Bai Shaoyou pondered for a moment, lifted his teacup, and took a small sip before saying, "When it comes to surviving legacies from high antiquity, Void Abyss Floating Li is indeed the best place. Legend has it that this mountain drifts beyond space and time, untouched by the erosion of years..."
Then he changed tack, his brows drawing together slightly.
"Even so, despite Void Abyss Floating Li's wonders, its landscape has changed over time. And I've heard it once had a mountain lord, so it likely contained quite a few legacy sites to begin with—that must be why later generations flocked there. But after ten thousand years of upheaval, even if legacies remain, surely many have already been taken by those who came before."
After a pause, Bai Shaoyou sighed and mused, "Ever since the Immortal Dynasty collapsed, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth has grown increasingly thin. Ordinary magical artifacts like the Flowing Cup Sword, let alone books and records, can't withstand the grind of time. Even the remains of Heavenly Demons and the treasures of immortals are no exception. Nowadays, the legacies and former Cave Mansions left by those who came before can at most be traced back a few thousand years. Anything that's survived for ten thousand years is already rare, which is why legacies from high antiquity are so precious."
He set down his teacup and lightly tapped the table.
"I once consulted the secret archives of the Merchant Alliance. They mention that legacies left by ancient cultivators are exceedingly rare. They often need to be stored in objects such as Star Core Profound Iron or Great Void Azure Jade to have any chance of lasting ten thousand years."
"Star Core Profound Iron... Great Void Azure Jade..."
Chen Qing frowned as soon as he heard those names.
He'd heard of both materials. Star Core Profound Iron was mined from the cores of meteors beyond the heavens and, after being tempered in true fire, could withstand countless tribulations without wearing away. Great Void Azure Jade came from the depths of the Nine Nether Earth Veins and could form a small world of its own, shutting out the passage of time.
He shook off the thought and continued reading the Jade Slip.
Though Bai Shaoyou found it strange, he remembered that Chen Qing was connected to a legacy from high antiquity. A few odd mannerisms were only natural, so he let the matter go.
The latter half of the Jade Slip, however, recorded nothing but strange tales and anecdotes from the middle and late periods of the Immortal Dynasty:
[After the Heavenly Craft Workshop was sealed, its surviving members built "Wooden Kites" to carry a hundred people in a rebellious escape. They were shot down over the Western Wilderness by a Thunder Department Divine General.]
[Northern Cold Continent presented an Ice Soul Profound Maiden, who was favored for a time. After she secretly consorted with the enemy, she was imprisoned in Cold Prison. She gave birth there, and the infant was born clutching a crystal of ice.]
[In the eighth millennium of the Immortal Dynasty, South Flame Continent presented the "Crimson Flame Heavenly Net," which was woven into a Fire Phoenix Feather Robe that neither water could penetrate nor fire burn. Eastern Spirit Continent presented the "Nine Orifice Exquisite Tree." Its fruits resembled infants, and eating one could add a hundred years to one's lifespan. It was planted in the Imperial Garden, but later withered and died.]
[In the middle period of the Immortal Dynasty, the Western Wilderness Sword Mound appeared. A hundred thousand ancient swords rang in unison for three days. The Immortal Dynasty sent envoys to collect them and forged the "Ten Thousand Swords Platform" in Yujing. It was later destroyed in a Heavenly Tribulation.]
[In the twentieth millennium of the Immortal Dynasty, Mirage City appeared in the deserts of the Western Wilderness, guarded by Golden Armored Divine Beings. The Immortal Dynasty sent troops to subdue it, but everyone who entered the city went mad. An island in the Eastern Sea then sank beneath the waves, revealing an Underwater Altar. Seven Bronze Lamps hung above the altar; their oil had not run out, and their flames still burned.]
[In the final years of the Immortal Dynasty, a volcano erupted in South Flame Continent, revealing a Red Copper Giant Coffin wrapped in nine chains of fire. The Immortal Dynasty sent envoys to investigate, but the entire delegation perished. A Star Official observed the heavens at night and saw Ziwei Star fall. He submitted a memorial urging caution, only to be imprisoned on the Star Gazing Platform.]
Chen Qing's gaze was sharp as lightning, but he still couldn't find a single word related to his dream.
When he reached the end, he deliberately looked back at the preface and memorized the words "written by Jade Pivot Daoist in the Meteor Era." Then he closed the Jade Slip and sighed. "It's a pity there's no record of the Patriarch."
A flicker of disappointment crossed Bai Shaoyou's eyes, but he quickly rallied. "No matter! Now that we have a lead, why worry we won't uncover more? Why not tell me some other stories about the Patriarch? I'll see if I can find a clue in the other collections."
"Very well." Seeing how enthralled Bai Shaoyou was by the old affairs of the Immortal Dynasty, Chen Qing set down the Jade Slip and said, "According to our sect's records, after winning the Princess's favor, Patriarch Chen once entered Xuan Du Mountain, where he was fortunate enough to hear a Daoist in White expound the Dao."
Bai Shaoyou's eyes lit up, and he hurried closer. "Was that Daoist a true immortal?"
"The records say that ancient cypresses became spirits and stones gained awareness while he expounded the Dao, but they don't mention whether he was an immortal."
Seeing the disappointment on Bai Shaoyou's face, Chen Qing continued, "After the lecture, the Patriarch accompanied a female cultivator to Yujing. But because he had rendered meritorious service by offering a strategy, the Immortal Dynasty's Sixth Prince had him choose a treasure as a pretext and placed him under house arrest in Yujing's Treasure Pavilion."
"Your sect's Patriarch truly was extraordinary! The people he dealt with were either immortals or princes—he was practically one of the Immortal Dynasty's high-ranking figures! What a pity the records are incomplete. We don't know just how great his later achievements were! Still, he must have been an astonishing powerhouse of the Immortal Dynasty!" Bai Shaoyou listened raptly, scarcely daring to breathe. "What happened next?"
Hearing the description "powerhouse of the Immortal Dynasty," Chen Qing's eyelid twitched. He composed himself before replying, "While he was trapped there, he discovered a fragmentary cultivation method carved into a wall..."
He paused, considering whether he should use Bai Shaoyou to investigate the origins of that cultivation method. Certain profound techniques couldn't be passed on casually. Having the dream-self practice them in a dream and teaching them to disciples in the present world, where they might use them out in the open, were two entirely different things. Without clarifying where the technique came from, passing it on recklessly could do more harm than good.
Bai Shaoyou praised him. "Finding treasure in the midst of danger! Isn't that exactly the sort of plot you find in those legendary tales? Your Patriarch truly was blessed with great fortune!" Then he pressed eagerly, "What was the cultivation method called?"
"The Primordial Chaos Qi Scripture." Chen Qing spoke the five words and watched Bai Shaoyou's reaction.
"The Primordial Chaos Qi Scripture?" Bai Shaoyou's brows knitted slightly. "Just the name sounds extraordinary! But I've never heard of it." He was clearly very interested in cultivation methods. "No matter! We can send someone to investigate. The library in Five Qi Pavilion may have a clue. If not, we can ask around at home or inquire at the Mystic Chess Academy!"
With that, Bai Shaoyou immediately beckoned. "Old Zhou, go look into whether there's a cultivation method called the Primordial Chaos Qi Scripture! Start with the Collection of Ancient Cultivation Methods, then ask those old scholars!"
Shopkeeper Zhou accepted the order and left.
Bai Shaoyou turned back, unable to hide his excitement. "Daoist Chen, does your sect's record include the contents of the cultivation method?" As soon as he asked, he gave a self-deprecating laugh. "That was presumptuous of me. If it did, it would be an ancient legacy. How could it be shown to outsiders so easily?"
"The cultivation method has long been lost," Chen Qing replied firmly. He was only borrowing his Patriarch's name to puff himself up. Why would he invite trouble for the sake of an empty reputation?
Bai Shaoyou was left itching with curiosity. "Then what happened afterward?"
Chen Qing continued, "The Patriarch also obtained a treasure in the Treasure Pavilion."
"What treasure?"
"I'm afraid I don't know." Chen Qing shook his head with a sigh. "When the Immortal Dynasty collapsed, our sect suffered a calamity, and many legacies were scattered and lost. That treasure disappeared too... Alas!"
"Alas!"
The two sat facing each other in silence.
After a long while, Bai Shaoyou asked anxiously, "That's it? What happened afterward?"
Chen Qing lifted his teacup and took a leisurely sip before saying, "Forgive me, Daoist. The records end there. After all..." He set down his teacup and said meaningfully, "Several great calamities scattered many of our sect's records."
He'd deliberately left things unsaid, letting Bai Shaoyou fill in the blanks himself.
"Oh! There really isn't anything more?" Bai Shaoyou sprang to his feet and paced back and forth. "This... this is even more tantalizing than those legendary tales!"
He suddenly turned around.
"Daoist Chen! Your sect's legacy has such a remarkable origin. If you have any other stories about your Patriarch, name your price!" As he spoke, he pushed Immortal Dynasty Anecdotes toward Chen Qing. "I'll have someone make a copy of Immortal Dynasty Anecdotes and send it to you later. If there's anything else you need, just say the word."
He'd seen through Chen Qing. Unlike the people who traded legendary tales for Spirit Marrow, then blabbed about every little thing to the whole world, Chen Qing clearly had plenty of stories up his sleeve—he simply kept them to himself!
"Is this the composure of someone with an ancient legacy?"
Seeing that Chen Qing still said nothing, Bai Shaoyou gritted his teeth. "How about this? You tell me about your Patriarch, and I'll investigate the clues. If we uncover anything like an ancient legacy, we split it fifty-fifty. What do you say?"
Only then did Chen Qing give a slight nod. "Very well. Since you're offering such sincerity, we'll agree to that. But let me say this first: my Patriarch's past involves many things. Some secrets can't be spoken of lightly, and much of it is closely guarded, secret lore..."
"I'll keep it confidential! I won't pressure you to tell me! I definitely don't have some other agenda!"
"Very well!"
The two agreed to work together, and the atmosphere immediately warmed.
But the dream's events had only reached the point where the Patriarch was confined in the Treasure Pavilion. Chen Qing truly couldn't reveal anything more, so he took his leave before long.
"Wait!" Bai Shaoyou suddenly pulled a brocade pouch from beneath the table and, without giving Chen Qing a chance to refuse, shoved it into his hand. "Three pieces of Spirit Marrow and two pieces of Earth Marrow, as a deposit!"
Chen Qing was about to decline, but Bai Shaoyou had already lowered his voice. "How could these worldly trinkets compare to even a fraction of what you've told me? If you don't accept them, I won't be able to rest easy."
Chen Qing was softhearted, so he could only accept the enormous sum. Just as he reached the door, he stopped and asked, "Daoist Bai, did the records you found ever mention what became of Patriarch Chen?"
Bai Shaoyou paused, then shook his head. "The records are incomplete, with only fragments remaining. Doesn't your sect's record mention it?"
Chen Qing shook his head. "It was too long ago. The records have long since been lost."
"The early years of the Immortal Dynasty were four or five hundred thousand years ago, weren't they?" Bai Shaoyou mused. "It's remarkable that even a few words have survived."
"Four or five... hundred thousand years?"
Chen Qing sighed, then left.
Bai Shaoyou remained leaning by the window, watching Chen Qing's figure disappear around the street corner.
"Young Master, do you really believe Chen Qing?" Old Zhou asked as he approached with a teacup, his brows slightly furrowed.
"What difference does it make whether I believe him?" Bai Shaoyou took the teacup and sipped. "The records about Chen Xu are genuine. Have you ever seen anyone invent a story that fits an ancient text so perfectly?"
Old Zhou hesitated. "But the Hidden Star Gate now..."
"It's down to a few children." Bai Shaoyou set his teacup down hard on the table, then suddenly lowered his voice. "Old Zhou, tell me—given the Hidden Star Gate's current state, what if I proposed that Chen Qing take me as a fellow disciple on behalf of his master..."
Old Zhou's expression changed. "Young Master! If that reaches the Lord's ears..."
"I was joking." Bai Shaoyou waved a hand. "I may be obsessed with ancient legacies, but I'm not a fool. Chen Qing is only in the early stages of the second realm. He's not even qualified to be my senior brother."
As he spoke, Bai Shaoyou suddenly lowered his voice. "Old Zhou, you may as well go to the Mystic Chess Academy and look through their library. See if there are any records of Chen Xu or the 'Primordial Chaos Qi.'"
Old Zhou bowed to accept the order, but couldn't help saying, "Young Master clearly already believes him seven-tenths."
"He knows too much." Bai Shaoyou narrowed his eyes. "For the head of a remote little sect to reveal secrets that even Five Qi Pavilion couldn't uncover... either he really does have a legacy, or..."
"Or what?"
"Or he's hiding a secret even more astonishing than a legacy." Bai Shaoyou turned to gaze out the window. "Either way, he's worth befriending."
Before you continue