When the Daoist spoke these words, none of his previous courtesy remained, and his expression turned cold.
Zhang Yu said evenly, "Correct. I am a profound cultivator."
The Daoist took a step back and looked at him coldly. "Then forgive me. Our Mystic Profound Realm of Yiluo Upper Continent is a place for true cultivators to discuss the Dao."
He glanced at Xu Chengtong. "This fellow Daoist and the disciples under his tutelage may enter, but Your Excellency and Your Excellency's construct attendants may not."
Rather than being pleased, Xu Chengtong panicked. Pointing at him, he said, "You..."
Zhang Yu raised a hand, and Xu Chengtong immediately swallowed his words. He bent at the waist in a respectful bow, assuming an utterly deferential manner.
Yet the Daoist was greatly astonished. The aura of Xu Chengtong's magical power was exceedingly formidable; even within the Mystic Profound Realm, he would rank among the upper echelon. There were likely few who could defeat him. Yet he was now showing such respect toward Zhang Yu, a profound cultivator. This undoubtedly meant Zhang Yu's origins were extraordinary.
Looking at Zhang Yu's indistinct features beneath the brim of his hat, he pondered, Could he be a disciple of a Profound Venerable?
Zhang Yu said evenly, "Who established this rule forbidding profound cultivators from entering the Mystic Realm?"
The Daoist frowned. "When the Profound Court permitted the various Mystic Realms to serve as places for true cultivators of each continent to cultivate in seclusion, it naturally became our place to decide."
Zhang Yu said, "That is so in name only. So long as this place remains within Celestial Xia territory, every person of Celestial Xia is qualified to enter."
Hearing this, the Daoist immediately grew displeased. But as he suspected Zhang Yu might be a disciple of