the will to protect your own Dao. This state of mind is highly compatible with the true meaning of my Jade Clarity lineage: 'expounding the Heavenly Dao' and 'intercepting a sliver of heavenly secrets.'"

Li Su listened quietly, his thoughts racing.

"Therefore, after discussing with my fellow brothers and receiving the Sect Master's decree..." Yuqing Zhenren's tone became serious. "Mo Xing, are you willing to become my disciple?"

To become a disciple of a Golden Immortal? This was undoubtedly a great opportunity! Yuqing Zhenren was a direct disciple of Yuanshi Tianzun, holding a revered position within the Jade Clarity Sect.

However, Li Su's goal had always been the highest position: the Sage! He hesitated for a moment before respectfully saying, "I am deeply grateful for your esteemed regard, Senior.

However... I have traveled thousands of miles, and my heart's desire is to reach the summit of Kunlun, hoping to... become a disciple of a Sage and listen to the profound principles of the Great Dao."

His words were tactful, yet they conveyed his refusal.

Upon hearing this, Yuqing Zhenren showed no displeasure. Instead, a knowing smile appeared on his face. "As expected.

I was merely asking as a matter of procedure. Your affinity and Dao path indeed mean I am not the most suitable master for you."

He changed the subject, "The Sect Master's decree already foretold this: you are permitted to ascend the mountain, and all opportunities must be seized by yourself.

If you can pass all subsequent trials and reach the front of Jade Void Palace, you may perhaps glimpse the Sage's countenance."

Seize opportunities yourself! Ascend directly to Jade Void Palace!

Li Su's heart surged with excitement, but he forced himself to remain calm. "Thank you for the Sect Master's grace! Thank you, Senior, for informing me!"

"Mm," Yuqing Zhenren nodded. "The path up the mountain is not smooth; it is also an assessment.

There are many secret realms, trials, and even competition among fellow disciples on the mountain. You must look out for yourself. Furthermore..."

He looked at Li Su with a hint of meaning. "The item you carry is widely connected. That relic of 'Fan' concerns certain hidden matters in the West, and that 'Buzhou' resonance...

It is also related to ancient affairs. You must handle it cautiously in the future and do not reveal it easily, lest you attract unnecessary trouble."

Li Su's heart tightened. The other party had indeed seen through some of the origins of the jade pendant and the Bedrock Rune! He quickly replied, "I will remember your teachings, Senior."

"Go, ascend the mountain punctually tomorrow," Yuqing Zhenren closed his eyes, saying no more.

Li Su respectfully took his leave.

Leaving Yuqing Hall, Li Su's emotions remained turbulent. The Sage's decree, permission to ascend, the Senior's warning... the path ahead was becoming clearer, yet it also seemed to harbor more storms.

Upon returning to his residence, he briefly informed Zhiwei and Ming Chen of the situation. Everyone was happy and envious for him.

The next morning, the 103 cultivators who passed the initial trial gathered in the square. A True Immortal-level Jade Clarity Elder appeared and led them to the giant white jade archway, where they gazed up at the Kunlun immortal steps that pierced the clouds.

"The path up the mountain begins beneath your feet. Whether you can grasp the opportunity depends on yourselves. Go!" After speaking, the elder moved aside.

Everyone took a deep breath and, with excitement and longing, stepped onto the white jade stairs leading to the Kunlun immortal realm.

The moment they stepped on, it was as if they entered another world.

The spiritual energy of heaven and earth, thick as liquid, washed over them. The profound resonance of the Great Dao echoed faintly in their ears, refreshing their minds and spirits, even loosening their cultivation bottlenecks.

However, not long after, a fork appeared on the steps ahead, shrouded in mist, its destination unclear. Various pressures could be vaguely felt emanating from each path.

"Each path seems to have different trials and different opportunities!" a cultivator shouted.

Everyone chose the path that resonated most strongly with them. Ming Chen and the other two chose the middle path, which radiated the most immortal light, and bid farewell to Li Su.

Zhiwei chose a small path with a stronger presence of moon essence.

Li Su stood still. The "Bedrock Rune" and the broken jade pendant subtly sensed each other, finally pointing towards a relatively secluded path on the right, shrouded in thicker mist, yet seemingly bearing the greatest pressure.

Without hesitation, he stepped onto that path.

Mist swirled, the steps wound upwards, and the pressure grew, as if carrying a mountain on his back. But Li Su's body was resilient, his steps steady.

After an unknown duration, the mist ahead thinned slightly, revealing a small platform.

On the platform sat a Daoist wearing a crimson robe, a large red gourd hanging from his waist, and a round, smiling face.

The Daoist's eyes lit up upon seeing Li Su, and he laughed heartily, "Wonderful, wonderful! After waiting so long, someone interesting has finally arrived! Come, bamboo spirit, come and spar with this old Daoist!"