Mountain God's Rank

"Waist token?"

The Daoist priest paused for a moment before hastily lifting the hem of his robe and snatching the wooden token down.

Bowing, he held the waist token aloft with both hands, his hands still trembling as he said, "If the immortal master fancies it, please, please."

Elder Tao raised his hand and took the waist token.

He examined it back and forth before saying, "This is a waist token from the [Ming Zhen Dao Alliance]. How did you come to possess it?"

The old Daoist priest maintained his bowing posture, humbly saying, "This old Daoist priest... no, this junior, this junior obtained it over a decade ago while traveling in Li Province."

"At that time, I happened to encounter a young man selling wares at a stall, and I exchanged some gold for it..."

Elder Tao chuckled dismissively, "The [Ming Zhen Dao Alliance] is, after all, a major power. Those who can obtain this waist token are unlikely to be people who don't understand cultivation. They would certainly know its value. Are you sure you just bought it at a stall? If that's the case, his elders back home will likely have a good scolding for him."

The old Daoist priest gave a dry laugh, not daring to answer.

He could only force a smile.

Qi WuHuo had already understood the implication in his words.

It was likely that over a decade ago in Li Province, this Daoist priest had seen a young man with low cultivation holding this waist token. Greed had gotten the better of him, leading him to commit murder and robbery. Fearing reprisal from the young man's elders, he had then fled all the way to Central Province.

Qi WuHuo looked at the Fortunate Earth Deity and asked, "Elder Tao, do you recognize this waist token?"

The old man nodded and said, "I've seen it a few times."

He placed the waist token on the table and stroked his beard, saying, "Daoist Master Qi should also know that there are three thousand great paths in cultivation. Even among the orthodox Daoist sects, which have long and profound lineages, they are divided into different dharma lineages with their own inheritances scattered throughout the world. Furthermore, cultivation requires numerous resources, and sometimes a single dharma lineage in one region cannot gather them in a short period."

"Also, due to differences in individual comprehension and experience, even if the source is the same true scripture or Daoist canon, the dharma lineages often slowly evolve into different styles of inheritance. If they can communicate with each other, it is naturally beneficial for their understanding of the Great Dao and their cultivation. Initially, for these reasons, in addition to dharma lineages and sects, some loose organizations also gradually appeared."

"As time passed and grew longer, these loose organizations gradually collected scriptures, cultivated core members, and formed another type of power."

"The [Ming Zhen Dao Alliance] is one such organization."

"With the philosophy of '[Ming Zhen breaks illusion, thereby seeking the Great Dao],' in cultivation, it emphasizes '[Spirits can reach the heavens, commanding wind and thunder].'"

"They have considerable insights into the cultivation of the Primordial Spirit."

Qi WuHuo said, "Ming Zhen Dao Alliance..."

He picked up the waist token. It felt quite heavy in his hand, not quite wood, with a dark luster. In the center was a talisman formed by cloud patterns, like lightning snakes illuminating the gloom, exuding a spiritual charm. It was exactly the same as the patterns on a banner he had seen in the demon country's interstice in his memory. Only this one was smaller, the cloud patterns flowing, while that one was larger, subtly containing the aura of thunder.

He remembered this cloud pattern talisman clearly.

He also remembered the gentleman who had casually waved goodbye with his back to him and walked into the marketplace.

Elder Tao stroked his beard, puzzled, "Why is Daoist Master Qi so fixated on this?"

Qi WuHuo put down the Ming Zhen Dao Alliance waist token.

He recounted his experiences from several years ago, and the expressions of several Fortunate Earth Deities slowly grew solemn.

They exchanged glances. Earth God Luo Yizhen said, "We also heard about the disaster in Jin Province back then."

"But after all, it was too far away. Earthly Deities cannot leave their designated areas, otherwise, they cannot mobilize the Qi of the earth veins, and their strength will inevitably be diminished."

"So we don't know much."

"We truly couldn't help. However, this matter should have nothing to do with the [Ming Zhen Dao Alliance]."

Luo Yizhen explained:

"Although the [Ming Zhen Dao Alliance] is not considered orthodox, they are not among the evil paths either."

"Their actions are mostly driven by the pursuit of profit and cultivation. They have little interest in slaughter or soul refinement. However, it's inevitable that there will be scum and villains within the sect. Regarding this matter, I can only say that the [Ming Zhen Dao Alliance] would not be the active instigator. It's highly probable they appeared there for certain reasons related to profit."

"Organizations like the [Ming Zhen Dao Alliance] generally keep records of the events they participate in."

"If Daoist Master Qi truly cares about this matter."

"You can visit them in the future."

Shen Earth Deity, dressed in a brown robe, put down his wine cup and suddenly sneered, "The Ming Zhen Dao Alliance has no villains? That cannot be said for certain. Take this Daoist priest before us, for example."

Everyone's gaze fell upon the old Daoist priest.

He couldn't help but curse inwardly. Why are they bringing me up again?!

Fierce Tiger Mountain God beckoned, and a jade book bearing his name flew up into his hand. He caressed the jade book for a long time before suddenly asking, "Tantai Guochu, who is he to you?"

A hint of surprise appeared in the old Daoist priest's eyes as he kowtowed, "This junior's name is Tantai Xuan. Ziyu Sword Immortal Tantai Guochu is this junior's grandfather."

Fierce Tiger murmured, "...A descendant of an old acquaintance."

He beckoned again, and from within the Black Iron Sword Box, a long sword flew out, landing in his palm. Fierce Tiger held the sword in his right hand and swept his left index finger across the blade. The sword let out a series of hums, and his expression held a hint of nostalgia. Just as Tantai Xuan's eyes showed a glimmer of hope, Fierce Tiger Mountain God said indifferently, "Alas, alas."

Tantai Xuan sensed a killing intent, his scalp tingling, feeling as if his soul was about to scatter.

The Fierce Tiger said, "You ultimately used the lifespans of living people to extend your own life. You walked an evil path."

"Death is not to be regretted."

Tantai Xuan's body trembled violently. Before his death, he thought of the Mountain God's attitude towards Qi WuHuo. Seizing the last sliver of hope, he suddenly knelt and shouted, "Immortal Master Qi! Immortal Master Qi! I am from the [Ming Zhen Dao Alliance]. I know high-ranking members of the [Ming Zhen Dao Alliance]. They must have information about the great disaster in Jin Province five years ago. Spare my life, spare my life! I am willing to atone for my sins, atone for my sins!"

"I am very useful! Very useful!"

The Fierce Tiger frowned and subconsciously looked at Qi WuHuo.

Elder Tao and the other two Fortunate Earth Deities did the same.

Qi WuHuo looked at the old Daoist priest kneeling on the ground, crawling towards him. The latter kowtowed and said:

"I have never harmed any innocent people. They were all greedy for wealth, and I used gold to buy their lives... I know I used evil methods, but I just wanted to live. Even if I have to die, there's no need to rush to kill me now. I can help you clarify what happened back then. My life is insignificant, truly not comparable to your great undertaking."

"Wouldn't it be a huge loss to affect your great undertaking by killing a trivial person like me?"

"As the ancient gentlemen said, those who truly hold power have no black and white in their eyes, only usefulness."

"You are a gentleman, you should understand the principle of [harmonizing with the dust]."

"I have lived for over a hundred years, and it's impossible for me to reach the realm of a True Person. I just want to live a little longer."

"If you find me unreliable, I am willing to give you a part of my Primordial Spirit to control. I will never betray you. I can already control Qi to travel and master supernatural abilities. If I went to an ordinary prefectural city, I could establish a lineage of magic. Now, I am willing to be your servant."

Tantai Xuan spoke methodically.

The blue-robed youth bent down as if to help him up. A fawning smile reappeared on Tantai Xuan's aged face. Suddenly, a cold glint flashed.

The dagger he carried pierced directly through Tantai Xuan's throat. The blade, a foot long, went through the front and emerged from the back of his neck.

The old Daoist priest's eyes widened.

He seemed not to have expected anyone to refuse a servant who understood supernatural abilities. He was stunned for a moment before trembling from the intense pain. He gasped for breath, blood gurgling out. It was only because his Primordial Qi was strong that he did not die immediately.

He glared with wide eyes, only able to see the blue-robed youth's eyes, deep and calm, without a ripple.

Qi WuHuo did not reply.

It was as if his words were not worth refuting.

He merely pushed the dagger deeper.

Tantai Xuan's struggling strength grew weaker, his voice becoming indistinct: "You killing me... will regret it!"

Qi WuHuo pulled the dagger out with a flick of his wrist.

"I won't," he replied.

Tantai Xuan's eyes became vacant. He clutched his throat and fell down.

His legs twitched a few times before he became still.

Qi WuHuo's blue robe was stained with blood. It was the first time he had killed someone in reality, unlike in his dreams. He steadied himself and cupped his hands towards the Mountain God:

"I apologize for killing the descendant of your old friend."

The Mountain God shook his head. "I was going to kill him myself."

Elder Tao and the other two Earthly Deities exchanged glances and smiled, saying they had something to attend to and left early.

They then sped away, and more than ten miles away, they captured the wisp of Tantai Xuan's soul. They directly washed and ground it away with the most turbid malevolent Qi from the earth's veins. The most benevolent-looking Elder Tao said, "His disposition is good, he's a fine young man, but he lacks experience in cultivation. He didn't know that the souls of cultivators from the [Ming Zhen Dao Alliance] would escape."

"Although this soul is just a wisp of sentience, without memories, it still must be utterly ground to dust."

The Shen Earth Deity praised, "It's better for such an evil cultivator to die completely."

The three Fortunate Earth Deities performed a ritual prayer on the spot.

They reported to the Nine Heavens and informed the Underworld.

Even the last trace of malevolent Qi and resentment from the Daoist priest was completely ground away.

With the blessings of three Fortunate Earth Deities, let alone reincarnation, it was impossible even to become a vengeful ghost.

After Qi WuHuo killed the old Daoist Tantai, he thought about the events of five years ago and was lost in thought for a long time.

However, as he was about to take his leave, the Mountain God suddenly said, "I have something I'd like to ask for your opinion on, WuHuo."

Qi WuHuo inquired.

The Fierce Tiger smiled and said, "I will soon break through."

"And travel the four directions."

"At that time, would you be willing to inherit this position of Mountain God?"