Qianyuan Mountain, Golden Light Cave.
"Everything the Sect Master asked me to deliver is here."
Taiyi took the Storage Bag and weighed it in his hand. The pair of tiny eyes on his round face narrowed into slits.
"Thank the Sect Master for me."
"What are you thanking him for? Nothing matters more than you staying alive."
Iron Abacus stuffed the last Storage Bag into Taiyi's arms, dusted off his hands, then felt for the Jade Pendant Su Miao had given him at his waist and spun it once around his fingertips.
Knowing he would not be coming back next time, he gave the Jade Pendant to Taiyi as well, giving him one more chance to save his life.
"The Sect Master said Calamity Qi has already begun seeping into the Earth Immortal Realm. Take it easy."
Taiyi accepted the Jade Pendant and held it in his palm, feeling its gentle warmth.
"I know."
"Oh, right. The Sect Master asked me to pass along a message."
"What message?"
"Ling Zhuzi has been reincarnated in Chentang Pass. He wants you to keep an eye on him."
Taiyi's fingers paused.
"Ling Zhuzi..."
He softly repeated the name. The Sect Master rarely went out of his way to mention anyone. Could it be that Junior Brother Ling Zhuzi was in trouble?
After saying his piece, Iron Abacus left early for the sake of his own life.
Taiyi sat on a bluestone, gazing at the rolling outlines of the distant mountain ranges as his fingers unconsciously rubbed the edge of the Jade Pendant.
"I should go take a look."
After packing away all the Storage Bags, Taiyi turned and entered the cave. He rummaged out an old fly whisk from a corner, dusted it off, and tucked it into his belt.
He went down