Chen Changqing held the Communication Jade Talisman, a trace of puzzlement on his face.
He had only just left the Ninefold Heavenly Palaces and returned to Changqing Peak. Before he could even warm his seat, a message from his Grandmaster, Daoist Wuzhen, had arrived.
The talisman contained only six words, urgently summoning him.
Chen Changqing put away the talisman without delay, transformed into a streak of light, and left Changqing Peak, heading back to the rear mountain's forbidden grounds.
The valley in the rear mountain was shrouded in thick clouds and mist year-round.
Chen Changqing passed through the outer restrictions and made his way with practiced ease to the stone door of Daoist Wuzhen's secluded cultivation chamber.
The stone door was not fully closed, leaving a gap wide enough for one person.
Chen Changqing stepped inside.
At the stone table within the grotto heaven, Daoist Wuzhen sat lost in thought, holding a teacup. He looked positively radiant.
Clearly, the Tianyuan Patriarch's breakthrough to the ninth tribulation immortal stage had lifted a burden that had weighed on this Shushan ancestor's shoulders for thousands of years.
Chen Changqing stepped forward and bowed.
"Greetings, Grandmaster."
Daoist Wuzhen came back to himself, set down his teacup, and pointed to the stone stool opposite him.
"Sit down. Let's talk."
Chen Changqing sat down as instructed.
"Grandmaster, you summoned me so urgently. Has something happened at the Ninefold Heavenly Palaces?"
Daoist Wuzhen waved a hand and chided him with a smile.
"What could possibly happen? The First Ancestor now has ample lifespan, and his cultivation at the ninth tribulation immortal stage is as steady as Mount Tai. Who in the entire cultivation world of the Nine Provinces would dare run wild in our rear mountain?"
Chen Changqing relaxed.
"Then why did you summon me, Grandmaster?"
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