After a long while, Zhao Sheng slowly walked to the mountainside. Beside the path on his left grew an ancient cloud pine, gnarled and vigorous, its crown lush and emerald, wreathed in clusters of Spirit Clouds.
"Stop!"
Just then, a clear shout suddenly came from behind the tree.
The words had barely fallen when a young Daoist in a black Daoist robe suddenly stepped out from behind the tree.
The young Daoist had a face like powdered jade, lips as red as vermilion, two little buns tied atop his head, and a cinnabar mole between his brows. His eyes were bright and clear, suffused with a refined, otherworldly grace untouched by mortal dust.
Zhao Sheng stopped and sized up this elegant, transcendent young Daoist.
"Who are you? Why have you trespassed on my family's immortal island?" the young Daoist demanded first, his brows and eyes cold, his tone rather aggressive.
Zhao Sheng smiled faintly, cupped his hands, and said, "I am Zhao Chonghe. Today, entrusted by my clan's old ancestor, I have come especially to deliver the Chaos Divine Blood to the Immortal Venerable. I hope young friend can announce my arrival on my behalf."
The young Daoist was half-convinced and half-doubtful, and was just about to ask more, but before he could speak, a warm, jade-like voice spread out of thin air:
"Zhuoyu, do not be rude. Bring him to Ao-Fishing Cliff at once!"
The young Daoist's body trembled. He hurriedly bowed toward the mountain peak and said respectfully, "Your disciple obeys!"
After saying this, Daoist Zhuoyu straightened his back again, turned to look at Zhao Sheng, and a faint smile suddenly appeared on his stern face.
"Daoist Friend Zhao, please follow me!" Zhuoyu said, making an inviting gesture, then turned and walked up the mountain.
Seeing this, Zhao