novelapdf Chapter 70: Exchange and Preparation for Seclusion
Chapter 70: Exchange and Preparation for Seclusion
Zhen Yuanzi's figure flashed again, without causing any spatial fluctuations. He passed through the seemingly indestructible innate earth-guarding formation as naturally as if he were returning home, and landed lightly in the quiet and elegant courtyard of the temple, where the ground beneath his feet was paved with warm and smooth spiritual jade.
The moment he appeared, the harmonious and vibrant energy within the temple stirred, as if a pebble had been thrown into a calm lake.
"Master is back!" Mingyue Tongzi, who was carefully wiping the jade railing in the courtyard, spotted the familiar figure first and exclaimed in surprise, her voice clear and melodious.
The boy Qingfeng, who was watering several exotic flowers and herbs with the spiritual spring, immediately looked up. His little face instantly lit up with radiant, unreserved joy. He and Mingyue quickly stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and said in unison, "Welcome back to the mountain, Master!"
Their voices, though not loud, were like ripples spreading across a still lake when a pebble is thrown into it.
A streak of crimson light, like the sunset, carrying a sense of carefree ease, streaked out from the direction of the side hall. The light faded, revealing the unrestrained figure of the Red Cloud Ancestor.
With a sincere smile on his face, he spoke loudly, "Fellow Daoist Zhen Yuanzi, you've finally returned! You've been gone for quite some time; I've been very worried about you. Did your journey go smoothly?"
Meanwhile, in the corner of the courtyard, the nine-clawed golden dragon's body, nurtured by a special array, enveloped in a rich, dark golden light, and with its intelligence and vitality growing daily, seemed to sense its master's return. Its light shone uncontrollably and leaped for a moment, conveying a vague yet clear sense of closeness and welcome.
Inside the temple, in the spiritual pool filled with spiritual energy, the enormous North Sea Black Tortoise with its mysterious patterns on its back slightly raised its head from its long slumber. Its eyes, filled with the vicissitudes of time, looked at Zhen Yuanzi, flashing a trace of heartfelt respect and obedience.
The Nine-Headed Lion, which had been lying prone and feigning sleep, now lowered its mighty body and emitted a low, gentle whimper that expressed absolute submission and welcome.
The other birds, beasts, plants, and flowers that had been adopted into the temple also sensed the arrival of their master. Some uttered clear and melodious calls, others let out deep roars, and still others swayed gracefully, emitting pleasant waves of joy, each in its own unique way welcoming the master's return.
In an instant, the once quiet Wuzhuang Temple became vibrant and bustling with life due to Zhen Yuanzi's return, filled with the warmth and vitality of "home".
Looking at the familiar and harmonious world before him, Zhen Yuanzi felt a sense of peace and vitality that belonged only to him. The fatigue and tension that had accumulated in the oppressive, filthy, and dangerous environment of the Netherworld Blood Sea over the past few days could not help but ease.
As if cleansed by the pure and refreshing air of the mountains, a gentle smile from the heart appeared on his face.
He first nodded to Qingfeng and Mingyue, who stood beside him with eyes full of filial piety, and said gently, "Rise. The atmosphere inside the temple is peaceful, and the vegetation is lush. It seems that you have not been negligent and have managed everything in the temple in an orderly manner. Very good."
He then turned to Ancestor Hongyun, returned the greeting with a cupped hand, and said with a hint of emotion, "Thank you for your concern, Fellow Daoist Hongyun. This journey has indeed taken some time. Although there were some twists and turns and we encountered some dangers along the way, we were ultimately blessed by Heaven and gained a decent amount. It was not a wasted trip."
He walked side by side with Hongyun toward the vibrant banana tree in the center of the courtyard, where the four colors of light (earth, water, fire, and wind) flowed gently.
Along the way, his gaze swept over the golden nine-clawed dragon's shell gleaming in the corner, sensing the increasingly concentrated spirituality within it, and he nodded slightly; then he looked at the calm North Sea Black Tortoise in the spirit pool, feeling the profound and stable aura of it.
As far as his eyes could see, the Nine-Headed Lion and other strange beasts bowed their heads in submission, and the spiritual plants and immortal flowers stretched their branches and leaves. Everything appeared orderly and full of Daoist charm, which made him even more satisfied.
Sitting down on the stone bench under the tree, Ancestor Hongyun naturally asked with concern why only Zhen Yuanzi had returned, and where Wanshou Yuanjun was.
After a moment's thought, Zhen Yuanzi decided that it was not appropriate to reveal the secrets of the Six Paths Reincarnation Disc, such a crucial and potentially earth-shattering Chaos Treasure, to outsiders at this time. Even to his close friend Hongyun, it was necessary to keep it a secret for the time being to avoid any unforeseen complications.
He said vaguely but with certainty, "The Primordial Lord is in the depths of the Netherworld Blood Sea, where she has encountered a different opportunity and fortune than I have. That region is quite special and will greatly benefit her cultivation. She needs to stay there to meditate and comprehend for a considerable period of time and will not be returning to the mountain in the short term."
Upon hearing this, the Red Cloud Ancestor's eyes flashed with surprise and curiosity. What kind of opportunity would require him to stay in the Blood Sea, such a fierce and filthy place, for so long?
However, he has always been open-minded and insightful, and he knows that Zhen Yuanzi's actions are the most prudent, which has its own profound meaning and considerations, and is by no means unfounded.
Without pressing for details, he clapped his hands and laughed, "I see. Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Yuanjun! Though the Blood Sea is perilous, all things in heaven and earth hold a glimmer of hope and destiny. To find an opportunity that suits you there is truly rare. I imagine that after this period of quiet cultivation, Fellow Daoist Yuanjun's cultivation and magical power will greatly improve!"
Zhen Yuanzi smiled and nodded, which was considered as acknowledging Hongyun's statement.
Immediately, his expression turned solemn, and he said to Hongyun, "Fellow Daoist Hongyun, on this long journey, I first went to the East Sea, and then entered the Netherworld Blood Sea. What I saw, heard, experienced, and felt was quite abundant."
"Not only did I witness many different kinds of laws, but I also gained a deeper understanding of the workings of heaven and earth and the cycle of reincarnation of all living beings. Furthermore, I integrated a considerable amount of external Daoist principles and power into my body."
"These insights and powers, though valuable, are like unrefined gold ore. They urgently need careful processing and refinement, removing the dross and retaining the essence, to thoroughly integrate them into one's own foundation before they can be steadily improved and prevent hidden dangers."
"Therefore, I need to go into seclusion for a while to concentrate on fully digesting all the gains I've made. The matter of protecting the Dharma in the mountains is related to my safety during my seclusion, so I'm afraid I'll need to trouble you, fellow Daoist, to take good care of it."
Upon hearing this, Hongyun's expression also turned serious. Without hesitation, he patted his chest and assured him, "Fellow Daoist, please feel free to go into seclusion! We have known each other for countless eons, why be so polite? With me here, I will certainly be on my best to protect Wuzhuang Temple and ensure that nothing outside disturbs your cultivation! Fellow Daoist, just focus on your enlightenment; I will handle everything else!"
He knew that at their level, a significant insight, digestion, and solidification of their foundation could directly determine the future direction and upper limit of their path. The responsibility of protecting the Dharma was as heavy as Mount Tai and could not be taken lightly.
Zhen Yuanzi had complete confidence in Hongyun's promises and abilities. Hearing this, his last worry was relieved, and he once again solemnly bowed and thanked him, saying, "In that case, I will trouble you, fellow Daoist."