A Guest Arrives

ps: This chapter is not the main text, please check back later.

ps: This chapter is not the main text, please check back later.

ps: This chapter is not the main text, please check back later.

Just as Qing Xuan reached the entrance of the Courtyard House, he saw Nuwa pulling Houtu along as they ran out from inside. Both women's eyes sparkled as they stared at the fish in his hand.

"Extra meal today!" Nuwa grinned, sidling up. "Little Gourd Vine, your fishing skills keep getting better."

Houtu obediently took the fish. "Brother Qing Xuan, I'll go prepare the grill." With that, she turned and ran toward the Three Lights Divine Water Pool.

Qing Xuan shook his head with a wry smile. These two girls were becoming more and more obsessed with good food. He walked over to the Pavilion by the pool and sat down, watching Houtu expertly start a fire.

Fu Xi also emerged from the hall just then, carrying a jug of Immortal Brew. "Lucky day for a feast." He set the jug on the Stone Table. "Freshly brewed with Three Lights Divine Water."

Nuwa leaned over the jug and sniffed, her eyes growing even brighter. "Elder Brother finally did something reliable." She poured herself a cup without any hesitation.

The Four People sat around the Pavilion, the aroma of grilled fish spreading through the air. Bai He stood quietly behind Qing Xuan, occasionally handing him spices.

"Younger Brother," Fu Xi said, taking a sip of the brew. "Those Dragon Sons sent by the Four Seas Dragon Kings—when do you plan to let them onto the island?"

Qing Xuan flipped the fish on the grill. "No rush. Let Ao Gan and the others teach them the basics first, temper their temperaments." He sprinkled some spices. "The Dragon Clan is used to arrogance; they need to learn to bow their heads first."

Nuwa bit into the fish and mumbled, "If you ask me, just toss them into the Three Lights Divine Water Pool to soak. A few hundred years in there, and all their pride will be gone."

Houtu covered her mouth with a light laugh. "Sister's method might even soak a True Dragon into a mud eel."

Just as they were chatting and laughing, Qing Xuan's brow suddenly furrowed slightly. He set down the grilled fish and gazed beyond Fangzhang Island. "A guest has arrived."

No sooner had he spoken than a clear voice rang out from outside the island: "This Daoist Zhen Yuanzi, along with my friend Hong Yun, has come specially to visit Qing Xuan Daojun."

Nuwa and Fu Xi exchanged glances, both somewhat surprised. Zhen Yuanzi was the Ancestor of Earth Immortals, and Hong Yun was a well-known good-natured figure in the Primordial Wilderness. Why would these two suddenly show up?

Qing Xuan rose and straightened his robes. "Please, come in." He waved his hand, opening the Island Protection Grand Formation, and two figures drifted in.

Zhen Yuanzi wore a Yellow Robe and held a Fly Whisk, his face kind and gentle. Hong Yun, in a Red Robe, had a cheerful demeanor that immediately inspired goodwill.

"Forgive our abrupt visit, Daojun," Zhen Yuanzi said, cupping his hands in greeting. "I heard that your dojo is a place of Profound Mystery, so I came specially to seek your insights."

Hong Yun also laughed. "I was at Five Villages View mooching Zhen Yuanzi's Ginseng Fruits, and when he mentioned Fangzhang Island in the East Sea, I shamelessly tagged along."

Qing Xuan returned the greeting with a smile. "Two Daoist Friends gracing my island is an honor for Fangzhang Island." He led them into the Pavilion and had Bai He add more cups.

As soon as Zhen Yuanzi sat down, his gaze fell on the Three Lights Divine Water Pool. "What a Place of Creation," he praised. "This pool water can even nourish the Pure World White Lotus—truly extraordinary."

Hong Yun, meanwhile, stared at the grill. "That fish smells wonderful, Daojun has excellent skill." He was not one for formality; he helped himself to a piece of fish and tasted it.

Nuwa snickered at the sight and leaned close to Qing Xuan's ear. "This Hong Yun Daoist is quite a straightforward fellow."

Qing Xuan nodded slightly and began discussing the Dao with Zhen Yuanzi. They talked from earth veins to Heavenly Secrets, from Spiritual Roots to Creation, growing more and more engrossed.

Zhen Yuanzi stroked his beard. "To be honest, Daojun, I came this time because I have a favor to ask." He took out a Jade Box. "Please accept these Ginseng Fruits."

Inside the box lay three fruits shaped like Infants, their fragrance rich and pure. These were the Ginseng Fruits that took Ten Thousand Years to Form.

Qing Xuan did not take them. "Daoist Friend, just say what you need. Such a heavy gift makes it hard for me to speak freely."

Zhen Yuanzi sighed. "My Five Villages View is fine, but it always feels lacking in vitality. I wanted to ask Daojun for a single White Lotus to plant in the pool there."

He paused. "Of course, not a top-grade one like the Pure World White Lotus. Just an ordinary White Lotus that can bloom."

Hong Yun chimed in, "This Zhen Yuanzi fellow loves playing with Flowers and Grasses. If Daojun is willing to part with one, I'll owe you a favor on his behalf."

Qing Xuan smiled at this. "That's easy." He walked to the pool, took a budding White Lotus, wrapped it in Three Lights Divine Water, and handed it to Zhen Yuanzi.

"This White Lotus hasn't bloomed yet, but its foundation is decent. Nourish it with spiritual energy, Daoist Friend, and it should blossom within a Hundred Years."

Zhen Yuanzi was overjoyed and accepted it solemnly. "Thank you, Daojun." He pushed the Ginseng Fruits forward. "Please take these, or my Dao Heart will be uneasy."

Seeing no way to refuse, Qing Xuan took two of the fruits and had Bai He cut up the remaining one to share with everyone.

Hong Yun ate with greasy lips. "Ginseng Fruit with grilled fish—quite a unique flavor." He wiped his mouth. "Daojun, I can't freeload off you either."

From his sleeve, he produced a red cloud-shaped Magic Treasure. "This is a Heaven Escaping Cloud I refined. It's not a Spiritual Treasure, but its Escape Speed is decent. I give it to you for travel."

Qing Xuan took it and found that this red cloud could even traverse space—a fine tool for getting around. "Thank you, Hong Yun Daoist Friend."

As they continued chatting, Fangzhang Island suddenly trembled slightly. Then, Eight Dragon Roars came from all eight directions outside the island, shaking the Nine Heavens.

Ao Gan's voice sounded from beyond the island: "Teacher, the Four Seas Dragon Sons have arrived and are waiting outside."

Qing Xuan turned to Zhen Yuanzi and Hong Yun apologetically. "Please wait a moment, Daoist Friends. I'll be right back."

He flashed outside the island and saw Ao Gan's Eight Brothers transformed into their Dragon Bodies, circling in the air. Below, on the Sea Surface, Four Small Dragons of Different Colors hovered respectfully.

These four young dragons were only a dozen or so zhang long, with cultivation at the Heavenly Immortal realm. Seeing Qing Xuan, they quickly transformed into human form and knelt.

"Ao Jia of the East Sea, pays respects to Qing Xuan Daojun."

"Ao Yi of the West Sea, pays respects to Daojun."

"Ao Bing of the South Sea..."

"Ao Ding of the North Sea..."

The four young dragons announced their names in turn, their attitudes respectful, but their eyes still carried the unique pride of the Dragon Clan.

Qing Xuan swept his gaze over them. "Since you have entered Fangzhang Island, you must abide by the island's rules." His voice was calm, yet carried an unyielding authority.

"First, no leaving the island without permission. Second, no oppressing the island's living beings. Third, cultivation must be diligent, with no slackening." With each rule he stated, the four Young Dragons lowered their bodies a fraction.

"Ao Gan." Qing Xuan called out. "Take them to the Hidden Dragon Abyss on the east side of the island. Let them temper their minds for three years. After three years, I will teach them the basic techniques."

Ao Gan acknowledged the order, waved his dragon claw, and swept the four Young Dragons toward the east of the island. There lay a Cold Pool, most suitable for grinding down restless temperaments.

Hong Yun had somehow followed along as well, clicking his tongue in wonder. "The Daojun is strict with his disciples," he said with a laugh. "But the Dragon Clan has wild natures; they do need a good tempering."

Qing Xuan shook his head. "Whether they can become talents depends on themselves." He gazed toward the distant Sea Surface. "If they can't even endure this little hardship, they might as well return to the Four Seas and be carefree Dragon Kings."

Back at the Pavilion, Zhen Yuanzi had already risen to take his leave. "I have troubled you long enough today; it's time to return." He cupped his hands. "If the Daojun has free time, you are welcome to visit Five Villages View."

Hong Yun also patted his stomach. "Having eaten the Daojun's fine fish, another day I'll hunt some Spiritual Beasts to return the favor." He transformed into Hong Yun and departed together with Zhen Yuanzi.