Peach Blossom Spring

As he was about to die, under the stimulation of the critical moment, a familiar scorching sensation reappeared. A blood-colored rune suddenly shot out from his head and instantly collided head-on with Tang Susu's palm strike.

Boom! With a loud bang, the gale scattered, uprooting the surrounding weeds and sending them flying. Niu Youdao was shaken, rolling back several somersaults before stopping at the foot of the slope.

The whistling wind subsided, and the fluttering weeds fell to the ground.

"Protective Talisman!" Luo Yuangong and Su Po both murmured, then exchanged a glance before looking at Tang Susu, who stood there stunned and blank.

Tang Susu's face darkened, and she lost the will to fight further.

The Protective Talisman was a supreme art of the Shangqing Sect, only Inner Sect Disciples could cultivate it, but not everyone could master it. Only those with considerable attainment in formations and the like had a chance to succeed. Another point was that generally, no one would cultivate this technique because mastering it offered no benefit to oneself. It was purely a technique that consumed one's cultivation to fulfill another's needs. The attempts during the cultivation process alone consumed a lot of cultivation, making it a losing proposition.

Currently, only Dongguo Haoran in the Shangqing Sect knew this technique; even elders like Luo Yuangong did not. This also indicated that Dongguo Haoran's attainments in formations were indeed extraordinary.

Upon seeing that Niu Youdao was protected by the Shangqing Sect's 'Protective Talisman', there was no need to question whether Niu Youdao was Dongguo Haoran's disciple. If Dongguo Haoran hadn't bestowed it upon him while in his right mind, such a complex technique would have been impossible to execute.

Niu Youdao shook his head, which was still a bit dazed from the impact, and slowly got up. He rubbed his chest to calm his breathing and looked around at the complex gazes fixed on him. He felt an urge to erupt in anger, especially wanting to curse Tang Susu fiercely.

Ultimately, considering how formidable the old woman was, resorting to lethal moves at the slightest disagreement, and capable of killing him with a single palm strike, he decided it was better not to clash with her for now. He had to find a way to get through this. After some thought, he said nothing, walked back to Dongguo Haoran's body, pulled the torn cloth curtain back over it, hung the rope on his shoulder, lifted the stretcher, and began to drag it back.

What did he mean? Everyone was stunned.

When they realized he was leaving, Su Po flashed out and blocked Niu Youdao, asking, "Where are you going?"

Niu Youdao replied, "I'm sorry to have bothered you. I think I've come to the wrong place." With that, he dragged the stretcher around him and continued forward, rustling through the weeds and thorns.

Everyone felt a childishness, which they could understand, as he was still a young boy who hadn't grown up.

Su Po glanced at Tang Susu, tilted his head, and gestured for her to apologize.

Tang Susu turned her head away, her expression indifferent and cold, showing no intention of apologizing.

Su Po, helpless, once again flashed out to block Niu Youdao and sighed, "It was a misunderstanding just now. You haven't come to the wrong place."

"I have, I want to take my master home," Niu Youdao insisted, dragging the stretcher around him again.

These stubborn words inexplicably evoked a sense of heartache. Tang Yi, who looked like an immortal not far away, felt a pang of sympathy and seemed about to speak, but with the sect elders present, it wasn't her place to make any decisions.

Su Po extended his hand and placed it on Niu Youdao's shoulder, making it impossible for him to move. He said gently, "That's right, this is the Shangqing Sect. Come with us!" He then took the stretcher off Niu Youdao's shoulder.

Niu Youdao shoved his hands into his sleeves, crossed his arms, wearing a tattered cotton jacket with his toes exposed from his worn shoes. He smelled of fish, with a bamboo tube hanging from his waist and a woodcutter's axe tucked there. Unaware of his own dirtiness, he looked up at the sky with a sullen face, acting as if he didn't want to bother with anyone.

Did he not realize how unsightly he looked? Su Po felt a mixture of amusement and exasperation. He beckoned, and two disciples came over, taking Niu Youdao's arms on either side.

"What do you want?" Niu Youdao looked around, exclaiming in alarm.

The two disciples ignored him, grabbed him by the arms, and flew into the forest, leaving directly.

Su Po then beckoned two more disciples and had them carry away Dongguo Haoran's body.

After dismissing the other disciples, only three elders remained at the scene. Luo Yuangong then said to Tang Susu, "Junior Sister, you went a bit too far just now."

Tang Susu said coldly, "This kid is clearly talking nonsense. We don't even know who sent him as a spy."

Luo Yuangong retorted, "How do you explain the Protective Talisman?"

Tang Susu argued stubbornly, "Judging by his speech, does he sound like a villager from the mountains?"

Luo Yuangong replied, "This can be investigated slowly. You shouldn't have attacked him so hastily without listening to his explanation. Are you afraid he'll become the Shangqing Sect Master?"

Tang Susu avoided his gaze and said indifferently, "Second Senior Brother, you're overthinking it. Dongguo Haoran has many disciples; the position of Sect Master would never fall to him."

Luo Yuangong shook his head slightly, "Dongguo led all his disciples out, and now only a body has returned. It's likely similar to Tang Mu's situation. If there were even one survivor, Dongguo wouldn't have placed a Protective Talisman on an outsider. It's unlikely this kid would have brought back the body if there was another way. I don't believe you have no idea what's going on."

Tang Susu pointed in the direction of the Shangqing Sect and said solemnly, "If that's the case, according to the sect rules, are you prepared to let this nameless kid lead the Shangqing Sect?"

Luo Yuangong said sternly, "But you shouldn't have done that either. Do you think the other disciples are all fools? Do you think everyone can't see your intentions? Why did Tang Mu summon all the Inner Sect Disciples as witnesses before his death? Wasn't it to guard against someone tampering with his dying wish? With what you've done, what will everyone think? Can you bear the charge of murdering the Sect Master? Even if someone else becomes Sect Master, they won't have legitimate authority, and how can they win people's hearts? Do you want to leave a root of internal strife in the Shangqing Sect? Foolish!"

Tang Susu's face was stiff, and she was speechless...

In the mountain hot spring, Niu Youdao, immersed in the water, squinted his eyes comfortably, recalling his experiences of the past few days. It felt like a dream. Just a few days ago, he was in a mysterious tomb and underground palace, and in the blink of an eye, he had traveled to this world, then to this place. The road ahead was still uncertain, and he knew nothing, unsure of what else awaited him.

His thoughts returned to the detailed questioning before his bath. He carefully reviewed it and felt there were no flaws, finally putting his mind at ease.

After finishing his bath and emerging from the valley, he was completely refreshed. He had changed into the Shangqing Sect's gray long robe, and his long hair was casually tied back in a ponytail.

The key was that he had never grown his hair this long before, nor had he styled it into a bun, so he didn't know how to do it.

Three sword-carrying disciples waited for him outside the valley. Niu Youdao had already interacted with them. The leader, a fair-skinned and refined-looking man with an arrogant expression, was named Song Yanqing. The other two were Chen Guishuo and Xu Yitian. The latter two seemed to be quite flattering to Song Yanqing, addressing him affectionately as "Senior Brother."

These three were sent by the Shangqing Sect to guard him, Niu Youdao.

When Niu Youdao came out, they seemed surprised and couldn't help but look him up and down.

In short, clothes make the man. Niu Youdao's physical frame was not bad, and with the Daoist Master's inner qualities, the dirty village boy now possessed a bit more elegance and freedom.

Walking up to the three of them, Niu Youdao tugged at his new clothes and asked, "Can you please inform them? I want to see the Sect Master!"

This was already the nth time he had requested to see Sect Master Tang Mu. The matter Dongguo Haoran had entrusted to him was yet to be completed.

A look of disdain flashed in Song Yanqing's eyes. "Do you think you can see the Sect Master just because you want to? Behave yourself and come with us."

"Let's go!" Chen Guishuo and Xu Yitian both reached out and pushed Niu Youdao from behind.

Stumbling from the push, Niu Youdao didn't know what he had done to offend these three. Regardless, they had shown him no pleasantries or kind words from the beginning.

Sandwiched between the three, he was led to the foot of a steep cliff, and they ascended along stone steps carved in a zigzag pattern. Halfway up the mountain, Niu Youdao was captivated by the magnificent buildings on the opposite cliff. Judging by the scale of the surrounding structures, this must be the core area of the Shangqing Sect.

Reaching the summit, he saw a serene and ancient courtyard. By the edge of the cliff outside the courtyard stood an old peach tree with vigorous roots and branches. Its branches were covered in clusters of pink blossoms, brilliant like rosy clouds. The wind blew, scattering the flowers, and falling petals drifted down. The peach blossoms were truly beautiful. Niu Youdao was once again captivated and exclaimed in surprise, "Peach blossoms blooming at this time of year?"

Chen Guishuo, walking behind and to the side, chuckled, "Never seen it before, have you? This peach tree has been growing for over a thousand years. It had already gained sentience, but the ancestor who came here to establish the sect severed its roots of wisdom, leaving it to stand here ordinarily. In the early years, the peach tree would bloom and shed its flowers. After its roots of wisdom were severed, however, the flowers bloom but never fade. For hundreds of years, regardless of spring, summer, autumn, or winter, it has always been brilliantly radiant like rosy clouds, like a flowery canopy. It's a wonder of the Shangqing Sect."

Niu Youdao was astonished to hear this, but then Song Yanqing snorted, "Why waste words with him?"

Chen Guishuo's face showed embarrassment, and he fell silent.

Arriving at the courtyard entrance, Niu Youdao looked up. Carved on the lintel were three powerful characters: Peach Blossom Spring!

Song Yanqing stopped at the entrance and gestured inside with his chin, "This is Senior Uncle Dongguo's place for quiet cultivation. You'll stay here for now. Don't wander around without permission, or be careful your legs don't get broken. Understand?"

Niu Youdao frowned, "My master, before he died, told me to pay my respects to the Sect Master..."

"Get in there!" Xu Yitian grabbed him by the collar and practically threw him inside, then slammed the door shut.

Niu Youdao, who had almost fallen and had just managed to steady himself, was a bit angry. He rushed to the door, yanked it open, and roared, "What do you mean by this? Am I a prisoner?"

Song Yanqing turned to look, sneering, "Don't cause trouble. If you accidentally slip and fall off the cliff, no one will cry out injustice for you." His words carried a strong threat, not just in words, but also in action as he slowly advanced.

"Nice weather!" Niu Youdao looked up at the sky and, with a clang, shut the door behind him.

Behind the door, his eyes held a murderous glint. In his past life, people on the streets called him Daoist Master. The title 'Daoist Master' was not to be trifled with in the martial world.

"Haha! He's quite sensible..." The mocking laughter of the three came from outside the door.

Taking a deep breath, Niu Youdao quickly suppressed the anger in his heart. He soon calmed his emotions, forcing himself to adopt an appreciative mood. He ignored the taunts from outside. With his hands behind his back, he strolled through the courtyard, finding it to be a place of ancient charm, tranquil and elegant, with its winding corridors and flying eaves. It was a rare spot of refined quietude, and his mood also settled down.

In the center of the courtyard stood a towering tree. A platform was built around it, and on the platform rested a bracket, across which lay a long sword.

Niu Youdao walked over, grasped the hilt, and gently drew the sword. The cold gleam gradually emerged from the scabbard. He swung the sword casually, then held it horizontally before his eyes. Looking at his reflection in the sword, he murmured to himself, "The mountains are high, the road is long, the pits are deep. My three-foot green edge is still within the Peach Blossom Spring!"