Chapter 841: Entrusting

Tinglan carefully held the purple-gold orb. It was cool to the touch, appearing unremarkable, yet it was a highly coveted treasure in this world. Its grade couldn't be determined, and no magical energy could be felt from it, only a significant weight.

Holding the purple-gold orb, she stood facing the brilliant morning glow. The golden light of dawn, reflecting off the purple orb, caused the throne on the purple platform to radiate light.

As everything around her gradually brightened, the Purple Platform Cavern, sealed for many years, finally stirred to life. Tinglan stepped into the void and found herself within a small dwelling.

The dwelling's location was unknown, but its interior shimmered with purple-gold light, creating a vast purple expanse. Only a jade throne and a small platform were present.

This small platform, roughly a palm's width square, was carved from a single piece of purple jade. Its intricate patterns, a subtle faint purple, were concealed within the platform, giving it a serene and elegant appearance. A circular, curved groove in its center reflected a soft, pale white light.

Tinglan stepped forward and placed the Purple Qi Immortal Essence Profound Hood onto the platform. As her divine power pulsed in her hand, a faint purple light finally emanated from the platform and soared into her glabella.

Simultaneously, a feeling of perfect harmony resonated from the Glorious Purple and Bright Profound Grand Array of Purple Smoke Blessed Land. Tinglan stood quietly, gradually gaining control over this exceptionally powerful formation.

Though small, this jade platform was the nexus of Purple Smoke Blessed Land — the formation plate of the Glorious Purple and Bright Profound Grand Array, left behind by Taixu!

For many years, Tinglan had solely managed the Purple Smoke Sect, but she lacked the authority to control this array. She merely held the right to access and operate its gates. Only by possessing either the Purple Qi Immortal Essence Profound Hood or the Taixu Purple Qi Scroll could she truly be recognized by the formation.

Now that Zimu had departed and this magical artifact was in her possession, Tinglan finally entered this sacred place, which had once been accessible only to the Grand True Sages of the Wen and Kan families. However, her heart was filled with apprehension…

'Is it truly that severe…?'

For many years, the Solar Dao Orthodoxy had held sway over Jiangnan, always enjoying the prestigious status of observing events unfold and expecting Purple Mansion True Sages from other traditions to pay their respects. During its golden age, a single immortal decree was enough to summon any other Purple Mansion in Jiangnan.

Although it was currently somewhat weakened, this was simply due to several Grand True Sages from various sects being of similar age, leading to a coincidental period of vulnerability. Furthermore, Chibu Zi viewed the Azure Pond Solar Dao Orthodoxy as a burden, which was quite unfortunate; otherwise, such a venerable tradition would not have found itself so temporarily enfeebled.

Had Zimu not spoken these words herself, Tinglan would have dismissed any suggestion of issues with the Solar Dao Orthodoxy as a mere joke.

'It's quite laughable, actually... Hengzhu and Xiukui consider themselves extensions of the Yuan Mansion, while my Purple Smoke and Wanyu adhere to our ancestors' teachings; at least our direct lineage refuses to practice the miraculous "Path of Continuation." Originally, only Azure Pond possessed the ability to swiftly produce Grand True Sages.'

'But... all sects have a fallback... my family and Hengzhu have Blessed Lands, Sword Gate possesses the Great West Yuan Mountains, and Xiukui has numerous mountain temples. Even if Uncle-Master is correct, it merely signifies the end of the Solar Dao Orthodoxy's golden age...'

With a contemplative gaze, she observed the jade platform before her. Dense purple qi, so concentrated it had transformed into mist, permeated the air around her. Tinglan then directed her attention to the immortal seat nearby.

The immortal seat was not grand but rather small and exquisite, clearly designed for a petite original occupant. Tinglan stepped back, performed a deep bow, and then circled the seat.

Curiously, upon reaching the back of the immortal seat, all light faded, rendering it pitch black. However, such darkness could not impede the vision of a Purple Mansion cultivator. Tinglan scanned the area and noticed several lines of elegant script inscribed on the back of the seat:

'Cultivate truth to attain immortality; be neither restless nor talkative. Seek the ultimate realm of purple qi; embrace the feminine principle and rest.'

These twenty characters seemed to hold a peculiar allure, captivating Tinglan's gaze. Her eyes filled with contemplation, as if she gained a deeper understanding of Zimu's words. The female True Sage took a step back, a sharp pain seizing her chest, and a powerful sense of suffocation flooded her nostrils. Her crimson lips trembled slightly, and she began to cough:

"Cough... cough, cough..."

Tinglan coughed for a considerable time, feeling dizzy, until a stream of gray gas finally emerged from her dry throat and settled in the palm of her hand, which was covering her mouth.

She opened her left hand and squinted, surprised to see a handful of incense ash.

A chill ran through Tinglan's heart. Suppressing a strong urge to cough, she retreated from the back of the throne, then transformed her palm into a blade and forcefully carved into her chest.

"Thump!"

Immediately, gray smoke billowed forth as a large quantity of incense ash erupted radially from her internal organs. It mingled with the purple-gold mist, surprisingly creating a harmonious effect.

'It's... a True Monarch's personal script!'

Tinglan's form instantly transformed into thick purple smoke and dispersed. Wisps of purple smoke drifted towards the jade platform, reconstituting into a jade-like hand that grasped the magical artifact. Only then did her form slowly return to normal, and the gushing incense ash ceased, gradually dissipating.

"Cough... cough..."

After two final coughs, she gradually returned to normal, her previously pale face regaining color. Tinglan immediately prostrated herself, kowtowing nine times with resounding thuds.

Everything before her gradually faded. A solid sensation returned beneath her feet, and the purple-gold orb in her hand vanished. Yet, Tinglan remained calm, slowly exhaling a sigh of relief.

The Purple Qi Immortal Essence Profound Hood had returned to the purple-gold illusion. Tinglan had also gained the array's recognition, allowing her to re-enter the illusion from this purple platform at any time. Whether the magical artifact was physically in her hand was no longer important; she would neither have an opportunity to use it against an enemy nor would she remove it from the Blessed Land.

With lingering trepidation, she descended from the platform and stood alone by the stairs, gazing at the ethereal mist:

'Given this... securing the Li family's support is even more critical than I imagined. At the very least, Li Zhouwei and Li Ximing will become two Purple Mansion cultivators: one an alchemist, and the other a genius whose combat prowess rivals Hengli's.'

'Regarding Ning Wan... I can strive to win her over, but I don't necessarily need to assist her in every matter. The True Monarch heading north and sustaining injuries, with the loss in the north being compensated in the south, certainly aligns with the rules. However, I received no news whatsoever about the Shitang incident, which suggests this girl still harbors reservations about me...'

Tinglan stood quietly on the steps. The morning glow had long vanished. Lost in thought, she gazed into the distance, where dark clouds stretched across Jiangbei, unleashing incessant heavy rain.

"Someone!"

She called out softly, and a purple-robed cultivator quickly ascended from below. Tinglan asked,

"How fare things in the north?"

The man, whose face bore a strong resemblance to Wen Wu's, replied respectfully,

"Everything is under control. Daoist Bai's ambition has grown uncontrollably. Fanyun has been repeatedly defeated, and their pleas for aid have gone unanswered multiple times... That Ping Wangzi dares not abandon this place and flee, leaving him no choice but to remain besieged day after day."

"Just a few hours ago, Daoist Bai breached his main formation and captured Ping Wangzi alive. He accused Ping Wangzi of refining infants into magical artifacts, declaring him an unforgivable demon. He is now imprisoned."

Tinglan asked,

"Oh? He came up with that accusation? How much of it is true, and how much is fabricated?"

The purple-robed man immediately responded,

"I fear there's truth to it..."

Tinglan nodded thoughtfully. The purple-robed man, appearing slightly awkward, whispered,

"There's one more thing... news from overseas reports that Li Zhouwei of the Li family has appeared in our New Rain Market..."

"That's good news."

Tinglan offered a faint smile, but noticing the man's unusual expression, she gave him a closer look. He immediately replied,

"He happened upon Miss Li Queyi of the Li family while she was cultivating qi. Reportedly, he had been waiting for some time."

Tinglan's expression soured. She frowned and said,

"A while ago, it was said she would be transferred overseas. Qianli told me she suspected it was the Li family's own arrangement, and since Zhaojing and others were already overseas, she had issued a directive for her to make all decisions herself. So why is she cultivating qi here now?"

She looked directly at him and asked,

"Wen Wu has always been persuasive; we shouldn't rely solely on his account. As her elder brother, have you managed to ascertain the full situation from other sources?"

The purple-robed man nodded quickly and replied,

"This Queyi has a gentle disposition, and Lingyanzi is senile and incompetent, unable to control anything. The disciples below are eager to advance to Foundation Establishment, so they sought to borrow items from her..."

Hearing this, Tinglan immediately understood. She sneered and said,

"Senile and incompetent? Not necessarily. He's no simple character. He calmly emerged from the Grotto-Heaven, and not even a Purple Mansion could glean anything from him. A mere suggestion that something 'might be related to the True Monarch' allowed him to safeguard everything. On the surface, he appeared lazy and inept, yet he managed to break through to Foundation Establishment even past a hundred years old. You claim he can't control his disciples today; I say he simply chooses not to."

"Have you even considered whose descendant he is?"

The man dared not elaborate. Tinglan, however, had simmered down, and her mood shifted. She sighed,

"Alright... if he's in seclusion, then so be it. After all, he's endured enough hardship in his life. There's no need to trouble him with the Li family's affairs."

"Should... should Wen Wu be recalled?"

He asked, and Tinglan replied,

"No need. There's no one more suitable than him. He will handle things well. Most of the disciples on Purple Qi Peak are already in seclusion, and there's no immediate place for this matter to rest. We'll simply wait for further news from the Li family."

She dismissed the man, exhaled, and then ascended on purple qi, making her way out of the formation. She pierced through layers of dense mist and entered the Great Void, only to suddenly freeze.

The Great Void was dark and empty, stretching endlessly, yet not far away, a woman stood.

The woman wore yellow robes and a veiled hat with white gauze draped down. She stood silently, her pale hands hanging by her sides, concealed by her light yellow sleeves, holding two intertwined golden rings.

Merely by her standing in the boundless Great Void, vermilion light descended on both sides, transforming into silver, then settling into a leaden color. Tinglan subtly took a step back and respectfully said,

"Greetings, True Sage Qiushui. May I ask why the Grand True Sage has come to my Purple Smoke Blessed Land? Do you have any instructions?"

True Sage Qiushui's gaze pierced through her veiled hat and rested on Tinglan's face. She said softly,

"I came to pay my respects to Senior Zimu."

Tinglan felt a slight shock, but her intelligent mind quickly processed the implication:

'She cultivates the Complete Elixir and is inherently skilled in the transformation of matter. It seems the Glorious Purple and Bright Profound Grand Array has reacted and been observed by her...'

This indicated that Qiushui was not in the Grotto-Heaven but rather in the Jiangbei region. Perhaps it was concerning the True Monarch's reincarnation, or, more frighteningly, she might have been waiting near the mountain gate all this time...

These Grand True Sages, on the verge of breakthrough, were each more formidable than the last. At her current Purple Mansion peak, Qiushui was likely a match only for Zimu in combat. Tinglan bowed and replied,

"Grand True Sage, you are a step too late. Uncle-Master has already departed."

"Oh?"

Qiushui appeared somewhat surprised and said softly,

"Daoist Qingzhou is indeed formidable."

Wen Qingzhou was Zimu's full name, a fact now known to few. Even fewer still would refer to him as Daoist Qingzhou. Tinglan wondered if Qiushui meant she hadn't anticipated Zimu's departure, or if Zimu had left without her knowledge despite being right under her nose. Tinglan merely bowed, but then the woman before her spoke:

"Years ago, he obtained the Yin Water Heavenly One Pure Essence and began his preparations. I don't know if Qingzhou acquired that particular Yin Water. I had intended to offer assistance, but since he declined to see me, he must be confident in his own abilities..."

"That's good. Now, only a few cultivators remain. I hope he succeeds..."

A hint of melancholy settled between her brows, as if she had merely come to offer a few words of blessing.

True Sage Qiushui was backed by True Monarch Duijin, so everything must have been arranged for her. She was the most exceptional figure of the Zhang family in recent years and had even encountered an immortal mansion inheritor. Tinglan could only feel envy. She thanked Qiushui on her Uncle-Master's behalf, to which Qiushui replied,

"After the True Monarch's matter is resolved, I will return to the Grotto-Heaven. However, Ning Wan has now successfully broken through, and Tei Xiao... his affairs... I still need to attend to."

True Sage Yuansu once had some entanglements with True Sage Qiushui, and at one point, they nearly became Dao Companions. This matter was once considered a great joyous occasion for Golden Feather Azure Pond and caused quite a stir.

Moreover, when Situ Tang was injured overseas by dragon kin, his flourishing Tangjin Gate, with its three Purple Mansion cultivators (father and sons), suddenly collapsed. For over a hundred years, it was manipulated by Azure Pond and Golden Feather. There was also the lingering suggestion that True Sage Qiushui sought vengeance on Yuansu's behalf after Situ Tang killed the Three-Eyed Mountain Beast.

Although the matter eventually dissipated due to Li Jiangqun's involvement, Tinglan, as Zipai's disciple, had naturally heard rumors. However, such topics were highly taboo, and she dared not utter a single word, listening as the Grand True Sage before her spoke:

"Back then, Tei Xiao and Zipai were also very good friends. It was Tei Xiao who introduced me to her. The three of us shared a deep connection. Now, both by sentiment and by reason, we should look after the Ning family..."

"I approached you for this reason as well. You can both fulfill your master's dying wish and also serve my trust..."

Tinglan felt a slight sense of relief. She bowed and said,

"Grand True Sage, please command me!"

From her sleeve, Qiushui produced a palm-sized mirror, concealing it in her hand, and said softly,

"Yuansu is dead. The whereabouts of both the 'Golden Talisman of the Monarch' and the 'Huai River Map' are unknown. While Yuansu might not have given them to her, many covet these items. Please assist her if necessary."

"After all, my family is not the Solar Dao Orthodoxy. There are certain matters where my fellow disciples and I find it difficult to offer assistance. Even the slightest help could immediately invite a thousandfold consequence. I can only entrust this to you."

She revealed the mirror in her palm. It was round, small, and charming, yet it shimmered with silver-white lightning. Qiushui said gravely,

"My ancestors attacked the Thunder Palace and obtained this treasure. It was originally a pair, but one was later lost, leaving only this single piece. Its power, however, should not be underestimated."

"I entrust this spirit artifact to you as compensation."

'A spirit artifact from the Thunder Palace!'

In the current era, spirit artifacts from the Thunder Palace were highly coveted. Firstly, their power was immense and endlessly mysterious. Secondly, they typically carried no lingering complications, especially since the Thunder Palace had fallen so many years ago...

"It's merely a matter of looking after her a little... there's no need for such..."

Just as Tinglan began to reply, Qiushui immediately interjected,

"If you do not accept it, there will be no sense of obligation to provide care, and you will also lack some of the necessary strength to do so."

Though Qiushui's words were blunt, they genuinely convinced Tinglan. Previously, she might have considered declining, but Uncle-Master Zimu's conversation had completely stripped away her sense of security. As she secretly made her plans, this spirit artifact seemed all the more vital.

"I will certainly not betray the Grand True Sage's trust."

Tinglan accepted the item. Only then did a faint smile appear on Qiushui's face, as if she had come to a realization. She lowered her hands, and the two golden rings slipped from her wrists into her grasp, emitting a crisp sound.

Qiushui ascended upon the turbulent vermilion sea. Tinglan, stirred by emotion, finally looked up and asked,

"Grand True Sage, your cultivation has reached its zenith, unsurpassed by anyone for the past three hundred years. I wonder when you will seek the Golden Elixir... allowing future generations a glimpse of the Complete Elixir's splendor..."

Qiushui merely smiled and shook her head, then transformed into quicksilver and dissolved into the Great Void, leaving behind a fleeting remark:

"It's all too soon."

Within the Mirror's World.

Within the Grand Yin Mansion, snow fell thickly. The circular pond in the small courtyard shimmered with white light, and the white bricks on the ground were pristine and bright. Four jade-white lamp stands stood amidst them, emitting a hazy white glow.

Around this white circular pond stood a young man with a smooth forehead and pale green eyes. With hands tucked, he leaned over the edge of the pond, peering into its depths, waiting for the water to ripple and emit a faint glow.

"I'm just waiting for this mad dog to arrive so there's some entertainment here... Now Fairy Shaohui has also submitted that cultivation method and gone to the Immortal Pavilion to practice, so there's one less person to see..."

This person was, naturally, Dangjiang.

Although Dangjiang's status was not as high as Shaohui's, he was at least a fragmented soul of the Seventh-Generation Mahākāla Jinlian, whereas Shaohui was the soul of an early Purple Mansion demonic creature. Over time, in a true comparison, Shaohui truly couldn't match Dangjiang in any aspect except her cultivation in the Shaoyin path.

Therefore, no matter which Dao tradition Dangjiang acquired, as long as its rank wasn't too high, he could modify it and erase its origins. Shaohui, however, found this somewhat challenging. Aside from exclusively altering Shaoyin Dao traditions, she also pursued further studies in the pavilion to advance her cultivation.

Dangjiang, of course, was unaware of the specifics; he only knew that Shaohui had taken a position in a higher-level Immortal Pavilion, leaving her former residence vacant and him without anyone to talk to. Thus, when the token in his hand lit up today, he immediately rushed over without hesitation.

He waited and waited until the murmur of chanting finally began. The young man quickly pulled his head back, turned to one side, and lifted his chin, to see a man in green robes adorned with golden tassels gradually emerging from the pond.

The man's face was remarkably youthful, his eyes a pale green. He wore wide-sleeved robes, and his long hair flowed loosely.

"Grand True Sage Chibu!"

Hearing this, Chibu Zi slowly opened his eyes, scanned the surroundings, and then fixed his gaze upon the young man before him. He stepped out of the pond and said casually,

"Lord Dangjiang!"

Dangjiang loved hearing this. He nodded repeatedly and chuckled,

"Which unlucky soul have you captured and brought in this time?"

"A foolish peacock that didn't know its place..."

Despite having achieved merit, Chibu Zi's expression was displeased, appearing burdened with heavy thoughts. He replied,

"It's still that dilapidated Peacock Temple from last time. We caught another one there this time. The higher-ups are definitely going to be furious, so we'll have to change locations next time..."

He observed the other's expression, sighed, and replied,

"Yuansu failed his breakthrough and transformed into a demonic entity... He had many ideas, but his end was quite miserable."

Chibu Zi offered a casual explanation. Having once shared a body with him, Dangjiang naturally knew Yuansu and said with a slight curl of his lip,

"So it was that old-fashioned fellow. He haphazardly pursued the Golden Elixir, leading to such a miserable end."

Chibu Zi was distracted, seemingly burdened by immense worry. It was unclear if he was doing so intentionally, but even a person as profound as him appeared absent-minded, which made Dangjiang notice something amiss. He whispered,

"Why did you come up this time? A single peacock hardly seems enough to exchange for that Purple Mansion cultivation method... There was no need to make this trip..."

Dangjiang naturally hoped he would ascend every time, if only to have someone to talk to. However, Chibu Zi always prioritized seeking immortality and refused to waste time on anything. There had to be a reason for his presence.

As expected, the moment Dangjiang asked, Chibu Zi immediately spoke. His face was grim, and he whispered,

"I visited Shu Land a few days ago. A thousand-mile drought, no rain, and depleted springs are all signs that the Green Water is not thriving."

Upon hearing this, Dangjiang immediately asked in surprise,

"Isn't that good news? The one above you wishes all Green Water cultivators were dead. If it weren't for severing all inheritances and offending the Underworld, he wouldn't show any mercy! If he sustained some injuries, it would be the perfect opportunity for you to make your move..."

Chibu Zi, however, subtly shook his head and said gravely,

"Is this a suitable place for conversation?"

The courtyard was utterly empty, lacking even a table or chairs, clearly not a place for discussion. Dangjiang led him out to a small side courtyard. Once the gate was closed, Chibu Zi finally spoke:

"Whether Green Water suffers more or fewer injuries, it makes little difference to me. However, given these omens concerning Green Water, I fear that the conflict has reached a critical juncture in recent years, and he might be returning!"

Dangjiang paused, then whispered,

"If he returns, he returns... You don't cultivate the 'Looting Dew,' and then you'll cultivate 'Morning Cold Rain.' Could he still suspect you? Even if he returns... seeing your path is cut off, he should relax his guard even more..."

Chibu Zi's expression was grim, and he whispered,

"You don't understand... you don't understand what kind of person Green Water is... I've been to the Green Language Heaven. He's a petty True Monarch, a sinister figure who overlooks no detail... Such a person... such a person will never let go of the slightest doubt..."

Dangjiang listened with growing suspicion. Observing Chibu Zi's grim expression, he asked,

"What do you intend to do?"

Chibu Zi gazed at him intently, his voice chilling, and replied,

"I've been to his Green Language Heaven. My life, my death, and the progress of my cultivation are all under his observation. When he returns from beyond the heavens, all the clear pools beneath the sky will be his adherents."

"I have cultivated the Chougui Treasury. If he returns, he might pay attention to me."

Dangjiang became even more confused. He shook his head and said,

"The Chougui Treasury isn't the Looting Dew. There are still cultivation methods and plenty of spiritual energy. So many people cultivate it throughout the world; your success is hardly surprising. Can he possibly investigate every single person?"

Chibu Zi slowly shook his head and whispered,

"I did not use the miraculous method of continuation, yet I still succeeded in cultivating. For Green Water, the origin and trajectory of this Purple Mansion cultivation method would be worth investigating."

His pair of emerald eyes, filled with absolute calm, looked over. His hands, pressed onto the table, clenched tightly, and he said in a low voice,

"If I were him, I would certainly investigate. That alone is sufficient."