Tianzhu Temple was perhaps the first to arrive, emerging from the Buddhist Sect, not outside of Daoism, peacefully residing on Tianzhu Mountain, living a semi-reclusive and carefree life. If I don't deny it, perhaps adding some incense offerings might have prevented the disciples of the World of Mortals from considering Tianzhu Temple as one of the Six Major Super Sects and sending someone over.
The recent casualties in the Eastern Extreme Secret Realm were severe. Aside from Qingyu Zen Master and the Banpo Master, who had not entered the Eastern Extreme Secret Realm, only the Jin Qi cultivator known by the Dharma name Wu Nian managed to survive by sheer luck. It seemed that their sect had suffered the most devastating losses.
Yan Dong was uncertain whether it was due to a lack of resources or something else. I don't deny that it was low-key; two monks from Tianzhu Temple unexpectedly arrived at Universe Hall, and they appeared quite significant. It was puzzling that their depth could not be discerned, leaving one to wonder if they were indeed disciples who had never left Tianzhu Temple.
As time passed, it became increasingly strange that the academy had not stripped Gu of his title as Chief of the Academy. It was said that this matter had already stirred up quite a commotion outside the academy, yet the Master of the Academy had not given any acknowledgment.
The Jade Void Sect also regarded this independent academy as a potential enemy due to that incident. Both Lu State and Jin State had already mobilized troops along their borders. Although there was a small portion of territory occupied by Little Qi Kingdom in between, tensions ran high even among those who were merely farmers; they could clearly feel the atmosphere was no longer as peaceful as before.
Many who arrived earlier than expected did not find the situation as tense as everyone imagined, but it was still far from peaceful.
The academy's Tenglan, known as Zhongshang, led a group that included Tan Siyuan and Wen Tian, who had experienced the Great War in the Eastern Extreme Secret Realm. They had just recently broken through to the Infant Stage, yet no one truly knew their depths. A few young people eager to see the world accompanied them, making for an interesting trio.
What brought some comfort to Tenglan was that Tan Siyuan broke through to Jin Qi shortly after returning to the Outer Court. With some straightforward sword techniques imparted during this time, although he had only reached the Golden Initial Stage, he could still hold his own against several seasoned cultivators.
The most eye-catching presence was undoubtedly Jade Pavilion, filled with women dressed in simple attire. Despite lacking heavy makeup, their month-long cultivation gave them an ethereal quality reminiscent of celestial beings. However, none of those in town had seen anyone from within that palanquin. The leading carriage was rumored to be a moving Little Secret Realm, which opened many eyes.
Meanwhile, residing alone in Sky's End Tower was the Great Jin Yang Family. Although they entered the city discreetly, I don't deny that once inside, they were immediately under surveillance by various major factions. Without anyone taking charge in Bu Luo, everyone simply pretended not to notice; if I don't say anything, neither will they.
It is said that people are diverse when they reach a hundred years old; at this moment in Tiandong City, it truly felt like a mix of fish and dragons. Even an old beggar dressed in rags on the roadside would not be bullied casually; after all, one might encounter those who cared little for appearances among high-ranking individuals. It would be unwise to provoke them—one could lose face or even their life.
In Sky's End Tower, Jiang Anbo had not ventured out since many major sects gathered in Tiandong City for two months. Finally, he awaited Gu's leisurely entrance into the city without questioning what Gu had gone out for or blaming Gu Yi for leaving quietly. Instead, he conveyed a message from that day when he helped fend off Dongyi's rare Little Monk.
From the west, moving northward, Gu pondered over those words for a long time without coming up with a clear explanation for Jiang Anbo.
That time when he went out of the city to gather herbs, he needed Radiant Flame for the alchemy. Although Chaotic Fire could serve as a substitute, its efficacy was significantly inferior. He couldn't guarantee that refining Little Years Bright World would go smoothly, so Gu chose to venture outside the city for the alchemy.
On another note, Gu had taken on a task in Universe Hall that required exchanging ten grains of beauty elixir for a Mountain Camellia. Once they obtained that Mountain Camellia, Coco could refine some Calm the Mind trinkets. In the memories of the Primordial Celestial Demon, there were two or three powerful healing herbs that required Mountain Camellia as an ingredient to be effective. Gu was eager to acquire that Mountain Camellia, which should have been needed by No Master Liu Shizu for his alchemy. This determination pushed Gu to secure that Mountain Camellia at all costs.
As he made his way to complete the task, Gu kept thinking about Little Monk Ling Chanzi's words.
The first time he met Little Monk was when Fuhling Zenzi was instructed by Future Buddha to subdue the Primordial Celestial Demon. Although he hadn't witnessed that Great War firsthand, Gu felt he had benefited from Ling Chanzi's influence. If it weren't for Buddha intervening against the demon, Gu might have faced dire consequences.
Thinking of Yoyo, Gu suddenly remembered how that little fox had become increasingly lazy and wondered if it was trying to break through. He didn't deny that it was digesting the radiant power absorbed from Dao Foundation and had been somewhat absent lately.
He arrived to complete his task.
Gu handed over a vial containing ten grains of beauty elixir. The maid responsible for inspecting items paused in surprise and then looked at Gu with a hint of flirtation before finally handing over the Mountain Camellia.
After so many days, it all came down to just one Mountain Camellia.
How is it possible that I have this?
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