The Immortal Cauldron's Refusal

How many years has Floating Hill Mountain existed since its founding?

Seven thousand years, or eight thousand years?

Even Floating Hill Mountain itself is no longer certain about this. Every major calamity in the Daoist School causes many of Daoist School lineages to lose their inheritance and history, and Floating Hill Mountain is no exception.

Some lineages even disappeared into the river of time.

In fact, Floating Hill Mountain could not be considered the ancestral home of Daoist School back then. According to the self-deprecating words in the patriarch's notes, it was simply a case of choosing the tallest among the short ones, and Floating Hill Mountain, which claimed to be the lineage of the Human Emperor, was forcibly elevated to this position.

The reason why Floating Hill Mountain became "tall" is because of the immortal Immortal Cauldron in front of him, which at its peak was equivalent to an "Ancestral Artifact" above Immortals and Gods.

The intense resistance encountered during this period of in-depth investigation made Jin Buxi deeply uneasy.

His once familiar teachers and fellow disciples suddenly seemed to have changed, as if what he had encountered in the past was never the true face of Floating Hill Mountain. This caused his unease to sprout the seeds of fear.

The growing doubt in his heart about his master ultimately led him to this point.

He wanted to know if his master was also involved.

If so, would they agree to let him come to this sacred mountain gate?

At this moment, Jin Buxi stood before the Immortal Cauldron, his thoughts swirling. He felt comforted by his master's approval, but more than anything, he was filled with fear and bewilderment.

If the hidden network beneath the surface has already spread deep into the sect, then only by gaining the approval of the Ancestral Artifact Immortal Cauldron can he possibly turn the tide and restore order to Floating Hill Mountain!

"Master, I, Jin Buxi, the 172nd generation disciple of Floating Hill Mountain, have come to pay my respects today!"

Jin Buxi straightened his clothes again, bowed deeply to the Immortal Cauldron, and spoke in a tone as firm as iron.

"I have come here today not for personal gain, but because the sect is now rife with evil, and some seek to use the power of the Demon Pill to achieve their nefarious ends. I wish to request the Ancestral Artifact to be brought forth to restore order to the sect and safeguard the lineage!"

Then.

Jin Buxi formed a hand seal, his fingertips tracing through the Void. Pale golden true essence gathered like a stream, condensing into a large, ancient, and intricate golden seal about an inch in size before him.

Human Emperor Seal - Military Shape.

This is one of the few Human Emperor Cultivation Method passed down in the Floating Hill Mountain sect, and it is also the medium for activating Ancestral Artifact.

The reason he was regarded by the various branches of Floating Hill Mountain as the hope for the revival of the Ancient Method was because he successfully comprehended this incomplete Cultivation Method and successively mastered the three seal methods of the Human Emperor Seal.

At this moment, Jin Buxi took a deep breath and poured all his true essence into the Weapon Form Seal, imprinting it onto the Immortal Cauldron.

He poured all his true energy into the cauldron, but it was like a pebble falling into a deep pool, not even causing a splash.

I don't know how much time passed--

The large bronze cauldron, covered in green rust, trembled slightly.

The entire Daoist temple seemed to tremble.

Jin Buxi looked up in surprise, only to find that apart from a momentary tremor, the Ancestral Artifact offered no further response. His ecstatic joy slowly turned into a bitter smile.

Still unwilling to give up, he bit his finger until it bled and continued trying.

At that moment, Jin Buxi noticed a heavy gaze upon him!

An aged and indifferent voice slowly resounded within his Primordial Spirit:

"You're a disciple of Floating Hill Mountain? Since the decline of the Immortal Dao, very few people have been able to master the Weapon Character Seal."

Jin Buxi solemnly said, "Disciple Jin Buxi is the Daoist disciple of Floating Hill Mountain in this generation. I humbly request the Ancestral Artifact to bestow blessings!"

"The Weapon Character Seal is merely the threshold to meeting me; you are still far from becoming one of my comrades."

The spirit of the Immortal Cauldron showed no emotion whatsoever, and said calmly,

"I've seen far too many so-called geniuses over the long years, and I've long since lost interest in them."

"Among those spirited and talented young people, you are not outstanding; you are just average."

This statement contains neither sarcasm nor regret; it simply states a fact with a detached acceptance of life's vicissitudes.

Jin Buxi's spirits sank to the bottom. This statement also illustrates that even the most outstanding geniuses had not gained this person's approval.

He seemed to see the scene behind that voice: over the long years, one after another spirited and brilliant young people bowed before the Immortal Cauldron, only to leave in astonishment and with bitter smiles, none of them gaining its approval.

Jin Buxi asked unwillingly, "What kind of person do I need to gain your approval?"

"This is not your problem," the spirit of the Immortal Cauldron said calmly. "It is because my standards are too high. I accompanied the Human Emperor through his final years and witnessed him selecting one outstanding person after another. Compared with those outstanding people, the most outstanding disciples of Floating Hill Mountain throughout the ages are only mediocre."

"It's not that I can't make an exception, but the Immortal Dao hasn't truly reached the point of revival yet; this isn't the best time for awakening."

"Step back, disciples of Floating Hill Mountain. The Immortal Dao has begun to revive. Now that you have cultivated the Human Emperor Seal, you have the hope of advancing to the Human Immortal through the Immortal Dao immortality. At that time, I will awaken and lend you a helping hand."

Immortals and Gods...

Just as Jin Buxi was about to speak, he saw the golden light emanating from the surface of the Immortal Cauldron completely fade away, and the verdigris returned to the cauldron, making it heavy and silent, like a closed door.

No matter how much he prayed, there was no response.

This creature has seen far too many people, so many that it no longer stops for any knocker.

I am just another knocker in the long course of time, just like those spirited faces before me, arriving full of hope and leaving in silence.

Jin Buxi stood in front of the Immortal Cauldron for a long time.

"Immortals and Gods..."

It has been an eternity since such a person has entered the realm of Dharma Aspect Form through Immortal Dao path of immortality.

He turned and staggered out of the Daoist temple.

The sense of bewilderment in my heart grew even stronger.

Without the Ancestral Artifact's approval, how can he contend with the undercurrents hidden beneath the surface of Floating Hill Mountain?

Even the most outstanding disciples in the history of Floating Hill Mountain were only considered mediocre... Just what kind of extraordinary talent could catch this person's eye?

He suddenly remembered the overwhelming figure in Dragon Gate, but could only manage a bitter smile.

Young Hero Yu also practices the Martial Dao of today, which means he is destined to never gain the recognition of the Ancestral Artifact.

The Ancestral Artifact only recognize the Immortal Dao.

He took a deep breath, cleansing his internal organs with the fresh air of the mountain forest at night, regaining his energy and spirit, his eyes filled with a resolute determination.

Being rejected by the Ancestral Artifact... wasn't really unexpected; he had guessed before he came that it was unlikely to work.

Now, if we want to set things right for Floating Hill Mountain, there is only one way left.

He looked towards the location of the main mountain of Fuqiu and silently thought to himself--

If everything were laid bare before the world, could you still turn a blind eye and let them continue down the wrong path?

Jin Buxi lifted his foot and walked towards the main mountain, his steps firm.

Before the game was even over, they unexpectedly received a powerful ally – Yu Tunzhou, who was escorting Junior Brother Zhang back to the sect!

He had already arranged for a reliable person to deliver the token and message to Junior Brother Zhang, believing that Junior Brother Zhang would be able to understand the two paths he had left for him.

Next, he will continue to draw attention from inside the doorway, buying time for Junior Brother Zhang and Young Hero Yu.

Given Young Hero Yu's past acts of chivalry, he would never sit idly by and watch the birth of the Heavenly Origin Pill!

The Daoist temple is located in the mountains and forests not far from the temple.

The old man, who had been discussing matters with three others in the courtyard not long ago, now stood with his hands behind his back, hidden in the night.

After seeing Jin Buxi stagger out of the Daoist temple, looking dazed and lost, he frowned slightly, unsure whether to feel sad or happy.

Finally, a sigh faded into the night.

From then on, only coldness and determination remained in his eyes.

Taikang City.

Most cities in the Eastern Wilderness wilderness have curfews in effect.

To avoid attracting attention, Yu Tunzhou picked up Zhang Buyu, leaped out of the window, concealed his presence, and left the city in a few bounds.

After leaving the city, Zhang Buyu determined the direction and pointed it out. Yu Tunzhou then led him directly towards White Dragon Pass.

They did not deliberately conceal their presence when they entered the Eastern Wilderness, and they registered every time they entered a city. Since Jin Buxi knew that they had arrived in the Eastern Wilderness, the others on Floating Hill Mountain would naturally know as well.

Therefore, the speed must be increased, and the key is to exploit a time difference.

And shortly after they left.

A group of people came from outside the city, ignoring the city's guards and curfew, and headed straight for the restaurant where Yu Tunzhou and his companion were staying.

The leader was a man in a blue Daoist robe. He gently knocked on the door of the room where Yu Tunzhou was, and said with a tone full of respect:

"May I ask if you are the young hero Yu Tunzhou? I am from Jinghu, Fuqiu Mountain, and I have come here on orders from my sect to welcome you and Junior Brother Zhang..."

Out of respect, he did not use his Primordial Spirit to explore it, and even shielded himself from his overly strong senses, waiting for a response from within.

However, there was no response from inside the door for a long time.

Jinghu's expression faltered slightly. The legendary Young Hero Yu shouldn't be this arrogant. Could it be...?

His gaze hesitated as he looked toward Zhang Buyu's door.

There's no need to be so polite with Junior Brother Zhang.

After sensing with his Primordial Spirit that the guest room was empty, Jinghu looked astonished. He gently pushed open the door to Yu Tunzhou's room, which was also empty!

this...

We must report this to the sect immediately!

The following morning.

Upon receiving the news from Taikang City, Daoist Mingxin immediately became suspicious.

"Yu Tunzhou disappeared with Zhang Buyu?"

He suddenly turned around. "Where is Junior Nephew Jin now?"

"Reporting to Master, Senior Brother Jin is still on the main mountain and has not left," the Daoist priest below replied.

Daoist Mingxin felt slightly uneasy, his expression shifting between light and shadow. Could it be that Jin Buxi had secretly contacted Yu Tunzhou and the other man?

Just then...

A deep, resonant bell suddenly rang out from the summit of the main mountain.

The Daoist Mingxin looked around suddenly—who had rung the Heavenly Bell at this moment?!

This Heavenly Bell is an emergency summons from Floating Hill Mountain. Once it rings, all the elders and deacons in the External Scenery gate must arrive as quickly as possible.

Just in case, he first used Secret Method to send a telepathic message to Mingqing, the white-haired Daoist nun from the previous night, and Li Youde, the burly man from the Five Rivers Chamber of Commerce.

Both of them left last night.

He informed the two of Yu Tunzhou and Zhang Buyu's disappearance, and told them to inform their subordinates to keep things quiet for the time being. He then quickly headed to the main mountain.

When he arrived at the main mountain, the External Scenery left behind at Floating Hill Mountain were already on site.

There weren't many people. Including Mingxin, there were only three External Scenery elders left behind, and ten sect stewards, most of whom were around the Divine Ability Realm.

Although Floating Hill Mountain is a large and powerful family, most of its External Scenery are sent to various places to oversee the work. With the mountain master Daoist Shouzheng, in charge, the mountain is sufficient.

Mingxin looked ahead and sighed inwardly, "It really is Jin Buxi."

"Junior Nephew Jin, ringing the Heavenly Bell is no child's play." An elder from the External Scenery looked around and said calmly, "Even if you are the Mountain Lord's disciple, you cannot act recklessly."

Mingxin's heart suddenly sank as she sensed Jin Buxi's gaze suddenly fall on her.

"Elders and stewards, I have summoned you today because of a problem within our Floating Hill Mountain." Jin Buxi said solemnly, bowing towards the main hall where his master was. "I have already explained to my master that this summons is solely to inform you that someone within Floating Hill Mountain has unauthorizedly used the Heavenly Origin Pill Formula!"

"Um?!"

"Heavenly Origin Pill?"

"Absurd! The Heavenly Origin Pill is a forbidden item listed by the Human Emperor; who would dare to use it without authorization!"

"Junior Brother Jin, do you have any evidence?"

Upon hearing Jin Buxi's accusations, everyone's expressions changed drastically, regardless of their initial thoughts; some were skeptical, some were furious, and some were incredulous.

Facing the gazes of the crowd, Jin Buxi calmly stated, "I have already informed my master that I will be traveling to Three Autumns City with Uncle-Master Mingxin to thoroughly investigate this matter!"

"Three Autumns City? Isn't that where Junior Brother Minghe is guarding?" The first elder from the External Scenery asked in surprise, "Junior Nephew Jin, you mean it's being activated...?"

Jin Buxi interrupted, "We can't jump to conclusions. Perhaps someone is framing Uncle Minghe. We'll only know the truth after we investigate."

Daoist Mingxin stared intently at Jin Buxi before him, finding it difficult to understand his junior disciple for the first time.

Since Jin Buxi returned to the sect, they have been secretly investigating. However, his every move is under their surveillance; he hasn't even left the sect. How could he possibly find evidence?

So where did he get the confidence to drag me along to Three Autumns City for a thorough investigation?

Before Daoist Mingxin could come up with an answer, Daoist Shouzheng's words drifted softly from the hall:

"Mingxin Brother Buxi to Three Autumns City to thoroughly investigate this matter. You must find out whether someone is secretly refining the Heavenly Origin Pill."

Mingxin bowed and accepted the order, "I will obey the decree of my senior brother, the mountain lord."

He then looked at Jin Buxi, a thought flashing through his mind.

Why did Jin Buxi specifically choose himself?

Does he know he's "one of them," or does he trust himself more than others?

"Master Mingxin, thank you for your trouble."

Jin Buxi bowed slightly to him.

"This matter concerns the survival of our sect; how can I trouble you?" Mingxin suppressed her doubts and took the initiative to invite him, "There's no time to lose; shall we set off immediately?"

"That suits me perfectly."

Jin Buxi readily agreed, then looked at the other elders and deacons, cupped his hands, and said, "To prevent any traitors within the sect, I ask all of you, my teachers and fellow disciples, to wait here patiently for two days. My Uncle Mingxin and I will be able to reach Three Autumns City in two days."

Someone scoffed, "Is my junior disciple doubting us?"

"This matter is of utmost importance and we must be cautious." Jin Buxi stood firm, his tone resolute. "The Heavenly Origin Pill involves a great deal of responsibility. If it is exposed, our Floating Hill Mountain may incur the hostility of the entire world. We must resolve this matter as quickly and discreetly as possible! If you all truly care about the sect, please bear with us for two days."

One of the deacons said with admiration, "Indeed, this matter concerns the reputation and face of our Floating Hill Mountain for thousands of years. Even if someone in the sect dares to defy convention and use such a demonic pill, we shouldn't handle this matter so publicly. The one who refined the demonic pill should be killed, but should never be publicized. Although Junior Nephew Jin has been in seclusion for many years, the way he handled this matter has truly impressed me."

Suddenly someone spoke up, "Junior Nephew Jin, what should we do if we ultimately fail to find the Heavenly Origin Pill in Three Autumns City?"

Jin Buxi sighed softly, "I wish this matter were a misjudgment by you."

Mingxin waved his hand to interrupt, saying, "Alright, it's always good to investigate. Junior Nephew Jin will need to gain experience before taking over this vast sect in the future. Junior Nephew Jin, let's set off immediately."

Jin Buxi nodded with a smile and set off with Daoist Mingxin.

The remaining elders and deacons stayed by the Heavenly Bell.

"Fellow disciples, since you have some free time, why don't you come and sit in my hall?"

The Daoist Shouzheng's voice, so flat it was devoid of any discernible tone, reached their ears.

After a moment of silence, everyone knew this was to prevent them from sending out messages, but they couldn't refuse this senior brother who was the mountain lord, so they filed in one by one.

Jin Buxi and Mingxin left the mountain gate directly, flew through the air, and headed to Three Autumns City.

Not long after leaving the mountain gate, Mingxin suddenly asked, "Junior Nephew Jin, why did you specifically choose me to go with you to Three Autumns City to investigate?"

Jin Buxi said gently, "Among External Scenery guarding the mountain gate, only Uncle Mingxin can reliably defeat Uncle Minghe."

Mingxin smiled faintly and said, "If this trip really uncovers problems, how do you plan to punish them?"

"The ringleaders must be punished!" Jin Buxi's tone suddenly turned cold, his killing intent palpable. "Anyone who knew about and participated will either be killed or expelled from their lineage. There will be no leniency!"

Mingxin was silent for a moment, then nodded and said:

Well said.

"White Dragon Pass is the territory of the Five Rivers Chamber of Commerce, near the East Sea. It is also the place where Senior Brother Yao Liang was ambushed and killed by Deng Canglan, and ultimately died in battle."

Yu Tunzhou, carrying Zhang Buyu in one hand, transformed into a streak of light that streaked across the sky, heading straight for the White Dragon Pass that Zhang Buyu had mentioned.

Although he did not enter the External Scenery, both his Inner Heaven and Earth and his Unity of Heaven and Celestial Person were at the level of the External Scenery, so he could easily fly.

Zhang Buyu's mind was in complete turmoil, and he was trying to explain it to Yu Tunzhou as well as sort it out for himself.

"During this Dragon Gate, Deng Canglan changed his appearance, aura, and physique, and accompanied us for some time in the second trial..."

Yu Tunzhou seemed to be deep in thought. Deng Canglan had also mastered such a profound art of transformation?

Ordinary disguise techniques cannot fool Ancient Method cultivators at the Half-Step External Scenery level.

Zhang Buyu recalled as he spoke.

"... At the time, I didn't pay much attention to many of the things he said, but now, looking back, they were all hints."

"What did you say?" Yu Tunzhou asked.

Zhang Buyu was silent for a moment, then said in a low voice, "Although he didn't say it explicitly, the implication was that he was referring to our Senior Brother Yao Liang, whom he had attacked and killed, implying that our Senior Brother Yao Liang... cannibalistic..."

Yu Tunzhou, stunned.

Cannibalism?

Which way of eating? Is it an allusion to his exploitation of the people and oppression of those under his rule, or...?

Literal meaning?

Zhang Buyu fell silent for a moment, recalling the conversation between Senior Brother Jin and Deng Canglan at Dragon Gate that day—

Brother Jin, Brother Buyu one day you were to commit evil deeds and become a seemingly respectable but secretly ruthless person, would you be willing to draw your sword and kill him?

Could it be that Senior Brother Jin believed Deng Canglan's words?!

What exactly happened while I was away?

"This is White Dragon Pass?"

Yu Tunzhou withdrew his escape light and landed on a high slope with Zhang Buyu.

After a long journey through the night, they finally arrived at White Dragon Pass by noon the next day!

Looking out, all that could be seen was a canyon. There was no city in sight, but a constant stream of people. There were farmers carrying medicine baskets, warriors with swords and knives, and well-dressed merchants.

This place is like a medium-sized black market, where you can see all sorts of people. Yu Tunzhou glanced around and saw several experts in the middle and late stages of the Divine Ability Realm.

Although he no longer considered martial artists of this level, they would still be considered top-tier experts in any martial arts world.

In a prefecture city, experts at the External Scenery level are like those who sit back and keep their trump cards hidden, not easily making a move. However, those at the Late Divine Ability Stage represent the highest level of martial arts under normal circumstances, enough to establish a large martial arts school in the prefecture city and become renowned figures in the region.

"There aren't even city walls or guards?" Yu Tunzhou to himself.

Zhang Buyu stood beside him and whispered, "No need for city walls or guards. The Five Rivers Chamber of Commerce is behind White Dragon Pass, so it's necessary for External Scenery to oversee things here. Some minor conflicts are acceptable, as long as they don't affect everyone's business."

What are they doing here?

"They do everything. Medicinal herbs, ores, elixirs, weapons, including... intelligence."

At this point, a hint of doubt appeared on Zhang Buyu's face:

"Senior Brother Yao Liang is a disciple of Martial Uncle Minghe, and his lineage should be located in Three Autumns City, which is a thousand miles away from here. Moreover, Three Autumns City also has a branch of the Five Rivers Chamber of Commerce. Why would he specifically come here?"