"This old ox greets you, Fellow Daoist Xuanming."
"Xuanming greets you, Fellow Daoist Ox."
After they exchanged greetings, the Slate-Horned Azure Ox invited Xuanming into the Greenwood Domain. He was steady, honest, and good-natured.
Along the way, Xuanming mostly asked questions, and he answered.
Walking and talking, the human and demon ventured deeper until they reached a mountain. Vast terraces stretched before them, waves rippling through the rice.
Ox demons plowed the spirit fields.
This mountain was the Azure Ox Dojo.
Those ox demons were his descendants.
As they entered, fragrance greeted them.
Xuanming admired the pastoral scenery as he climbed the mountain, soon entering a cave abode halfway up its slopes.
The Slate-Horned Azure Ox served spirit tea and laid out spirit fruit, welcoming him warmly. Through a voice transmission from a Mighty Expert in the sect, he had already learned why Xuanming had come and made arrangements long beforehand.
Just as a cup of tea reached its bottom, a figure stepped inside.
It was a thousand-year-old Peach Tree Demon King.
After another exchange of greetings, Xuanming took out an Earth Tier spirit item and traded it with the Peach Tree Demon King for thousand-year-old thunderstruck wood.
After the Peach Tree Demon King left, Xuanming did not hurry away. He asked the Slate-Horned Azure Ox:
"Fellow Daoist Ox, the plant essence in the Greenwood Domain is exceptionally pure. I happen to practice a Dao art that requires a place rich in wood essence. May I cultivate here in seclusion for a few months?"
The Slate-Horned Azure Ox said, "You're an honored guest of the Peaceful Heaven Sect, Fellow Daoist. Of course I must look after you properly. Stay in this Greenwood Domain for as long as you like."
Xuanming smiled at his words, rose, and thanked him.
The Slate-Horned