Chapter 916: Xuan Dan Taiyin

East Sea, Pure One Path.

A white light streaked across the sea, scattering soft, ethereal Taiyin moonlight. The young Perfected Being, clad in flowing white robes adorned with wave and crescent moon patterns, appeared ethereal and incredibly elegant.

However, his complexion was far from good, even appearing somewhat subdued. He bore no obvious injuries, but his divine abilities seemed dulled, clearly indicating a major battle from which he had just retreated.

This person was Perfected Being Chehong, who had come to reinforce the Borer Blade.

Perfected Being Chehong was the Pure One Path's newest generation Zifu master, and his achievement marked the Pure One Path's ascent to its peak in nearly three centuries, boasting four Zifu masters within its ranks. He himself was a top-tier genius, intelligent and discerning; how could he not grasp the current situation?

The Pure One Path proclaimed itself a Taiyin lineage, yet also claimed to be a Sun Orthodox tradition. However, the Six Luminaries Sun Orthodox lineage of Jiangnan had never truly recognized them. Years ago, there were even intentions to ostracize them. Despite Pure One Patriarch Xie Qun clearly originating from Qing Song Abbey, whenever this was mentioned, members of the Sun Orthodox lineage would either fall silent or simply dismiss it as a rumor.

After all, Pure One Patriarch Xie Qun's Daoist title did not align with their claims, nor did he achieve the True Lord realm. While the cultivators of the Pure One Path were naturally reserved and rarely engaged in disputes, it was impossible for them not to harbor a trace of resentment in their hearts.

In recent years, the Sun Orthodox lineage had gradually softened its stance and tone. The Pure One Path, in turn, had reached the pinnacle of its power. When Chehong ascended to Purple Mist Blessed Land, Tinglan personally acknowledged them as fellow disciples. This undoubtedly brought great relief. Though Chehong outwardly claimed not to mind, he simultaneously gave his all, offering unreserved assistance. While his expression was somber, he couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction within:

‘How did you treat our path back then? And how does our path repay you now? This is the true magnanimity of the Sun Orthodox! Every time you call us fellow disciples now, you are slapping the faces of those elders who refused to acknowledge and belittled our lineage in the past!’

Yet, despite the satisfaction, the fallout from a major battle and Kui Qi's demise still weighed heavily on Chehong, leaving him at a loss for words. Furthermore, while he had given his best in the Battle of Borer Blade Mountain, the Pure One Path had not fully committed; they had merely fulfilled their duty as a righteous sect.

‘If the old Perfected Being doesn't come out, Borer Blade Mountain will surely remain unresolved. He's old, merely relying on a few Taiyin secret techniques to preserve his life... How can I, as Pure One Path, ignore the threats from the Scarlet Reef and Tranquil Paths and allow the old Perfected Being to go there...’

Lost in thought, he flew on until he swiftly reached the mountain's edge. There, he saw a Perfected Being arriving on the wind, seemingly having waited for him. Seeing this, he felt a surge of hope and approached with a smile:

“Brother Xichang!”“Ah, it's Senior Ji'an, what a rare guest!”

One called the other 'brother' while the other used 'senior,' revealing their differing backgrounds and ages. Chehong bowed slightly, and the two proceeded into the mountain. They reminisced beside a table for about half an hour until Ji'an shook his head:

“This time... I've come from the North Sea specifically to inquire about a place to settle down!”

Chehong's expression changed. He asked, “Why so? Senior, your conduct has always been upright, and you're renowned among Zifu masters. How dare those five sects act in such a manner?”

Ji'an quietly shook his head. The Perfected Being, though appearing quite old, carried no airs. He replied, “It's not entirely about them. The five sects of Gongdu are fundamentally righteous; I don't provoke them, and they don't look down on me. Brother, you're unaware, it's due to something else entirely!”

“Currently, in Cangzhou, Kan Water flows unchecked, flooding all four regions. My cultivation of Li Fire is truly unsuitable here. I originally thought I could endure it day by day, but the situation has worsened each day. A few days ago, even the Six Manifestations Li Fire on my Bi'er Mountain almost depleted its spiritual energy. If not for the formation where the spiritual fire resided, Bi'er Mountain would have reverted to a Kan Water domain!”

His words made Chehong's eyes flash with a cold light. He lowered his brows and asked, “So, what does Senior intend to do?”

Ji'an said, “When I was young, I met an elder who cultivated Kan Water. I'm giving my mountain to his descendants and preparing to relocate to the East Sea.”

Chehong understood. Ji'an, however, continued enthusiastically, “I passed through the Confluence Sea just as the Great Sheep Mountain Dharma Assembly concluded and met a friend. He told me he heard good news in a report from the Great Desire Path: there are traces of the Great Li Book in Moon Gaze Marsh! It belongs to a Zifu immortal clan.”

“Hmm...” Chehong nonchalantly sipped his tea and said, “I know. It's not just the Great Li Book; there's also the Gate of Heaven's Audience, and even a complete Elixir cultivation lineage. It's said that their ranks are quite high.”

“Ah?!” Ji'an seemed slightly anxious. He asked, “I heard it's an immortal clan with two Zifu masters every hundred years, and calculating the time, they were cultivating even before their Zifu breakthrough. Each of them is a rare find now... This... this... they must have obtained a Daoist scripture!”

Chehong remained calm, pouring tea as he replied, “Bright Yang and Li Fire... you're not the first to notice this. How do you think they got those things? That family has a genius blessed with the Bright Yang destiny... a Bright Yang fate!”

At this, a smile touched his expression: “As for 'friends'... how many Buddhist cultivators can truly be trusted? Senior, be cautious!”

Ji'an nodded in understanding, yet his hand, resting idly on his cup, showed no surprise; he was clearly there intentionally to seek information. Chehong, also aware of this, shook his head and said, “You cultivate Li Fire. Logically, you should try to forge a connection with them, as there could be some benefits, but there are also risks...”

Before he could finish, the jade pendant at his waist shimmered faintly. Chehong's expression changed, and excusing himself, he transformed into a streak of Taiyin light, ascending and then descending into a grand formation where cold snow fell ceaselessly. There, he saw a jade pool, its water moonlight-white and rippling softly. Two people sat by its edge, awaiting another.

The middle-aged man in the principal seat, dressed in moon-white Daoist robes, was his own elder, Perfected Being Fuxuan. The guest, clad in green robes with aquamarine eyes, appeared serene and ethereal, radiating an immense cultivation. Chehong's eyes lit up, and he thought to himself:

‘The one named Chi is here!’

The person before him was none other than Grand Perfected Being Chi Buzi of Qingchi!

Waiting to the side was naturally the elder surnamed Xi, who had accompanied them. He was pale and withered, yet his expression conveyed joy and relief.

Ever since Chi Buzi had taken people from the Pure One Path to the East Sea, Perfected Being Fuxuan had worried about it every single day, mentioning it several times in his presence. Now, seeing his early return, Chehong was also overjoyed, and his tone became more polite:

“So it is the Grand Perfected Being.”

No one brought up the matter of Borer Blade Mountain. Chi Buzi, clearly unconcerned, sat there with a smile, shaking his head as he said, “Since you've arrived, fellow Daoist, I won't waste words. Please retrieve my two treasures.”

The Pure One Path had no intention of coveting his spiritual artifacts. Naturally, they were quickly brought to the table and held by Chehong, who stood to the side. Chi Buzi merely glanced at them and nodded silently.

Both Zifu masters kept their eyes fixed on him. Clearly, unless something valuable was produced this time, the Pure One Path would certainly not return the items willingly!

Chi Buzi, however, said leisurely, “I should have returned much earlier, but unfortunately... when I left, that place was spotted by a Monk of Compassion!”

At his words, both men grew tense. Perfected Being Fuxuan immediately frowned, suspecting he was making an excuse. Chehong secretly glanced at the elder beside them, seeing that he, too, appeared deeply affected. Only then did Chi Buzi smile and say:

“I won't say too much for now; let me show you, fellow Daoist, so you can see for yourself!”

He lightly flicked his sleeve, producing a stone box.

This box was carved from Angelica Dahurica bluestone, a spiritual object rarely seen outside ancient times, and typically used for storing extremely high-quality Zifu spiritual treasures!

Upon its appearance, Fuxuan nodded slightly, while Chehong lowered his gaze, his heart already sinking with a hint of disappointment.

What the Pure One Path currently anticipated most, without a doubt, was Taiyin Moon Essence.

The Pure One Path's flourishing state in recent years was undeniably linked to Taiyin Moon Essence. This spiritual energy was now extinct, obtainable only from ancient ruins and secret hoards. What little had come into the Pure One Path's possession was already scarce, and in recent years, with the closure of various mystic realms, the amount circulating among Zifu masters had dwindled further, becoming increasingly precious...

Yet, the Pure One Path's perfected lineage meant a massive consumption of Taiyin Moon Essence; a Grand Perfected Being would require at least four portions. Although the Pure One Path possessed a slightly inferior cultivation method that could barely achieve divine abilities, it inevitably fell short...

Within their lineage, only Elder Perfected Being Yuanshang cultivated with the remaining Taiyin Moon Essence, using just one portion. Fuxuan, who stood before them, had also used a portion of Taiyin Moon Essence he incidentally acquired, but it was only enough to achieve his second divine ability; he lacked the fortune for more.

By the generation of Chehong and his Grandfather Perfected Being Guanghou, this spiritual energy was no longer present within the lineage. After much deliberation, Perfected Being Guanghou cultivated the Manor Water technique. Chehong, on the other hand, not only cultivated with an inferior method but had never even seen Taiyin Moon Essence. Speaking of using it for qi refinement, he considered it utterly extravagant, perhaps only justifiable for a Zifu breakthrough...

While the box's specifications were indeed high, if the contents were Taiyin Moon Essence, it would surely be stored in a jade vial, not this box.

But as he stood there, momentarily stunned by his disappointment, Chi Buzi already placed a hand on the jade box and lightly flicked out a wisp of aura.

“Clang!”

Perfected Being Chehong felt a chilling aura surge heavenward. The white-robed Perfected Being in front of him had abruptly risen, his breathing suddenly growing heavy. With a soft thump, the white-robed Perfected Being's hand immediately pressed firmly onto the jade table, a mere finger's breadth from the jade box!

His eyes snapped up, his expression utterly grave, yet filled with a wild mix of near-disoriented ecstasy and shock. He stared intently at Chi Buzi, as if ready to erupt at any moment!

“Fellow Daoist Buzi...” His voice was slightly hoarse, his eyes a little red. “May I take a closer look?”

Fuxuan, a lifelong sword cultivator, kept his hands exceptionally well-maintained; amidst the swirling snowlight, they appeared long and beautiful. Yet these very hands, which had wielded a sword to slay countless demons and Buddhist cultivators without a tremor, now rested on the table, trembling slightly, as if he had the urge to seize the jade box before him.

The green-eyed man sitting opposite him, however, showed no surprise whatsoever. He remained leisurely seated at the table from start to finish, not even twitching a finger, and said with a smile, “Please calm yourself, fellow Daoist.”

All of this transpired in a flash. Only then did Chehong stare blankly at the jade box before him. The aura emanating from it was extremely faint, fleeting, and clearly perceptible only to the man in front of him.

“Clang!”

Fuxuan let out a breath. His other hand, which had moved to touch the spiritual sword at his waist, gradually relaxed, unfastening the sword and quietly placing it aside. Yet, his eyes found it impossible to leave the jade box. He replied, “This matter is of great importance; I couldn't help myself.”

Even though Chi Buzi made no move, and the treasure before them was within easy grasp – enough to even pocket two spiritual artifacts – Fuxuan merely settled back steadily, unable to bring himself to close his eyes.

Chi Buzi, appearing to have everything under control, was genuinely surprised deep down: ‘Moon Laurel Golden Branch... so it's such a powerful spiritual object!’

After all, in that grotto-heaven, it was used by the basketful, with no need for supervision. Any maid could simply gather a basket and send it casually to various palaces. Chi Buzi truly found it hard to connect this with Fuxuan's current excitement, and could only stroke his beard and smile:

“It seems fellow Daoist also knows about this item... Frankly speaking, of this entire grotto-heaven, this is the only one that truly deserves to be called a supreme treasure!”

Fuxuan sighed deeply, his gaze revealing an unresolvable melancholy. “Even if that grotto-heaven wasn't left by our Patriarch, it belonged to a high-level Taiyin cultivator from ancient times. This item has been extinct for so long... calling it a supreme treasure probably doesn't even begin to describe it!”

“Oh...” Chi Buzi showed a look of inquiry. He lightly flicked his finger, and his divine ability manifested: the stone box's lid gradually became transparent, revealing a moon laurel branch inside. It was dotted with white flowers, enveloped in a hazy glow, and its cross-section bore fine golden spiral patterns, exuding an icy chill.

Fuxuan, at this moment completely focused on the item in Chi Buzi's hand, naturally complied. His eyes revealed a deep longing as he softly said, “This item is called the Profound Dan Taiyin White Moon Laurel Branch. It must be an ancient artifact... even rarer than Taiyin Moon Essence itself...”

As it concerned their lineage, he dared not say too much. Chi Buzi nodded quietly, muttering the name to himself several times, secretly astonished. Yet, he did not push the jade box over. Fuxuan immediately understood and turned his head to say, “Chang'er.”

He had actually called Chehong by his given name, showing his eagerness at this moment. Chehong, even more cautious, simply held up the two spiritual artifacts in his hands and looked at Chi Buzi.

Seeing the man shake his head, Fuxuan was not surprised. He asked, “This is...”

Chi Buzi softly said, “This is what I just mentioned; a Monk of Compassion saw it.”

Upon hearing this, Fuxuan's expression quickly darkened. He clearly harbored concerns and had murderous intent. Fortunately, Chi Buzi added, “Luckily, that entity's cultivation wasn't high; I've already secretly killed it...”

“Good!”

Given Chi Buzi was a Grand Perfected Being, 'killed' in his words certainly didn't mean merely sending him back to the Buddhist realm. Fuxuan visibly exhaled in relief, sighing with emotion, “As expected of fellow Daoist's handling, it puts one at ease...”

The two clearly had a personal acquaintance, perhaps having interacted in their youth. Chi Buzi's expression grew serious as he replied, “Only, the other party belongs to the Path of Compassion, and I cannot afford to contend with them now.”

He then lightly touched his waist, producing a golden casket. It rattled, containing an unknown something, perhaps fragments of treasured artifacts. Fuxuan accepted it without hesitation and replied, “This item will subtly lead the Path of Compassion to believe that it was our Pure One Path who committed the killing, and the blame will not fall on you, fellow Daoist.”

Chi Buzi nodded with a smile.

Both sides knew that Chi Buzi wouldn't simply settle for such a small favor. In reality, he was subtly shifting the responsibility for the grotto-heaven onto the Pure One Path. Even if something were discovered later, leading to a struggle for it, Chi Buzi wouldn't be left without a word to say...

But Chi Buzi had more subtle intentions: ‘I need to perform the Great Sacrifice, but I can't be too obvious. How can one repeatedly harm Monks of Compassion without reason? I've already killed so many; if there's no visible gain, it will surely arouse suspicion!’

From his perspective, this was merely an opportune moment to legitimately kill another Monk of Compassion! He had specifically exploited this time difference to not only resolve his cultivation method issues but also seize the chance to perform another Great Sacrifice!

At that moment, he still held his ground, quietly pressing on the jade box, his eyes grave. Finally, revealing his true intentions, his voice was firm and resolute, willing to pay any price: “I wish to cultivate another path and seek a new life through reincarnation. For this, I require the Pure One Path... to introduce me to Perfected Being Puyu of Penglai!”

**Characters Appearing in This Chapter**Chi BuziFuxuan (Mid-stage Zifu)Ji'an (Mid-stage Zifu)Chehong (Early-stage Zifu)