Unexpected Transaction: Bright King Edict

"Layman Xiao, please wait!"

At the exit of Azure Sea Market, Purified Dust Zen Master, dressed in a kasaya, greeted him with his hands clasped together, saying, "This humble monk has been waiting here for a long time."

"I have an important matter I wish to discuss with you, layman. May I speak with you privately for a moment?"

Behind him followed Zen Master Fa Zhao and Zen Master Jing Hua, both wearing kasaya robes and looking solemn.

"Master, if you have something to say, just say it directly. Are you afraid of being overheard?"

Xiao Chen looked slightly puzzled, but still said, "Of course, any other place is fine with me."

Looking at the other person's serious expression, he felt as if something major had happened.

The problem is, the Compassion Sea is currently calm and peaceful; what major event could possibly occur?

Could something have happened in the Far Sea?

"I apologize for disturbing you, layman. Please follow me to the side courtyard."

Purified Dust Zen Master offered a brief apology, then turned and led the way.

The group followed him out of the market and headed straight to the east, a journey of several thousand miles.

Xiao Chen almost initially thought they were preparing to return to Universal Salvation Temple.

Not only was he curious, Zen Master Fa Zhao was also a little confused. "Brother Jing Chen, where are we going?"

Purified Dust Zen Master did not answer directly, but simply said, "I'll be there soon, junior brother, please be patient."

ah?

"You don't know what happened either?"

Xiao Chen turned to look at Zen Master Fa Zhao, only to see that the other man also had a somewhat bewildered expression on his face.

She shook her head slightly at him. "I don't know. My senior brother only said it was something important and asked me to go with him."

Wow, is the level of secrecy really that high?

Generally speaking, things that require such serious attention are usually not good news.

Fortunately, in no time, the group had traveled over a thousand miles again and arrived at a large spirit ship flying the Universal Salvation Temple Banner.

"Layman Xiao, according to temple rules, this humble monk needs to activate the ship's array as a precaution."

Purified Dust Zen Master first explained to Xiao Chen, "It's just a matter of following the precepts; please don't take it to heart, layman."

Objectively speaking, the fourth-order formation carried on the ship alone could not pose a threat to Xiao Chen.

But saying something in advance is always better than not explaining at all.

After all, the act of taking someone alone to a remote place and activating a large formation is indeed quite easy to misunderstand.

Xiao Chen wasn't afraid of that at all; he was just increasingly curious—was it really necessary to make it so serious?

Purified Dust Zen Master, however, strictly followed the precepts of Universal Salvation Temple and activated the detection array to investigate the situation on the spirit ship.

Then he invited Xiao Chen to the middle cabin and lit a stick of incense.

Finally, before officially speaking, he added a couple of explanations, "Layman Xiao, what I am about to say may involve some personal secrets."

"However, this humble monk has absolutely no intention of offending you. Even if you do not wish to answer, that is fine; we will understand."

"If it's convenient for you to answer any questions, that would be wonderful."

After making thorough preparations.

Purified Dust Zen Master then inquired, "I heard that in the Shallow Sky Sea, the Sea Race used the Thirty-Six Revolving Cold Smoke Golden Talisman as cover, which delayed their advance."

"Later, it was Layman Xiao unexpectedly found the Jia Mo Sect Inheritance, which could restrain Sha Qi, in a ruin."

"Only by borrowing the Yang Fire Malevolent Qi could they break through the Ten Thousand Li Cold Smoke and capture the Great Demon like Hai Hong."

"I wonder if this statement matches the true facts?"

Um?

Upon hearing this Xiao Chen blinked and pondered the question for a moment.

No, you specifically asked me to come here just to ask this?

Isn't this all publicly available information?

You can find any Spirit Communication Pavilion and for ten Spirit Stone you can see a battle report with a detailed process.

Despite his surprise, Xiao Chen nodded. "Yes, that's indeed the case, and the process is exactly as the Zen Master understood."

So, is Universal Salvation Temple interested in that so-called ruin?

"So, the Jia Mo Sect Inheritance does indeed have the effect of restraining Sha Qi, which is truly astonishing."

That's what he said, but Purified Dust Zen Master didn't show any surprise on his face.

Instead, she nodded slightly, as if she had heard the answer she expected.

He then pressed further, "I've also heard that, in order to repel the enemy as quickly as possible, Layman Xiao voluntarily revealed a portion of this lineage."

"In that case, may we also make two copies?"

One copy was kept in the temple's Scripture Pavilion, and the other was sent to the Three Mountains Grotto-Heaven.

"Of course, our temple is not prepared to take it for nothing, and is willing to offer the layperson a fair price as compensation."

Oh, that's what happened.

Xiao Chen finally understood; they wanted to get the original from him.

Universal Salvation Temple does indeed have a habit of collecting Cultivation Method and secret arts from other factions.

Previously, when he borrowed the other party's Scripture Pavilion, he also saw many Xuan-level and Di-level Cultivation Method and Law Technique.

Wait, where should the other one be sent?

"Three Mountains Grotto-Heaven?"

Xiao Chen frowned slightly. "Is it that place that requires World Breaking Stone to travel to and from?"

Purified Dust Zen Master nodded first, then shook his head. "That's exactly it."

"However, if it's just about transmitting some text, our temple has other methods that don't require consuming World Breaking Stone."

"This humble monk will not conceal anything from you, layperson."

"After defeating the Sea Race last year, the relevant information was carefully compiled and truthfully reported to the Bright King in the Three Mountains Grotto-Heaven."

"A few days ago, news came from over there that they wanted to trade the complete Jia Mo Sect Inheritance with you."

"Furthermore, if it's convenient, I hope that Layman Xiao can share the accompanying Devil Cultivation Method and Demonic Dao Secret Technique without reservation; the price is negotiable."

Oh, I get it!

Xiao Chen now fully understood why Purified Dust Zen Master had taken such a serious matter today.

He had previously mentioned that the array was activated due to restrictions imposed by the precepts, and he even lit incense before speaking.

It turns out they came with a mission, and are currently carrying out the task assigned to them by the Bright King.

That makes sense, and it is indeed a matter of great importance.

"Now I understand. Was the Zen Master worried that the transmission I presented back then was incomplete?"

Xiao Chen countered with a question, then directly replied, "If that's the case, then the Zen Master is overthinking it."

"The legacy I shared with my fellow practitioners at that time already included all the contents preserved within the ruins."

"The reason it looks relatively new, like a copy, is..."

"Actually, it's because the ruins are recorded in the form of inscriptions, and I couldn't just destroy the entire stele, so I temporarily copied it down with paper and pen."

"Please rest assured, Zen Master, I copied it very carefully, and there should be no omissions."

"At least I can guarantee that everything I've acquired has already been written into the inheritance."

Inscribing traditions on stone tablets is a common practice in many historical sites or Secret Realm, such as the Profound Heaven Immortal Palace.

Therefore, Xiao Chen's reason sounds quite plausible.

At least in the short term, it is impossible to verify whether it is true or false.

"Since Layman Xiao has said so, then this humble monk is relieved."

Purified Dust Zen Master nodded, then pressed on, "In that case, on behalf of Universal Salvation Temple, this humble monk would like to request, for the price of two fourth-tier Water Spirit Pearl, to repurchase a copy of the Jia Mo Sect Inheritance."

"What is your opinion, layman?"

ah?

Xiao Chen asked curiously, "With your temple's capabilities, you should already have a copy of the inheritance, right?"

Do we need to buy another one?

Purified Dust Zen Master remained silent this time.

Instead, it was Zen Master Jing Hua, who was standing next to him, who spoke up to explain, "Layman Xiao, you are unaware of something."

"These two Water Spirit Pearl were brought out by someone entrusted by the Bright King, specifically for the purpose of trading the complete inheritance."

As he spoke, he took out two deep blue orbs, each about the size of a fist, and placed them on the table.

Simply by placing it there, the water Spiritual Qi in the room immediately became active.

Xiao Chen is now quite knowledgeable, which is why he recognized at a glance that this was indeed not Spirit Pearl from the Sea of the Compassion Sea.

The Spiritual Power contained within it is several times greater than that of an ordinary fourth-tier Water Spirit Pearl.

"The Bright King Edict clearly states that a transaction is required."

Zen Master Jing Hua continued, "If the layperson refuses to accept it, we will have to write back explaining the reason and find a way to have someone take the item back."

"Furthermore, if you can't get the original handwritten copy, it will inevitably seem like you haven't taken your work seriously."

"The writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone were prepared before I came. Please make the trip, Layman Xiao."

Oh, this is the process.

It turns out it was just to fulfill a superior's task; then it's alright.

Xiao Chen immediately understood. "You should have said so earlier. It's no big deal. Where's the paper and pen? I'll just rewrite it now."

Although, in theory, this sounds like a rigid and inflexible old rule.

But that's none of his business.

Since the other party insisted on making a deal with him, he didn't mind the trouble.

In other words, earning two Fourth-Order Spiritual Item by writing just a few words would be such a good deal that people would have to queue up to compete for it if it were available elsewhere.

However, Purified Dust Zen Master and others didn't really care about this.

If they can obtain the Jia Mo Sect Inheritance written by Xiao Chen himself, their mission will be half complete.

That's right, they have another mission, which is also related to Sha Qi.

After Xiao Chen finished writing the inheritance, he casually accepted the two Water Spirit Pearl from the Three Mountains Grotto-Heaven.

Purified Dust Zen Master also took out the Spirit Accumulating Treasure Box and first laid a bright yellow silk cloth inside.

Then he carefully placed the brand-new Jia Mo Sect Inheritance book inside and sealed it away.

Then, while carefully putting away the Spirit Accumulating Treasure Box, he explained, "Actually, this humble monk has another important matter to attend to on this trip."

"That means collecting some Sha Qi from the outside world and sending it back to the Three Mountains Grotto-Heaven along with this inheritance."

Low-level cultivators avoid evil aura like the Sha Qi, fearing that it might accidentally come into contact with them and affect their cultivation or even their mind.

However, for Spirit Transformation Venerable and Immovable Bright King who have already reached the pinnacle of the Cultivation World, it is far less terrifying.

On the contrary, it is something that has certain research value.

They might have initially felt it was difficult to start, so they didn't take it very seriously.

However, now that it is known that there are array inheritances in the outside world that can restrain Sha Qi, it is perfectly normal to want to take some Sha Qi and put it into practice.

Therefore, the decree specifically requested that Universal Salvation Temple send some Sha Qi from the outside world.

Purified Dust Zen Master finished explaining, he asked, "Therefore, this humble monk would like to ask Layman Xiao where you encountered the Sha Qi before?"

No wonder Purified Dust Zen Master said before that it might involve some personal secrets.

So this is where they were waiting.

Xiao Chen had previously taken out the Bing Fire Treasure Gourd and the Yang Fire Evil in front of the other True Lord.

At the time, apart from his own explanation, no one asked any further questions.

This is certainly not because people are not interested in Sha Qi, but because they all understand that it is not something to ask about lightly.

It's mainly because cultivators with higher levels of cultivation often have their own secrets.

If you rashly inquire about the other person's past, it just so happens that there were some things that should not be known to outsiders during the process of collecting Sha Qi.

That was absolutely rubbing salt in the wound.

In the end, not only will they not get an answer, but they might also inflict unnecessary harm on Xiao Chen.

Purified Dust Zen Master actually understood this as well.

However, he came with a mission this time, so we definitely have to ask questions, at least go through the proper procedures.

That's why I explained it at the beginning, and even emphasized that "there was absolutely no intention to offend, and it's okay if the layperson doesn't want to answer."

This was done in order to avoid any direct misunderstanding.

Although Purified Dust Zen Master could be said to be carrying out the decree of the Bright King this time, theoretically he could have asked directly without going through all these roundabout ways.

However, Xiao Chen's previous record was simply too amazing.

Without involving the Mountain Protecting Grand Array and trump cards that cannot be used except in Life and Death Pass, it is virtually invincible in the Compassion Sea.

Even Purified Dust Zen Master had to consider how he could fulfill the task assigned by the Bright King while also taking care of Xiao Chen's feelings.

He didn't want to get himself into trouble for no reason.

"That's not exactly a secret."

Xiao Chen thought for a moment, then replied, "I encountered two Sea Race spies by chance."

"The moment I saw how furtive they were acting, I knew they weren't up to anything good."

"As you all know, I previously executed a group of traitors in the New Ruin, which is the ruins of the Great Xuan Immortal Dynasty."

"Later, in their Storage Ring, we also found a Sha Warding Secret Art and a Ding Huo Treasure Gourd that could collect Sha Qi."

"After we came out of the ruins, I was very curious about what they were originally planning to do."

"But due to a lack of relevant clues, we were unable to continue the investigation."

"Later, when I encountered those two Sea Race spies, I secretly followed them and discovered that they had actually gone to the Ember Sea in the west."

Then he took out another magic gourd and began collecting Yang Fire Evil there.

"I immediately thought, these guys aren't good people."

"They want to collect Sha Qi, probably for some shady purpose. They might even be like the demonic cultivators, preparing to trigger Demonic Calamity."

"So I went forward and killed the two traitors, and also seized the Bing Fire Treasure Gourd from them."

As he spoke, Xiao Chen took out both empty gourds. "At the time, I felt that these two gourds were very similar, and their effects should be almost the same."

"I was already ready to leave."

"But then I suddenly realized that simply dealing with this wave of traitors wouldn't solve the root cause of the problem."

"If I just leave like this, what if the Sea Race send others with other gourds, and they can continue to carry out their schemes?"

"So I simply started practicing that Sha Warding Secret Art."

"Then, taking the captured Bing Fire Treasure Gourd, we stayed in the Ember Sea to absorb all the Sha Qi there."

"Only after completely eliminating the potential dangers can we leave with peace of mind."

"At the time, I didn't actually expect that I might be able to use the Yang Fire Evil when I encountered the Thirty-Six Revolving Cold Smoke Golden Talisman."

Looking back now, it seems like karma has come full circle, and good deeds are rewarded.

Yes, Xiao Chen's last two sentences were sincere.

He actually had plenty of Yang Fire Evil at that time, but he still spent some time collecting all the Sha Qi within the lava of the Ember Sea.

It was indeed to prevent the Sea Race from coming again, and also to prepare for any eventuality.

"Such a thing has happened!"

Purified Dust Zen Master and the others were somewhat surprised. "We really didn't expect that Layman Xiao had made such a great contribution in secret."

"If it weren't for the layman shattering the wolfish ambitions of the Sea Race, we might not even have peace today."

"Such an important event, if it were anyone else, they would probably be bragging about it everywhere by now."

"Layman Xiao only does good deeds and does not seek empty fame; he is truly a rare and virtuous person!"

Well, it's not that exaggerated.

Xiao Chen waved his hand. "I was just doing what I could. Anyone else would have stood up to fight against the Sea Race. Zen Master, you flatter me."

He didn't publicize it, simply because he had already done so much, one more thing wouldn't make a difference.

Even if the outside world is unaware of this, his other achievements alone have already made him famous throughout the entire Compassion Sea.

"Layman Xiao is being far too modest."

Purified Dust Zen Master continued with another compliment, then took the opportunity to suggest, "Since that's the case, this humble monk will shamelessly ask for your help."

"We hope that Layman Xiao can take us there again."

"That way, this humble monk can take some Sha Qi back with him to report."

Xiao Chen shook his head slightly upon hearing this. "I'm afraid that won't work. It's not that I'm unwilling to take everyone there, but I've already absorbed Sha Qi there."

"I believe the Zen Master must have already checked the relevant records in the Scripture Pavilion before he came."

"Once the Sha Qi is exhausted, it will take thousands upon thousands of years for it to be reborn."

However, Purified Dust Zen Master insisted, "No matter what the situation, this humble monk hopes to go and see for myself."

In fact, he had already guessed this situation when he heard Xiao Chen talk about eliminating hidden dangers.

But this was, after all, an order from the Bright King, and he had no choice but to go there and see for himself, rather than abandoning the action simply because he had 'heard' about it.

Zen Master Jing Hua, standing to the side, also wore a wry smile, "This trip is probably unavoidable."

"If Layman Xiao has some free time, we can go and return quickly."

"If there's anything urgent right now, we can wait at Azure Sea Market. We can discuss it after we've finished the important matters."

Tsk tsk tsk, even a dignified Fourth-Order Zen Master has times when he is not in control of his own destiny.

Xiao Chen couldn't help but feel sympathy for their situation.

In a way, this is one of the few advantages of independent cultivators: they are unrestrained and free.

Cultivators in sects have powerful backers and influential connections, which in turn creates constraints.

If someone in a higher position says something, those below have to run themselves ragged.

The Bright King Edict says that Sha Qi must be eliminated, and they must search for them even if it means traversing the entire Compassion Sea.

"I do have something to do, but it shouldn't be a problem if I go and come back quickly. In that case, let's go."

Xiao Chen readily agreed, "If it's convenient, shall we leave now?"

There are three main reasons why he agreed so readily.

Firstly, compared to places like the Wu Mausoleum, which are in a sensitive location, the Ember Sea neither needs to be kept secret nor can it truly be kept secret.

After all, even the Sea Race could find out where there was Sha Qi through traitors.

If Universal Salvation Temple were truly committed to collecting information, they would certainly be able to find relevant clues.

Unless that Ancient Books book was actually a unique copy, and was kept in the Bitter Silence Temple, which has since been destroyed.

Otherwise, even if Xiao Chen didn't take them there, they would have found it sooner or later.

Secondly, since they will find it sooner or later anyway.

It would be better if Xiao Chen took the initiative to lead them there, which would not only allow them to form a good relationship with Purified Dust Zen Master and Zen Master Jing Hua.

In case of any unexpected situation during the inspection, it's much better for him to go along than not be present.

Thirdly, going to the Ember Sea won't take up much time.

Xiao Chen would have had to pass through that area on his way back to the Storm Sea.

We're just making a brief stop along the way; if everything goes smoothly, it won't take more than a few hours.

Why wouldn't he be happy to do it?

"Thank you very much, Layman Xiao!"

Purified Dust Zen Master, Zen Master Jing Hua, and Zen Master Fa Zhao Fazhao, who was accompanying them, all put their hands together in gratitude.

Without further ado, they immediately urged the spirit ship to set sail and head west.

It was only on the way that Xiao Chen noticed that this spirit ship looked to be about the same size as the spirit ships of the Daoist Sect sect.

However, in reality it is almost a whole level better.

It turns out that in order to facilitate his travels and collection of Sha Qi, Purified Dust Zen Master was piloting the best spirit boat in Universal Salvation Temple.

Both the strength of its various formations and the supplies on board are astonishing, making it arguably the strongest spirit ship in the Compassion Sea.

At the cost of Spirit Stone, it can almost match Xiao Chen's full-force activation of the <Flying Cloud Stepping Wave Art>, only slightly slower.

But you should know that this is a behemoth that is hundreds of feet long.

It's unbelievable that it can unleash such speed.

"The speed of your temple's funeral boat is truly astonishing!"

Xiao Chen asked curiously, "Could it be related to the Three Mountains Grotto-Heaven?"

Purified Dust Zen Master did not hide anything from him. "Layman Xiao guessed correctly. Some of the spiritual objects used in the construction of this ship, as well as several key parts, all came from the Three Mountains Grotto-Heaven."

"Under normal circumstances, this humble monk would not be willing to take it out, lest it cause wear and tear."

"This time, it was brought out in order to better complete the task assigned by the Bright King."

As expected, Xiao Chen knew this thing was no ordinary object.

He turned and looked back at Zen Master Jing Hua, who was standing at the bow of the ship, holding the Formation Flag and steering the spirit boat.

The other party was intently focused on what was ahead, steer the spirit ship forward at top speed.

Keep in mind that they don't have Hextech Enhancement, and normally their escape techniques wouldn't be nearly as fast as they are now.

Therefore, now that such an opportunity has arisen, they are almost entirely willing to expend Spirit Stone.

After all, spending a few more Mid-Grade Spirit Stone doesn't really matter to them, but the opportunity to activate and operate this spirit ship is rare.