Inside the hall.
The deep, heavy thunder essence dispersed once more. The Azure Crow gradually fell silent, and the black-and-crimson dharma light of vast wood contracted beneath the oppressive might of the lightning, taking on the solidity of metal and stone.
The crow lowered its head, then instantly transformed into a streak of azure light and returned to Guang Su's brocade pouch.
"Fellow Daoist, did you bring this up because you've heard something?"
Xu Xuan thought of Kunwei. Presumably, this was the grotto-heaven in Shu. After all the upheaval it had endured, it should now be on the verge of falling. Guang Su had probably sent Chen Xiyue away earlier to spare her the pain of hearing about it.
"Naturally, this grotto-heaven is about to fall. News has reached every region."
Guang Su's gaze settled on Xu Xuan. She paused briefly, then continued:
"Tracing your inheritance carefully, your lineage is also part of Great Shu's immortal tradition. Since it descends from Fengxuan, you are naturally entitled to enter. As for its distinction, your lineage, Sword Immortal Xu, is also an orthodox lineage of 'mysterious clarity,' descended from a Golden Core cultivator."
"'Mysterious clarity'?"
"That is the proper name for mystic qi: 'Mysterious clarity.' Likewise, primordial qi is called 'beginning,' and origin qi is called 'origin end.'" Guang Su's voice grew slightly lower. "If [Kunwei Heaven] falls, none of the cultivators would object to your entering."
"Isn't this grotto-heaven being opened by the Song Clan and several Immortal Sects? Why would they let outsiders lay their hands on it?"
Xu Xuan looked somewhat puzzled, but Guang Su smiled.
"You misunderstand, Fellow Daoist. Once this grotto-heaven opens, all cultivators of the Li Kingdom may enter, each relying on their own abilities. The Imperial House has at least that much generosity."
"As long