The Legend of the Immortals Prequel: Wilderness Journey
Ten Thousand Swords in One clapped his hands and laughed, patting him on the shoulder, saying, "Good, very good young man, it's just right to have such spirit!"
Azure Pine nodded heavily, the muscles by his jaw twitching slightly as if he were gritting his teeth, showing a hint of excitement.
Ten Thousand Swords in One continued, "I discussed this matter with Daoxuan Shixiong, and it would be best to select a few more people. However, aside from you, I can't think of anyone else suitable at the moment."
Azure Pine thought carefully and frowned, saying, "This matter is indeed difficult. Originally, Yun Shidi from Falling Sunset Peak was quite suitable, but unfortunately he was ambushed by the Demon yesterday and is seriously injured. It seems he won't be able to participate."
Ten Thousand Swords in One nodded slowly and said, "Indeed, Yun Shidi is quite good. What a pity. But now, in such a hurry, how can we find someone who is not well-known yet has considerable strength..."
Just as he was speaking, Ten Thousand Swords in One scanned the area above The Eight Desolations and Six Harmonies, and suddenly saw two figures coming from the direction of The Eight Desolations and Six Harmonies and Emerald Terrace, one tall and one short, chatting as they walked towards another direction.
Once he recognized their faces, Ten Thousand Swords in One suddenly brightened up.
Zeng Shuchang looked troubled, seemingly still worried about matters concerning Feng Huai Peak, while Tian Buyi was quietly comforting him beside him. Just then, they both heard a shout from ahead: " Tian Shidi!"
Both Tian Buyi and Zeng Shuchang looked up simultaneously to see Ten Thousand Swords in One and Azure Pine standing together ahead on The Eight Desolations and Six Harmonies, smiling and waving at them.
The two were taken aback and hurriedly approached to pay their respects. Originally, Ten Thousand Swords in One already had great prestige within the Azure Cloud Sect, and after his brilliant performance in yesterday's battle against the Demon Cult, he was even more revered by all the young disciples of Qingyun.
With a smile, Ten Thousand Swords in One returned their greeting. His gaze swept over the two younger brothers before finally resting on Tian Buyi. After pondering for a moment, he said, "Tian Shidi, I remember when I met you at the foot of the mountain yesterday; you are from Dazhu Peak. I wonder what your relationship is with Zheng Tong, Master Uncle?"
Tian Buyi respectfully replied, "He is indeed my master."
"Ten Thousand Swords in One" exclaimed with realization, nodding as he said, "I see. No wonder when I saw you fighting against the Demonic Cult Monster yesterday, you were so composed and resilient. Your cultivation seems quite remarkable; it appears you have truly inherited Master Zheng's teachings."
Flattered by this praise from his senior brother who was like a pride of the Azure Cloud Sect, Tian Buyi felt his heart skip a beat as if his body had lightened a bit. He quickly lowered his head humbly and said, "I dare not claim that; senior brother overpraises me. My time in learning is still short; my cultivation is shallow. I've only learned a little bit from my master."
After sizing him up for a moment, Ten Thousand Swords in One found himself increasingly fond of this short and stout junior brother. After contemplating for a moment, he suddenly waved him over and said, "Tian Shidi, come over here for a moment; I have something to discuss with you."
Surprised for a moment, Tian Buyi replied, "Yes."
Watching as Ten Thousand Swords in One led Tian Buyi aside to speak softly to him, Tian Buyi's expression shifted from initial respect to surprise before furrowing his brows in contemplation. He seemed to be facing a difficult decision.
Zeng Shuchang stood in place, observing the situation of the two individuals with curiosity. He walked over to Azure Pine, who was also standing nearby, and asked, "Senior Brother, what are they doing?"
Azure Pine glanced at him lightly and shook his head, saying, "If Wan Shixiong wants to tell you, he will."
Zeng Shuchang frowned, feeling somewhat displeased.
Meanwhile, on the other side, Ten Thousand Swords in One had finished speaking and said solemnly, "This matter is of great importance and extremely dangerous. I understand that it is not an easy choice for you, but you only need to follow your heart and not think too much. Moreover, I will never disclose this matter to anyone else."
Tian Buyi responded but still showed hesitation on his face, clearly shocked by this sudden major event and unable to make a decision at the moment.
Ten Thousand Swords in One did not press him further and walked back with him, saying, "I know you may need more time to think about this, but time is pressing. Before the end of the afternoon, come here and give me your final answer."
Tian Buyi took a deep breath and bowed respectfully, saying, "Understood."
Ten Thousand Swords in One nodded at him and then turned to leave. Azure Pine glanced at Tian Buyi and Zeng Shuchang with a slight smirk that seemed to carry a hint of mockery before following after Ten Thousand Swords in One.
***
At Yuqing Palace, Zheng Tong had chatted with Dao Xuan for a while before reminding him to take good care of Chengzi before leaving.
Watching the esteemed uncle walk away, Dao Xuan stood alone in the empty corridor for a while before turning back into the Quiet Room.
Chengzi remained lying on the bed, seemingly lost in deep sleep again. Dao Xuan glanced at his master but did not dare disturb him. Instead, he walked over to gently tidy up the tea cups that several people had used earlier and set them aside.
Normally, these tasks would be handled by Dao Child due to his status; he wouldn’t need to do such labor. However, at this moment, Dao Xuan's thoughts were tumultuous as if a heavy gloom was settling in his heart. He felt uncomfortable just sitting idly and decided to tidy up instead.
After everything was in order, Dao Xuan scanned the Quiet Room. When he noticed the table beside the bed, his brow suddenly furrowed because he realized that several items that had been placed there were now missing.
Earlier, when Ten Thousand Swords in One and Zheng Tong were present, Dao Xuan had been arguing with them about matters and hadn’t paid attention. Now he recalled that yesterday he had placed the Ancient Sword of Extermination and the Seven Star Immortal Sword there. In addition, there was also a Demon Banner sent by Shang Zhengliang, Junior Disciple.
Could it be that Master has put them away?
Just as he was feeling puzzled about this, he suddenly heard Chengzi lying on the bed call out calmly without moving: "Dao Xuan."
Dao Xuan was taken aback, turning to face Chengzi, and said, "Disciple is here."
Chengzi remained completely still, appearing to still be asleep from behind, but his voice came through clearly and calmly, saying, "You should know by now that no matter how hard you try, Jian Yi and Zheng Tong will definitely not allow you to go to the wilderness."
Dao Xuan's body suddenly shook, revealing a look of disbelief on his face as he stared at Chengzi's back in shock, exclaiming, "Master, why do you say this?"
Chengzi did not respond and continued lying there motionless.
Dao Xuan's face suddenly turned pale, and even his body trembled slightly. With a soft thud, he knelt before Chengzi's bed, trembling as he said, "Master, do you... do you doubt me? I would never harbor such intentions. I only wish to serve Azure Cloud Sect with all my heart and have no other thoughts!"
After a long silence under the covers, Chengzi's emotionless voice came again, saying, "That's good."
Dao Xuan stared blankly at Chengzi, his expression changing as he seemed unsure of what to do. After a while, he slowly stood up.
In the Quiet Room, no one spoke for a while; the atmosphere was particularly oppressive and cold. After an unknown amount of time had passed, he tentatively said in a low voice, "Master, yesterday Junior Disciple Shang Zhengliang sent over a magical artifact from the Demon Sect called Demon Banner. It was received above The Eight Desolations and Six Harmonies. I have already presented it here. How should we deal with this item? Please instruct me."
Chengzi remained silent for a moment before saying lightly, "You don't need to worry about this matter."
Dao Xuan's expression changed slightly, but he did not dare to defy his master's orders at this moment and could only respond respectfully, "Yes." After hesitating for a moment as if thinking of something else, he added, "Master, these past few days since you were injured and resting, several senior uncles have asked me to temporarily manage the affairs of the sect. I feel inadequate and am struggling. Since you are now awake, perhaps you could personally oversee matters? What do you think?"
Chengzi replied calmly, "After my serious injury, my energy is lacking. You should handle the major affairs of the sect for now."
Dao Xuan lowered his head slightly and said, "Yes, I understand. If Master has no other matters, I will take my leave."
"Go ahead."
Dao Xuan bowed slightly and slowly exited the Quiet Room, gently closing the door behind him.
When the door finally separated him from the suddenly oppressive Quiet Room, Dao Xuan felt a shiver run through him as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders. He then realized that he had broken into a cold sweat without even noticing.
He stood silently at the door of the Quiet Room, staring at the closed door with a solemn expression for a long time without speaking.
The sun hung high in the sky over Tongfeng; the clear blue sky reflected beside Azure Water Pool like a beautiful gem. Ten Thousand Swords in One hurried down from Rainbow Bridge with Azure Pine and quickly scanned around until they spotted two people standing by the pool; one of them was Dao Xuan.
He walked over quickly and said, "Senior Brother, did you need something?"
Dao Xuan nodded and said, "That's right." He gestured to the person standing beside him and said to Ten Thousand Swords in One, "This is Shang Zhengliang from Chaoyang Peak."
Ten Thousand Swords in One looked over, while Shang Zhengliang's expression became solemn as he clasped his hands and said, "Greetings, Wan Shixiong." At the same time, Azure Pine, who was following Ten Thousand Swords in One, also paid his respects to Dao Xuan.
Ten Thousand Swords in One nodded to Shang Zhengliang and then turned to Dao Xuan with a hint of questioning in his eyes.
Dao Xuan said, "Shang Shidi is someone I know well. He is humble and low-key, with a character that is upright and resolute. He is loyal to our Azure Cloud Sect, and his skills are exceptional; he can certainly lend you a helping hand."
Ten Thousand Swords in One raised an eyebrow and looked at Shang Zhengliang. After staring at him for a moment, he said in a deep voice, "Shang Shidi, since you are recommended by Daoxuan Shixiong, I have no doubts. However, do you understand the gravity of the situation here?"
Shang Zhengliang nodded and said, "Yes, Daoxuan Shixiong has already informed me."
Ten Thousand Swords in One replied, "That's best. However, this journey to the wilderness is of utmost importance and fraught with danger; there is always the risk of death. So I must ask you one last time: are you truly certain about this decision?"
Shang Zhengliang declared loudly, "As an Azure Cloud Disciple, I shall not be fearful or cowardly. Please allow me to accompany you, Senior Brother; I will not regret it even if I die!"
Ten Thousand Swords in One laughed heartily, patted him on the shoulder, and said, "Good! Good brother! If that's the case, we shall go together."
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