Chapter 798: Seeking the Way

A long, translucent staircase ascended amidst rolling white mist. From a small pavilion on the horizon, faint chime music could be heard. Inside the main hall, to one side, a row of emerald chimes stood. Two female attendants, their long robes trailing on the ground, were playing music, partially concealed by the white vapor.

In front of them, a long table was set. A woman in tea-white nishang robes, serene and refined, was resting one hand on her chin while writing with a brush in the other. A pipa lay beside the table, subtly reflecting light.

Shaohui had been on duty in this celestial realm for many years. This place was rarely visited by immortals; even the female attendants in the pavilion were sprites sent from the Taiyin Palace. They could not speak and were only capable of simple tasks, such as striking the chimes after memorizing the rhythm.

She was only in charge of eight courtyards and pavilions. Four of the surrounding courtyards housed immortal laborers and minor officials. Of the four immortal pavilions, the officials in three had been dispatched elsewhere, so they rarely bothered her.

Shaohui was content with this leisurely existence. She was accustomed to quiet cultivation, and the immortal officials in these courtyards and pavilions were not her direct subordinates. Since it was someone else's territory, and Zhen Gao had found her this peaceful location, she naturally didn't interfere much. Only the immortal official from the remaining pavilion occasionally visited her and was terribly talkative.

The brush in her hand paused. This volume of Shaoyin sorcery was seventy percent complete. She then set down her brush, watching a maidservant enter from below, kneel respectfully in the center, and announce:

“Reporting, Your Excellency, Dangjiang has arrived.”

Shaohui subtly frowned, a hint of helplessness on her face. Counting the days, it had been exactly thirty days; he arrived right on schedule. She could only nod and say:

“Please invite him up.”

The maidservant withdrew. Soon, a person stepped in from outside the pavilion. He appeared youthful, with a broad forehead and thick hair. He shook his sleeves, adorned with wave patterns, and bowed, saying:

“Dangjiang, Immortal Official in charge of textual revision at Xuanqi Pavilion, greets Your Excellency Shaoyin Wugui.”

“You’re here again.”

Shaohui, with a pale round mark between her brows, looked over with somewhat weary eyes and replied:

“You, why aren't you properly collating and correcting errors in the scriptures in the east? Why do you keep coming to me… What is it this time?”

Dangjiang had long since figured out Shaohui’s temperament. Her scolding was merely a complaint, as she had no real intention of punishing him. Besides being taciturn, she was an excellent superior. Currently riding high, he simply replied:

“If only it were true collation,” he said. “Your Excellency also knows I can’t keep still. I only revise, not collate, and I'm worried about making mistakes with the cultivation methods. My heart is full of worry…”

Since the task required two people for proper collation, Dangjiang was simply seeking companionship. Shaohui knew he would complain about boredom. She didn't beat around the bush with him, simply saying:

“Get to the point.”

Only then did Dangjiang take a token from his sleeve. It was forearm-length, pure white throughout, and naturally engraved with silvery Taiyin patterns, glowing with light. He presented it with both hands, respectfully saying:

“I have a mission; I ask Your Excellency to take me along!”

Shaohui raised an eyebrow and finally stood up. She took the pipa from the table and cradled it. Gracefully, she floated down from above and said casually:

“After all this time, there’s finally something proper to do.”

“Heh heh.”

Dangjiang chuckled, then hesitated before speaking:

“My subordinate in the mortal realm… although far less capable than me, still has some skill. He contacted me during the New Year and said he could capture a peacock this time! And not just any peacock—I heard it cultivates the Western Pure Land magic… I wonder how much merit this one will bring compared to the last demonic creature…”

Tea-white clouds billowed beneath Shaohui’s feet, lifting him as well, and they flew south together. She replied softly:

“Your subordinate… is his name Chibuzi, isn’t it? How much merit was recorded in the palace for capturing the demonic creature last time?”

Dangjiang quickly said:

“Three hundred immortal merits.”

“Oh?”

Shaohui nodded lightly and replied:

“Then this peacock might be worth around three hundred and fifty immortal merits.”

Dangjiang quickly looked up. He had been living happily these days, but he still remembered his promise to Chibuzi to seek the Golden Core Grand Dao for him. He had kept it suppressed, waiting to ask Immortal Official Liu.

However, Immortal Official Liu had left and never returned, and his supposed connections had come to nothing. With the situation extremely urgent, Dangjiang could only ask Shaohui, hesitatingly saying:

“My subordinate cultivates the Purple Mansion Golden Core Dao. He cultivates on his own and has already passed the 'Participating Purple' stage, lacking only the final lineage. However, the 'Lushui' position in the mortal realm is already occupied by someone…”

Shaohui reacted quickly, immediately making some conjectures, and asked:

“If it’s occupied, it’s occupied…” Shaohui paused. “Perhaps the one holding the position doesn’t want him to achieve Dao, which would make things difficult. Maybe first… What is the state of that Lushui individual?”

Dangjiang shook his head and said:

“Their condition is not good; they’re currently engaged in a battle outside the heavens and have no time to attend to this. I am anxious precisely because of this. Whether he wants to achieve that final 'Xijielu', or seek guidance from Taiyin, or even abandon this path, a decision must be made now. If we wait for that True Monarch to return, there will be very few paths left to choose from.”

“I see.”

Shaohui was quite interested. Although her previous form was a demonic creature in the early Purple Mansion stage, condensed from a wisp of Shaoyin, and her memory retained many influences of immortal magic, solving this matter was still challenging for her. She asked:

“Since he’s your subordinate, why don’t you ask Zhen Gao? Although Lushui is in the mortal realm, there might be immortal generals of this path in the heavens whom you could inquire with.”

“Your subordinate wishes he could!”

Dangjiang couldn’t go far at all. For ten days to half a month, he couldn't even see a single soul. The two immortal laborers in his courtyard wanted to change to maidservants but had nowhere to do so, let alone inquire about anything.

‘Oh, Chibuzi, Chibuzi… your path to cultivation truly is a dead end.’

Shaohui clearly understood, paused, and replied:

“Just ask Zhen Gao for a meeting and consult him properly,” she said. “Although it will cost a lot… Zhen Gao has a cold demeanor but a kind heart, and his cultivation is profound; he won't make things difficult for you.”

“But… I am a humble person with little influence… How can I seek out such an important figure?”

When Dangjiang asked this, Shaohui nodded and said:

“I also need to go to the Taiyin Palace this time,” she said. “Since you asked, you can come along then.”

Having found a way, Dangjiang was overjoyed. He expressed his heartfelt thanks while waiting on the clouds. The vast and majestic grand hall reappeared, with twelve white jade bridges spanning across, floating above a golden lake.

During this segment, Shaohui also descended from the clouds, gradually venturing deeper into the hall with him. They walked all the way to the outside of a courtyard. Dangjiang saw from afar that the two maidservants were still standing outside the courtyard. The last time, one had held a white-edged jasper pipa, but now she held a clear cloud jade vase. The other still carried a flower basket. Seeing him look their way, they politely returned his gaze.

He stepped to the front of the courtyard, not looking sideways. Shaohui, behind him, stopped. Dangjiang glanced sideways with his peripheral vision; this time, the maidservant's flower basket contained sparkling small fruits, clearly items that could bankrupt a family at a glance.

Fearing Shaohui might recall that he still owed her a sprig of golden laurel, Dangjiang practically fled into the courtyard. Inside the courtyard, four lampposts glowed brightly, and the central round pond had transformed into a pearly white color. He quickly formed a hand seal and activated his token.

“Activate!”

The man in green robes appeared from above the pond. Dangjiang was still a bit distracted, while Chibuzi stepped out from the pond, scanned his surroundings, and, noticing the 'foolish donkey' staring blankly by the pond, frowned and said:

“What are you spacing out about?”

Dangjiang chuckled in exasperation, shaking his head and saying:

“You suddenly asked for some 'accompanying gift' last time; you owe me compensation!”

Dangjiang was still resentful about the heavy loss he incurred this time. He had mentioned it to him two years ago, and Chibuzi had found it amusing. Now, hearing it again, he still laughed and replied:

“Serves you right.”

He hadn't come here to argue with Dangjiang. Seizing the moment before the other could erupt, he immediately frowned and said:

“I’ve captured that peacock for you. Do you have any news on your end?”

Dangjiang raised an eyebrow and looked. He noticed that Chibuzi not only had no injuries but also exuded a powerful aura. This time, it seemed he hadn't even expended much magical energy. Though he secretly admired him, his words were harsher than anyone else's:

“With the few things you’ve caught so far… your efficiency is simply too low,” Dangjiang scoffed. “These one or two demonic creatures are mere small fries from the Purple Mansion. Don't you have any self-awareness, yet you demand news from me all day long?”

Chibuzi sneered and replied:

“Oh, please! With your 'empty-handed wolf-catching' attitude, my willingness to catch another for you is already a sign of respect. So, do you have any news? What connections? Don't tell me you're just bragging.”

This remark vexed Dangjiang, who retorted angrily:

“You ungrateful wretch! Do you have any idea how I've been planning and maneuvering, cultivating connections these past few years? I haven't slept well for many nights! Look at how much I've spent on my end… just to get you a chance to meet an immortal general, and you act like this…”

Chibuzi heard this, slightly raised an eyebrow, and said in surprise:

“Meet an immortal general?”

As for how much the 'foolish donkey' had planned, Chibuzi didn't believe it one bit. When they communicated two years ago, he was evasive, clearly having no confidence, and perhaps there had been no progress at all. Now he was talking about planning; he probably just got lucky and managed to pull it off.

‘As long as it gets done… it's good,’ Chibuzi thought. ‘I'll see what immortal general it is… And I still have to praise the 'foolish donkey'.’

Chibuzi revealed a look of surprise and pretended to grudgingly express thanks. Dangjiang, as expected, burst into laughter, extremely pleased. After chatting for a bit, he seemed to suddenly remember something and said resentfully:

“Have you found Immortal Official Li?”

This was something Dangjiang had tasked him with earlier. But unlike the Golden Core lineage, this matter had no clear objective. Chibuzi, being much more capable than Dangjiang, chuckled and said:

“What if I find him? What if I don't? Am I supposed to explain the matter of reincarnation to him? If I mess up the arrangements above, will they punish you or me?”

This remark completely stumped Dangjiang. But he really didn’t want to toil like a beast of burden every day anymore. He sighed for a long time and replied:

“Anyway… find him,” Dangjiang said. “If he has memories, inquire for me.”

To Chibuzi, this was utter nonsense. However, he firmly memorized this piece of information in his heart:

Which family was it that Chibuzi first interacted with the heavenly realm and Dangjiang through? The Wangyue Li family! And what was Wangyue Lake? It was where the Yuanfu of Moon Essence was established back then…

Everywhere in the heavens was connected to Taiyin. Although it bore no resemblance to the recorded Donghua Heaven of the Yuanfu of Moon Essence, it was inextricably linked in some way!

If this Immortal Official Li had received orders to reincarnate under his original surname, Chibuzi’s first reaction was that it must be True Monarch Donghua, Li Jiangqun!

This True Monarch Donghua was simply too similar… He possessed extraordinary magic skills, astounding sword intent, and profound cultivation, and bore the title of the Yuanfu of Moon Essence. How complex was this matter? Although the Chi family were direct witnesses, Chibuzi hadn't received information due to the Golden Core not being fully recorded. But he wouldn't be foolish enough to investigate the reasons behind it!

With a single sentence, he had fooled the other party. Dangjiang, meanwhile, lifted his chin and said rather proudly:

“First, I’ll take you to meet my current superior, the fairy who holds the position of Shaoyin Wugui,” Dangjiang said. “Please try to hide your rustic air; don’t sully her immortal aura.”

Chibuzi was eager to meet more people. He followed him to the front of the courtyard. Dangjiang took out the token from his sleeve, placed it in Chibuzi’s hand, and said:

“You don’t have immortal registration, so you must hold this token,” Dangjiang instructed. “There are many important figures on the way, so don’t look around carelessly.”

This was unexpected for Chibuzi. Logically, since Yingze hadn't appeared for so many years and had even disregarded the Mirage Mirror Cave-Heaven of Qingsong Abbey, there should be even fewer grand cultivators in this area. Otherwise, there would be no need to send Dangjiang, this 'foolish donkey,' to receive him.

He hesitated slightly, then finally followed him out of the courtyard. Sure enough, outside the courtyard stood the woman in tea-white nishang robes, cradling a pipa, with a pale round mark between her brows, looking up at them.

“Greetings, Your Excellency Shaoyin Wugui!”

Chibuzi bowed and immediately understood:

“A Shaoyin Grand Cultivator, also possessing divine abilities, likely at the peak of the Purple Mansion realm…”

Shaohui, before him, was slightly startled, a doubt arising in her heart:

“How strange…” Shaohui thought. “The more I look at him, the more displeased I feel. His appearance isn't that annoying…”

She showed no expression. She glanced at him and began to walk. Dangjiang quickly followed, and Chibuzi walked at the very end. Although two rows of celestial soldiers stood solemnly and majestically on the ground, the man in green robes barely spared them a glance, choosing instead to observe the cultivators.

‘No matter how solemn and majestic the guards are, they could be puppets, or some kind of divine ability…’

As he walked, many cultivators stopped to observe. Several high-ranking ones even greeted Shaohui. Chibuzi merely glanced at them and thought:

“The foolish donkey is just putting on airs… No one pays him any mind…”

The group arrived together at a beautiful, pristine high platform adorned with crescent moon patterns. Cold snow fell, and spirit water encircled the platform. After waiting on the platform for a while, a handsome immortal general in silver armor materialized. Shaohui smiled and said:

“Fellow Daoist Zhen Gao!”

Zhen Gao raised an eyebrow, glanced at them, and nodded in reply:

“Shaohui has arrived…”

The two exchanged brief pleasantries. Shaohui was clearly not one to flatter, so she quickly changed the subject, saying:

“When you entrusted Dangjiang to me back then,” Shaohui said, “I have some minor questions to consult you about. Firstly, to fulfill my duty as his superior, and secondly, regarding Taiyin affairs…”

Zhen Gao nodded and smiled, his gaze lightly sweeping over the two. After listening to Shaohui finish speaking, the fairy of the Shaoyin Wugui position shook her tea-white nishang robes and bowed with cupped hands, saying:

“I ask the immortal general to handle this; it is not appropriate for Shaohui to remain here.”

Gracefully, she withdrew. Dangjiang waited below. Although he had met Zhen Gao before, those had been private encounters, incomparable to today's solemn and majestic atmosphere, and he secretly felt a surge of timidity.

Chibuzi, standing beside him, was much calmer. However, the status of this place had repeatedly exceeded his expectations, and since it concerned his own path to the Golden Core, he couldn't help but feel slightly anxious. Watching Dangjiang stand blankly in front like a timid tortoise, he felt a massive headache:

“Foolish donkey…”