Mituozi

On the White Jade Plaza.

After hearing this, Gu Chang'an instructed Cold Crow Reverend beside him, "Go back to the Zen Monastery with Fellow Daoist Li first. This Seat has an old acquaintance to meet."

Cold Crow Reverend paused, then immediately nodded. "Yes, Senior Gu."

Afterward, Gu Chang'an said a few more words to Qin Ming.

Though Qin Ming was somewhat curious, he did not press further since the other party had not elaborated.

He followed Divine Lord Zichen and the others back to the Zen Monastery at the foot of the mountain to rest.

Gu Chang'an's figure blurred, vanishing from atop the meditation cushion.

Not long after.

Deep within Mount Sumeru, mountain ranges rose and fell above a hazy, ethereal Sea of Clouds.

An azure escape light flashed past, abruptly coming to a stop atop one of the Spirit Mountains.

Gu Chang'an's figure reappeared.

At the cliff's edge atop the mountain stood an ancient pine, lush and vigorous, its crown spread like an open umbrella.

Beneath the tree sat a man cross-legged.

He was a lean monk of around forty, dressed in plain white monastic robes. His face was gentle and peaceful, his eyes as clear as a child's yet as deep as an ancient pool, as though they could effortlessly see through every illusion in the world.

He held Ebony Prayer Beads in his hand, lightly turning them.

When he saw Gu Chang'an arrive, he merely looked at him calmly without a word.

The two remained locked in silence for most of the day.

Unable to endure it any longer, Gu Chang'an broke the tranquility atop the mountain.

"I say, Mituozi, I merely took some Dao Sound Afterglow. Was there any need to be so petty?"

"You've broken the precept against anger over such a trifling matter. Have