Miao Zi, did you come to our Gu Jian Sect just to pick up food?!

Moli Immortal Mansion appeared in the Ten Thousand Li Gray Plains northwest of Feng Prefecture in the year 2225 of the Immortal Mansion Calendar. To this day, it has yet to be fully explored, remaining one of the few unsolved mysteries since the Nine Provinces entered the Era of Immortal Mansions. For this reason, it is also known as the Heavenly Absolute Immortal Mansion.

Moli Immortal Mansion is a Qi Refining-level mansion, yet according to the Heavenly Record Proverb, it may hide an Innate Supreme Treasure—a peerless immortal artifact that leads directly to the path of ascension and touches upon the secrets of the Ancient Immortals. Such a massive disparity naturally attracts countless cultivators.

Furthermore, Moli Immortal Mansion is an exceptionally rare mansion with no entry requirements. It remains open year-round, never closing, and places no restrictions on the number of visitors. Consequently, over the past few hundred years, thousands of Qi Refining cultivators have poured into Moli, only to vanish without a trace, never to return.

Moli, Moli—silently departing from the world!

The line from the Heavenly Record Proverb, "Do not speak to strangers," was once the stuff of nightmares for countless practitioners.

Yet now, Liu Sanlang was specifically asking to team up with Wu Ming to challenge this Heavenly Absolute Immortal Mansion!

Although Wu Ming had immediately agreed with great enthusiasm, Gu Bai, as his master, could not be so reckless.

Liu Sanlang, however, had long since prepared a response to Gu Bai's skepticism.

"First of all, after hundreds of years of exploration, Moli Immortal Mansion is no longer the 'enter but never return' place it once was. As long as one strictly adheres to the rules and does not venture too deep, the outer perimeter is actually not particularly dangerous. Nowadays, many people even go to the outer perimeter to train on their own. I am not harboring any delusions of taking the Innate Supreme Treasure from the deepest part of the mansion..."

Wu Ming was startled. "Wait, you're asking me to team up, but it's not to get the first clear for the entire Nine Provinces!?"

Liu Sanlang paused for a moment before cleverly replying, "My abilities are meager; I would only be a burden to Brother Wu. Therefore, I am only seeking to team up to reach the third level of Moli Immortal Mansion to retrieve an item... an item I must obtain."

After a brief pause, Liu Sanlang continued, "My mother, the Li Family Matriarch, was once tasked by the family head to attempt to decipher the Immortal Mansion Heavenly Record using the methods of our ancestors. However, the path to deciphering the record is as difficult as ascending to heaven. Since my mother was not in Qingzhou and had not fully inherited the true teachings of the family Celestial Master, her efforts were twice as hard for half the result. She poured her heart and blood into it, even sacrificing her lifespan, yet just as the proverb was nearing completion, her efforts fell short at the final hurdle..."

"There are still many unclear reasons for this, and I hope you will forgive me for being unable to explain everything. But before my mother passed away, she left behind half a proverb, pointing directly to the third level of Moli Immortal Mansion, where an item concerning our family's destiny is hidden. This was a heavenly secret my mother exchanged her life for, yet it failed to garner even the slightest attention from the family. Even the family head dismissed it as the ramblings of a dying woman!"

"This matter clearly originated because of him, yet he could be so heartless. I truly..."

As he spoke, the Red Cloud Talisman began to emit a faint, rippling light, showing that the holder's emotions were unstable. Yet, the sincerity in his words was profoundly evident.

Hearing this, Wu Ming agreed without a moment's hesitation. "Say no more, I'll take this side quest! I guarantee with my professional status that I will help you find that treasure!"

Liu Sanlang choked up. "Brother Wu..."

Zhang Miao even burst into tears on the spot. "You guys are so sweet!"

"..." Liu Sanlang silently tightened his tear ducts, composed himself, and shifted the topic.

"Aside from my personal reasons, exploring Moli Immortal Mansion is actually of great importance to Brother Wu—it is even a path that must be taken!"

Gu Bai asked, "How so?"

Liu Sanlang replied, "Because that treasure of destiny within Moli Immortal Mansion is likely related to the Zhuoquan Immortal Mansion!"

Gu Bai was stunned for a moment, then his expression darkened slightly as he nodded.

The Liu Family is the head of the powerful clans in Wu Prefecture, with roots running deep for hundreds of years. Even within the entire Qiongzhou, they are considered a feudal force of significant influence. For a family of this stature, a treasure that can affect their destiny is not something one encounters every day.

And as it happens, the Zhuoquan Immortal Mansion is set to appear in Qiongzhou in the near future. Its significance is so great that even the Sanqing Immortal Sect has made personal arrangements for it... For any powerful local clan in Qiongzhou, this is an immense immortal opportunity that cannot be missed.

Now that Liu Sanlang assumed a connection existed between the two, it was indeed a logical conclusion.

Liu Sanlang continued, "Previously, Liu Li and Liu Yi held a fraudulent decree, attempting to seize the Dharma Sword; this was certainly absurd and shameful. However, their claims regarding the Dharma Sword were not entirely wrong. The Sanqing Immortal Sect cast heavy immortal treasures, such as the Taiyi Dharma Sword, into various parts of Qiongzhou precisely to select talents to explore the Immortal Mansion. This is not only the case in Wujun but in all other commanderies as well. Those who can accept the Dharma Sword and other such immortal opportunities are regarded as Zhuoquan Dao Seeds and will be prioritized for observation in the future..."

At this point, Gu Bai suddenly interrupted, "Is this Zhuoquan Immortal Mansion a Qi Refining stage mansion or a Foundation Establishment stage mansion?"

Liu Sanlang replied, "As far as I know, it should be a Foundation Establishment Immortal Mansion."

Gu Bai sighed immediately, "...As I thought."

Zhu Ying asked curiously, "If it is a Foundation Establishment Immortal Mansion, why would the Sanqing Immortal Sect select Dao Seeds from the Qi Refining stage?"

Liu Sanlang said, "On one hand, the Sanqing Immortal Sect's investment goes far beyond items like the Taiyi Dharma Sword; they have corresponding assessments and rewards for Foundation Establishment cultivators across Qiongzhou, though they are not as publicized. On the other hand, I suspect it may be because, in the eyes of Sanqing, the existing Foundation Establishment cultivators of this generation in Qiongzhou are all unusable."

"Hah!" Zhu Ying, who was at the middle stage of Foundation Establishment, snorted aloud.

Gu Bai sighed, "Ying'er, do not misunderstand. This matter does not necessarily mean the Sanqing Immortal Sect holds our Qiongzhou cultivators in contempt. It is simply that the trickiness of some Immortal Mansions can far exceed one's imagination. For example, in some Foundation Establishment Immortal Mansions, when you have gone through all kinds of hardships and finally reached the last barrier, you discover that you must have taken a certain peculiar pill to break through. Yet, that pill must be consumed on the spot within another Qi Refining Immortal Mansion to take effect."

Zhu Ying was stunned, "This... if the condition for breaking through a Foundation Establishment barrier is hidden within a Qi Refining one, isn't that unsolvable?"

Gu Bai shook his head gently, just about to explain...

When Wu Ming laughed from the side, "Haha, how could it be unsolvable? Just find a master whose strength is so overwhelming that they far exceed the limits of their realm, and have them flatten two Immortal Mansions in a row while still in the Qi Refining stage... Foundation Establishment cultivators cannot enter Qi Refining Immortal Mansions, but Qi Refining cultivators might not be unable to enter Foundation Establishment ones, right?"

Zhu Ying shook her head and lectured, "Wu Ming, do not indulge in wild fantasies. The gap between Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment is as vast as heaven and earth. You are about to enter the middle stage of Qi Refining now; do you think you could win against me?"

Wu Ming fell into deep thought.

Zhu Ying was furious, "You have to think about that!?"

"Apologies, clearing dungeons by skipping levels is a professional habit..." Wu Ming hurriedly apologized. "Or there is another way: forcibly transplant multiple dantian and multiple meridians into a cultivator's body, refining them into a 'Rat King Cultivator' through multiple Qi Refining methods to rival Foundation Establishment..."

"What kind of crooked, evil path is this?!"

"Or, find a Qi Refining cultivator to go take the pill first, and then have a Foundation Establishment cultivator swallow them as a human pill..."

"...Gu Bai! How have you been teaching your disciple during the time I was away!?"

Gu Bai hurriedly said, "Ying'er, calm your anger. Ming'er is just speaking without thinking; please do not take it seriously... Cough, cough!"

After a fit of coughing, the old man finally brought the topic back on track.

"In short, according to common practice, as long as the first group to reach the end of the Foundation Establishment Immortal Mansion brings the information out, a new group of Qi Refining cultivators can go and take that pill. After that, through years or decades of cultivation, when they reach the peak of Foundation Establishment, they can go and explore that Foundation Establishment Immortal Mansion to break the barrier."

Zhu Ying was stunned again, "Through decades?"

Gu Bai said, "Don't mention a mere few decades; in the two thousand five hundred years of the Immortal Mansion Calendar, there are not a few mansions that took hundreds of years to conquer. The predecessors plant the trees, and the descendants enjoy the shade—this is truly a common occurrence. The Sanqing Immortal Sect clearly believes that the Zhuoquan Immortal Mansion is extremely dangerous and that the sacrifice of a generation is necessary to pave the way for those who follow. And cultivating the successors begins with items like the Taiyi Dharma Sword."

Zhu Ying could not help but ask, "In other words, once Wu Ming takes the Dharma Sword, he has no choice? He must... pull chestnuts from the fire for the Sanqing Immortal Sect?"

Gu Bai sighed, "The Sanqing Immortal Sect does not usually act with such pettiness. However, matters of immortal destiny are often profound and mysterious. Many things seem to offer a choice, but in reality, there is only one path. For example, can you imagine Ming'er ignoring the Zhuoquan Immortal Mansion?"

"..."

While Zhu Ying remained silent, Wu Ming stated decisively, "Unless a larger immortal mansion is placed right in front of me, there is no way I am giving up on exploring this one!"

"..." Zhu Ying reached up to cover her face, feeling the exhaustion of the journey suddenly erupt, leaving her limbs weak.

Gu Bai could only offer a wry smile.

"Sigh, Ming'er, since your mind is made up, I will not try to persuade you further. However, exploring an immortal mansion, especially the Moli Immortal Mansion, is certainly not something you can accomplish with your current cultivation level."

Wu Ming replied, "I understand, Master. A professional would never fight an unprepared battle. I will intensify my training, which is why Brother Liu's investment is coming at exactly the right time!"

Liu Sanlang hurriedly said, "I will naturally do my utmost to support Brother Wu's cultivation! Miaomiao, write another IOU!"

Gu Bai sighed, "Since you are already down to nothing but IOUs, don't force it."

Wu Ming added, "If we write too many IOUs, we won't be able to afford the Qingluan Imperial Carriage."

Liu Sanlang reluctantly gave up, offering only a verbal promise that once he had the funds, he would certainly repay them.

Seeing that the atmosphere had become one of mutual satisfaction, Gu Bai suddenly asked, "Is the immortal mansion that the eldest son of the Liu Family is currently exploring related to the Zhuoquan Immortal Mansion?"

Liu Sanlang froze, and the cloud talisman wrinkled slightly.

Clearly, the weight of this question was extraordinary, touching upon the top-secret affairs of the noble families.

But the next moment, Liu Sanlang chose to be frank.

"The True Person has guessed correctly. Not long ago, my eldest brother used the Demon Hunting Decree to gather elite Foundation Establishment cultivators from various noble families, all for the purpose of seeking the Foundation Establishment-level immortal mansion, Wangyou. According to the content of the talismanic prophecies, it may also be related to the Zhuoquan Immortal Mansion. The secret treasures within might help in exploring Zhuoquan..."

"As I thought." Gu Bai nodded, his gaze involuntarily drifting toward Zhu Ying.

The latter frowned slightly, looking somewhat reluctant.

Liu Sanlang continued, "If the True Person is interested in the Wangyou Immortal Mansion, I can inquire about it with my eldest brother later. He has been preparing for this for a long time and knows far more than I do. However, I hope the True Person will keep this confidential... or you could always shift the blame onto the Kang Family!"

Gu Bai was about to say more, but he saw the Red Cloud Talisman suddenly tremble violently. Liu Sanlang said hurriedly, "Oh no, Madam Rong is here! I must immediately close the talisman and end the spell. Please forgive me, True Person!"

Before the words had even faded, the cloud talisman drifted lightly back onto Zhang Miao's shoulder and fell silent.

Zhang Miao clearly showed a hint of worry. After hesitating for a moment, she said to Gu Bai, "True Person, now that this matter is settled, I must return as soon as possible. Although Madam Rong has lost influence in the household due to the Prefecture Edict, she has turned her anger toward Sanlang. With me there to share the burden, Sanlang's situation will be a little better."

Given the circumstances, it was not appropriate for the others to ask her to stay.

However, before leaving, Zhang Miao suddenly ran to Zhu Ying's side. Zhu Ying subconsciously wanted to step back—especially since Zhang Miao was tall, and having her get so close made her feel quite uncomfortable.

But ultimately, out of courtesy, she managed to force a polite smile.

"Fellow Daoist Zhang... what advice do you have for me?"

Zhang Miao acted slightly coy, lowering her voice: "Our Zhang Family operates a Suxin Garden in the city. Su Qiluo and I have known each other since we were children."

Hearing the name Su Qiluo, Zhu Ying's expression softened completely, and she nodded: "So there was this connection... Has she returned home safely?"

Zhang Miao smiled slightly: "Thanks to you, Sister Zhu, Qiluo is doing well and arrived home yesterday. She had a spat with True Person Xuanyu and left in a fit of pique; everyone was very worried..."

Zhu Ying couldn't help but chuckle: "She truly is a girl who never lets one rest easy."

Zhang Miao said: "Qiluo has faced many hardships since childhood, so it is a relief she finally met someone who can take care of her... Therefore, I will definitely support you both!"

By the end of her sentence, she suddenly blushed with shyness, but said nothing more, stepping onto a ray of rainbow light and vanishing in an instant.

She left Zhu Ying filled with question marks.

"Support what?"

Wu Ming, standing to the side, remarked gloomily: "It is best if Senior Sister never finds out... This Zhang girl eats anything; sooner or later, she'll become a bottomless pit."

"??"

After seeing Zhang Miao off, the Sect Leader Temple suddenly felt quiet. The master and his disciples exchanged glances, and it was Zheng Lingxi who spoke first.

"I'm hungry, I'm going to cook!"

This sentence was like a needle pricking a balloon, instantly dissipating the last remnants of tension in the temple.

Wu Ming said: "I'll go help."

Zhu Ying looked at her blood-stained plain clothes and felt a bit embarrassed: "I'll go wash up and change."

Gu Bai looked at his three disciples, and the slight anxiety born from the Immortal Mansion suddenly vanished, replaced by a heart full of gratification. Thus, he brought the Golden Rouge that Zhu Ying had gifted him—which he had intended to cherish for a while longer—to his lips.

Red smoke gradually rose, causing the old man's thoughts to drift far away, as if he had returned to a long, long time ago. In the shaded corner of the sun-drenched Taixu Pavilion, he had also held Hongxiao Powder in his mouth like this, exhaling gently, only back then, there was always someone by his side.

In a trance, the red smoke followed his heart, gradually forming the image of a beautiful face.