Chapter 752: Doubt

"That's not right! You shouldn't be picky about tasks."

Immortal Official Liu merely chuckled: "Haven't you been saying day after day that this job is heavy and dull? My original position was a lucrative one, and I specifically saved it for you. This task is fresh, you'll hear flattery, and you can observe the situation in the lower realm. Isn't that splendid?"

He tucked his sleeves back and feigned, "If you are unwilling, then so be it!"

"Wait, my lord!" Hearing him say that, Dangjiang suddenly had a revelation, and his sleepiness vanished. He hastily stood up from the table, forced a smile, and said, "I was merely confirming a thing or two, my lord. The tasks you command... I am happy to undertake them, whether sweet or bitter. No matter how arduous, I will find them sweet as honey. How could there be any question of disliking them? I only just realized your good intentions, and I am deeply moved!"

Lu Jiangxian, knowing his penchant for flattery, simply said, "I'm in a hurry and don't have time to talk much with you. Just take my token, exit your Mystic Seven Pavilion of the Sacred Purity Manor, follow the path from the heavens, and you'll naturally find a treasure pavilion."

"There's been no contact with the lower realm for many years, and the people in this pavilion have also dwindled. Just use the token, ascend the steps, and someone will receive you."

Dangjiang wanted to ask more questions, but Lu Jiangxian dared not let him speak. He tugged at Immortal Official Liu and continued, "I am about to depart. You should have a ritual to perform in the lower realm. If you have time, attend to it immediately."

After saying this, he immediately took his leave and departed. Dangjiang reluctantly saw him off all the way, and at the courtyard entrance, hesitated and said, "Earlier, my lord said someone should be guarding the pavilion, which is why I've been here day after day. If I leave, this place will be empty. Will I be charged with dereliction of duty?"

"Don't worry." Lu Jiangxian, who had previously feared he would roam about and had to constantly find someone to deal with him, had deliberately given that order. He merely replied, "If you hold my token and are performing official duties, not idly wandering around, then it won't be considered dereliction of duty. You can stay at both places with peace of mind, but you must hurry on your way back and forth and not linger."

After saying this, he quickly departed. Dangjiang, unable to leave the courtyard, could only watch him disappear into the horizon. Then he looked at the token left on the table. It was about the length of a forearm, entirely pure white, naturally adorned with silvery white Taiyin patterns, extremely magnificent, clearly not an ordinary item.

He admired it for a while, then looked at the half-revised cultivation manual on the desk and mused to himself, "Once I finish writing the rest, I'll go take a look."

So he buried himself in his research, but after only two lines, he couldn't wait any longer and thought to himself, "I'll go take a look first; coming back after a while will be a nice break too."

He immediately got up, exited the small courtyard below the pavilion, and flew on clouds. He took out the token, and sure enough, a tiny silver star rose in the distance, weaving through the flowing clouds and flying away. Dangjiang followed closely behind.

Soon, the clouds dispersed and the mist cleared, revealing a vast and grand hall. With dragons coiled and phoenixes perched, the scenery was boundless and utterly magnificent. Beneath his feet, golden lake water rippled, and twelve white jade bridges spanned across it, leading towards the main hall in the center.

Dangjiang admired it for a moment, only to feel a stinging in his eyes, and hastily lowered his gaze. He noticed rows of golden-armored immortal soldiers standing beside the white jade bridges, their armor resplendent, their gazes unwavering.

Dangjiang naturally dared not strike up a conversation with them. He estimated that he wasn't qualified to cross these immortal bridges either. He looked down at the token, and indeed, it directed him to go around the lake. So, he lowered his gaze submissively and hurried forward.

This palace complex was terrifyingly large. There were also guards by the lake. Dangjiang didn't even dare to raise his eyebrows. He wound around, following the corridors deeper and deeper, until he reached a palace gate by the lake.

Guarding this gate were two even more robust immortal soldiers. At this point, someone finally raised an eyebrow to look at him. Dangjiang merely held up the token and heard one of them say, "So it's a lord from the Taiyin Manor. Please enter."

Dangjiang quickly went inside, passing through the palace gate. Inside, the decor gradually reverted to the Taiyin style. There was still faint snow on the ground. This place was also not small, and every part was very magnificent.

He wound through the palace, but never missed an opportunity to observe. There were quite a few people in the palace, but each was more noble than the last. Most of the immortal generals' armor was only slightly inferior to that of a True Decree, and there were even a few similarly dressed individuals. Immortal maidens' tassels fluttered. He finally saw a few immortal officials, each of whom was silent and fearful, not daring to speak.

Dangjiang, who was already observant, realized his own status with just one look. He hunched his shoulders and moved forward, until he reached a small courtyard. The maidservants on both sides closed the door for him from outside, and only then did he breathe a sigh of relief.

This small courtyard was very orderly. The ground was paved with clean white jade bricks, and four jade-white lamp stands were distributed around it. In the center sat a circular pool, bottomless. Other than that, there was nothing else. At first glance, it was clearly not a courtyard for living.

He looked around, feeling at a loss, but then noticed the token in his hand suddenly lit up. The water in the circular pool also rapidly turned a shimmering white. Knowing there was work to be done, he quickly stepped closer and looked into the bottom of the pool.

Then he saw the white in the pool recede, reflecting like a mirror. Initially, it was pitch black, but soon a faint light appeared, and from an extremely hidden place, respectful prayers could be heard, buzzing like bees, gradually becoming clear: "...Your humble cultivator, Chi Buzi, reverently prepares offerings, respectfully invites the Taiyin, and prays to the Celestial Official, seeking to ward off evil and eliminate malevolence, for the flourishing of immortal cultivation..."

Dangjiang froze for a moment, his previous tension and unease suddenly dissipating. A wave of smugness accompanied by a smile rushed onto his face. He immediately raised his head and laughed, "I wondered which lord it was, but it turns out to be our True Person Chi!"

He projected his spiritual sense into the token, activating the artifact to receive. The light and shadow in the pool became increasingly real. After a quarter of an hour, the radiance flowed out, coalescing into a figure in the courtyard, transforming into a man in green robes.

As soon as the man stood still, he realized that everything around him had suddenly changed. He was now in a courtyard, both startled and perplexed. He raised an eyebrow and found a young immortal official with light green eyes standing before him, his robes adorned with Taiyin patterns. Although he didn't appear to be of high rank, Chi Buzi reacted extremely quickly and immediately bowed, saying, "Your humble cultivator greets Your Lordship!"

Dangjiang's mouth was wide open in a grin, his smile so broad it almost fell off his face. He merely said, "Great True Person Chi! Open your eyes and take a good look... Who am I?"

Chi Buzi was slightly startled and raised an eyebrow to look. Although this person was young, his demeanor was quite aged, revealing a sense of familiarity that made him hesitate...

Chi Buzi had truly never seen Dangjiang's true form. Back then, when he was entangled with this person, the struggle was always within his own body. Even when Dangjiang gained the upper hand, it was still his body, just with a different master. But he was extremely intelligent and mused to himself, *The only person I could possibly know here... seems to be that foolish donkey... Although this person doesn't look foolish, his tone is exactly like that foolish donkey's.*

So he tentatively asked, "Daoist Friend Dangjiang?"

He didn't even need Dangjiang to reply. Just by looking at the smug smile on the foolish donkey's face, he already understood, and raised an eyebrow, saying, "Oh... So the old fellow actually has some status here?"

Despite being in a situation where he had to humble himself, Chi Buzi showed no fear whatsoever. Instead, he asked with a mix of laughter and playful rebuke.

Indeed, Dangjiang laughed heartily and feigned anger, saying, "You impudent demon disciple! How dare you be disrespectful to me, an immortal official of the majestic Huasu Yuanming Taiyin Manor?"

Though the other party spoke grandly, Chi Buzi was not afraid. He was quite confident in dealing with people, and after many years, he already knew Dangjiang inside out. To deal with this type of person, being submissive would only embolden them. The key was to laugh and scold, showing no fear at all.

What's more, after so many years of mutual scheming in the East Sea, while it could be called animosity, with the Immortal Monarch above, how could Dangjiang truly fall? It was nicely termed as a trial, but whether it was animosity or camaraderie, it was simply a matter of Chi Buzi's attitude.

And Chi Buzi was someone personally bestowed with cultivation methods by the Immortal Monarch; how could Dangjiang harm him? He immediately laughed and said, "What are you pretending about! From your attire, I see you're just a petty official up here in the heavens!"

Dangjiang, hit by his words, gasped and cursed, "An official in the heavens is much more prestigious than a True Person on earth like you!"

Chi Buzi immediately understood. *This foolish donkey is truly uncomfortable in this 'heaven' of his.*

Chi Buzi naturally assumed that the other party's "heaven" was like Anhuai Heaven or Luyu Heaven, a celestial grotto-heaven, specifically the grotto-heaven of the majestic Immortal Monarch. And "Huasu Yuanming Taiyin" was just an immortal sect or bureau. After quickly discerning the other party's situation with a few words, he silently glanced at the courtyard gate, feeling suspicious: *Why isn't anyone else here... Immortal Monarch's grotto-heaven... After all this contact, there's only Dangjiang...*

Meanwhile, he loudly proclaimed, "Don't say another word! I am performing formations and rituals according to the Immortal Monarch's instructions. How dare you stop me?"

This startled Dangjiang badly. He quickly pulled his sleeve and whispered, "Why are you shouting! The lord granted you a receiving formation, and you're really getting ahead of yourself... Outside are either immortal officials or immortal generals... If you cause trouble, I won't be able to protect you!"

Chi Buzi narrowed his eyes slightly and immediately shifted his attitude to align with the other party, answering in a low voice, "I'm unfamiliar with this grotto-heaven... Will you be the one receiving me from now on? I finally managed to acquire a Purple Mansion demonic beast. It's a Purple Mansion creature, so it must be a significant resource in the grotto-heaven. It benefits both of us. You must ensure my contribution is recognized. If you swallow my credit or can't protect it, what will we have to talk about in the future?"

Dangjiang knew he was clever, but he hadn't expected him to come up with so many convoluted ideas in an instant. He was momentarily stumped by the questions and replied, "According to the feedback from this token, you do indeed have a contribution. I will also have to present your merits in the main hall. Do you have any requests for rewards?"

Chi Buzi's eyes immediately lit up, and he replied, "Just... just that immortal position inheritance you carried back then... Do you remember? My Ugly Gui Storehouse... was only refined by using your item! I only ask for that, nothing else!"

Dangjiang didn't know if he still had this item, and frowned, saying, "This item was also bestowed by the heavens and is inherently related to the Purple Mansion... I have quite a few connections in the heavens; I know a high-ranking official in a lord's manor. It wouldn't hurt to ask."

"But I vaguely remember... back then you had the foundation-building cultivation method and spiritual energy for the Ugly Gui Storehouse, and you cultivated an immortal foundation, but you didn't have the Purple Mansion section, so you didn't break through to a divine ability, relying on the treasure's sensation to break through..."

As he said this, Chi Buzi also frowned, evidently realizing something was off. Indeed, he heard Dangjiang say, "But now you want to cultivate the 'Looted Dew', and you don't even have an immortal foundation, which is different from back then. What if the treasure is wasted... you'll have nowhere to cry..."

"Indeed..." Chi Buzi frowned, but back then, when he received the bestowed cultivation method, he only knew it might allow him to resume his path; he knew nothing else. His arrival here was completely unexpected, so how could he have thought so much? Now understanding the situation, he immediately reacted: *That's right, the 'Looted Dew' has no clear path, and what's more, Taiqing doesn't want to see me break through... It's fine if I don't cultivate 'Looted Dew', but if my fifth divine ability becomes 'Looted Dew' and I don't break through before Taiqing returns... then I'll die without a trace.*

He fell silent for a moment, while Dangjiang whispered, "Or perhaps ask for something else... I manage cultivation methods, and the heavens certainly aren't lacking in spiritual energy. I can first obtain the Purple Mansion cultivation method and spiritual energy for 'Looted Dew' for you, and you can cultivate it yourself."

Chi Buzi's mindset had changed now, and he shook his head, saying, "No, even if I get it, I wouldn't dare cultivate it; it's useless."

Although he knew the person in front of him loved to brag the most, Chi Buzi could only grit his teeth and reply, "Don't you have connections in the heavens? Ask for me... You also understand my strength and methods. If I cultivate to the Golden Core outside the grotto-heaven, it would be an excellent thing for you too... Even introducing me into the grotto-heaven could benefit you greatly."

Dangjiang nodded silently. Even if the heavens were extravagant, a Golden Core True Monarch still commanded respect. On ordinary days in the heavens, if you sought out an immortal general or a minor deity for tea, they would have to give face... He was quite tempted, and simply said, "That person is a formidable figure. They won't refuse just because of my standing, but I can ask for you..."

Chi Buzi nodded, half-believing, half-doubting, and asked, "But how do I go back? And how will I see you again after I return? I can't just catch a Purple Mansion demonic beast every time, can I? I'm not a Golden Core True Monarch."

Dangjiang shook his head and said, "You can go back by jumping into the pool. I've already recorded your contribution with the token. In the future, to reach this place, you can use your divine ability to activate the formation and arrive with your spiritual sense. However, you won't be able to enter in your true body like today; you can only transmit your thoughts."

"It's fine." Chi Buzi sighed, seemingly ready to leave. He took a step to the edge of the pool, placed one hand on the jade-white lamp stand by the pool, feeling its real texture, then touched his storage bag, only to realize it wouldn't open.

The young man's expression suddenly softened. His originally light steps suddenly stopped. He turned his head and said, "May I see the scenery outside?"

Dangjiang didn't notice anything and only sneered, "I'm afraid it will scare you to death!"

So he led him to the front of the courtyard and gently pushed the door open. They saw a street covered in cold snow and bright moon lamp stands, with golden stamens and osmanthus patterns everywhere. They could also see white-robed cultivators flying in the sky. Looking further into the distance, there were faint golden palaces and towers in the sky, as well as white jade bridges spanning the heavens.

Chi Buzi squinted, watching, but in the end, dared not step out. He just turned back. *I can't get out... and there's nothing in this courtyard I can take.*

The young man's eyes were azure, and he meticulously observed for a while, then smiled and said, "Daoist Friend Dangjiang, your robe is indeed luxurious and beautiful. Why don't you give me one?"

Dangjiang said, surprised, "What are you talking about? Is this something you can just take?"

Chi Buzi smiled and didn't respond to him. He just took a step and glanced at the white jade-like bright moon lamp stand. The lamp stand was sealed, so nothing inside could be seen. The jade bricks beneath his feet were tightly fitted, and there were no other miscellaneous items.

He showed a sincere smile and said quite solemnly, "Daoist Friend Dangjiang, I, a mortal, do not recognize celestial objects. I wonder if I might take a keepsake back with me? I could admire it daily and also know that I have indeed visited the grotto-heaven."

Upon hearing him say this, Dangjiang felt quite honored and laughed heartily, nodding repeatedly, "Of course, you can!"