Chapter 182

Having driven off Jade Cauldron True Person and seized the future guardian of the Chan Sect, this first level is considered passed.

Gu Xiu sat at the stone table, leisurely sipping tea, while Bi Xiao was overjoyed, rushing toward the stone table like a gust of happy wind.

Her face lit up with a happy smile, she took three steps at a time and sat down unrestrained opposite Gu Xiu.

Gu Xiu asked, "Martial Uncle, did you encounter something good?"

"We drove off Jade Cauldron True Person; isn't such a proud deed worth being happy about?"

Gu Xiu slightly raised his eyes, looking at Bi Xiao: "Driving off Jade Cauldron True Person is indeed worth being happy about, but Martial Uncle coming to find me must have other business, right?"

Bi Xiao made a hushing gesture, poked her head out, looked around, and seeing no one, spoke softly.

"I cut off one of Jade Cauldron's immortal roots; he's surely hiding somewhere in the East Sea to heal his wounds. If we find him and give him a lesson, will the Chan Sect still dare to look down on my Jie Sect disciples?"

Gu Xiu frowned slightly: "Martial Uncle, do you want me to go out with you to find Jade Cauldron True Person?"

Bi Xiao giggled: "As expected, you understand your Martial Uncle."

"Ding!"

"Bi Xiao invites the host to go out together to find Jade Cauldron's whereabouts, triggering an event option; please make a choice, host."

"Option One: Refuse Bi Xiao's request, reward one thousand years of cultivation!"

"Option Two: Agree to go out with Bi Xiao to search for Jade Cauldron True Person's traces, reward the location where Jade Cauldron True Person is hiding!"

Looking at the system options before him, Gu Xiu didn't know what to say.

Is this reward even a reward?

But the East Sea is so vast that if two people search aimlessly, it's indeed hard to find anything.

Anyway, the Chan Sect has been secretly dealing with the Jie Sect; now that we have a chance to teach Jade Cauldron True Person a lesson, Gu Xiu will naturally not let it pass.

He silently chose the second option in his heart.

"Ding!"

"Choice successful, the hiding place of Jade Cauldron True Person has been marked for the host."

With the system's prompt sounding, Gu Xiu's mind gained the location where Jade Cauldron True Person is hiding.

Martial Uncle, we shouldn't delay; let's hurry out to find True Person Yudin, lest True Person Yudin run away if we're late.

Bi Xiao hadn't expected Gu Xiu to agree so readily.

You understand me; let's go quickly, lest the Eldest Senior Sister and Second Senior Sister find out.

She will come looking for Gu Xiu, since Gu Xiu is Yun Xiao's disciple; if discovered sneaking out, both would be punished, which is better than only one being punished.

The two of them delayed no further.

They emerged from Three Immortals Island.

They arrived at the East Sea.

They extended their divine sense to search the nearby islands.

The East Sea is vast and boundless, with islands scattered like stars.

Without the system's markings, the two of them would hardly be able to find True Person Yudin's hiding place.

Gu Xiu deliberately brought Bi Xiao along to the island where True Person Yudin was hiding.

"Do you think True Person Yudin will be here?" Bi Xiao asked doubtfully.

Gu Xiu nodded: "Martial Uncle, I have a feeling that True Person Yudin is nearby."

As Gu Xiu spoke, Gu Xiu's eyes shot out divine light, aiming at a small hill on an island below.

Boom—

The small hill on the island was blown apart.

At the same time, True Person Yudin's figure flew out from within, saying angrily and flustered.

"I, this humble daoist, deliberately chose a place far from Three Immortals Island to hide, yet you two managed to find this place; are you intending to wipe us out completely?"

Upon seeing True Person Yudin appear, Bi Xiao's eyes flashed with a hint of surprise.

It really was Gu Xiu who found True Person Yudin.

"Heh, True Person Yudin, you, a disciple of the Sect of the Cutting Edge, come to our Three Immortals Island to steal chickens and dogs; if we don't give you a lesson, you'll really think we're easy to bully!"

With Gu Xiu holding the line, Bi Xiao unhesitatingly took out the Golden Dragon Shears.

"True Person Yudin, let me sever a few more of your immortal roots!"

Having said that, Bi Xiao threw the Golden Dragon Shears, which transformed into two flood dragons, carrying world-destroying might as they lunged at True Person Yudin.

Knowing well the power of the Golden Dragon Shears, True Person Yudin dared not hesitate the slightest, turning and fleeing; wind rose beneath the feet, the form like lightning, transforming into a stream of light as True Person Yudin desperately fled into the distance.

Upon seeing this, Bi Xiao gave chase from behind, gritting her silver teeth: "True Person Yudin, you won't escape today!"

Upon seeing this, noting that Bi Xiao and Gu Xiu were pursuing so closely, True Person Yudin gritted the teeth, immediately employed a secret concealment technique; True Person Yudin's form vanished from the spot, and when it reappeared, it was already millions of li away.

At this moment, True Person Yudin's appearance was extremely disheveled, hair flying, completely lacking the former immortal bearing, as True Person Yudin shouted curses toward the direction of Three Immortals Island.

"The Jie Sect, this bunch of hairy, horned brutes, are simply bullying too much!"

"When have I, True Person Yudin, ever suffered such humiliation!"

"One day, if I, True Person Yudin, achieve the ambition to soar to the clouds, I will surely repay double!"

……

Seeing True Person Yudin even use the life-saving secret technique, Bi Xiao's heart blossomed with joy, she couldn't stop smiling.

"Gu Xiu, you saw that just now, didn't you? True Person Yudin's sorry state."

Gu Xiu nodded: "Martial Uncle, I saw that, but don't pursue a desperate foe; in the future, if we encounter disciples of the Sect of the Cutting Edge, one person shouldn't pursue too deeply, lest we fall into their trap."

Bi Xiao patted her chest to assure: "Martial Uncle, I know what I'm doing; this time we're just scaring True Person Yudin, let's head back."

Jiang Ziya had not yet descended the mountain to confer godhood, the three teachings had not yet totally broken ties, so Bi Xiao also dared not truly kill True Person Yudin.

The two returned to Three Immortals Island, only to see Yun Xiao already waiting for them.

"Big sister, why are you here?" Bi Xiao felt a bit guilty, like a thief.

Yun Xiao pretended to be angry and said: "I'm not here, where else could I be? I already said that with the great calamity approaching, don't run around outside recklessly."

"Big sister, I'm worried that True Person Yuding hasn't given up his evil intentions and is still hiding in the East Sea, up to no good. I went out with Gu Xiu to investigate his whereabouts; if you don't believe me, ask your precious disciple."

Bi Xiao stepped forward, wrapped her arms around Yun Xiao's arm and acted coquettishly, then secretly glanced at Gu Xiu.

Gu Xiu understood and clasped his hands in salute.

"Master, I and Aunt Bi Xiao really went out to investigate True Person Yuding's whereabouts, to prevent him from harboring evil intentions and causing trouble in secret."

Yun Xiao walked lightly, pacing back and forth: "True Person Yuding is injured; in the short term, he shouldn't make a move. Bi Xiao, stay put on Three Immortals Island. Gu Xiu, prepare yourself; tomorrow I'll take you to Gold Ao Island to visit your various uncles and aunts."

"Yes, elder sister."

"Yes, Master."

After being on Three Immortals Island for so long, finally going to Gold Ao Island to get acquainted, Gu Xiu also felt a bit eager.

……

The next day.

Early in the morning, Yun Xiao came to find Gu Xiu, and the two headed for Gold Ao Island.

Gold Ao Island floats above the East Sea; its peaks rise and fall, broken shadows layered, immortal qi suffuses the air, auspicious signs fill the sky.

At the heart of Gold Ao Island, the Bi You Palace is grand and magnificent, with miraculous phenomena arising, manifesting all kinds of wonders.

Gu Xiu and Yun Xiao arrived at Gold Ao Island, originally intending to get acquainted with Duobao and the Four Holy Mothers.

But somehow word leaked out; the matter of True Person Yuding suffering a setback on Three Immortals Island, and later his pursuit by Bi Xiao, spread without basis, becoming the talk of the town.

As soon as he and Yun Xiao appeared, the Jie Sect disciples on Gold Ao Island gathered around to greet them.

"Greetings, Senior Sister Yun Xiao."

"Senior Sister Yun Xiao, this must be the disciple you took in? Indeed, he has an outstanding appearance."

"Junior nephew, I heard you attacked and wounded True Person Yuding; you've brought great honor to our Jie Sect. From now on, I won't even need to lean on a wall—I'm utterly convinced by you!"

"Junior nephew, if anyone bullies you, tell me and I'll stand up for you."

Gu Xiu looked bewildered; he never expected that on his first visit to Gold Ao Island, all the uncles, aunts, senior brothers and sisters would be so enthusiastic.

Helpless, he could only go through the motions.

After shaking off the entanglements of many fellow disciples, Yun Xiao shook her head: "This is clearly Bi Xiao's doing."

Gu Xiu didn't know what to say for a moment, so he just joked.

"I didn't expect Aunt Bi Xiao to be quite skilled in this regard..."

We originally came to get acquainted with Duobao and the Four Holy Mothers, but now they probably already know about him.

Gold Ao Island is formed by hundreds of spiritual veins crossing and intertwining, nourished by those veins, evolving into a blessed land for cultivation in all four directions; many Jie Sect disciples' abodes are located on the island.

And the abodes of the four direct lineages are the finest caves within the southeastern, southwestern, northwestern, and northeastern blessed lands.

Gu Xiu and Yun Xiao planned to first visit Duobao.

Just as they arrived, before Yun Xiao could introduce them, Duobao's voice came from within the cave dwelling.

"Junior Sister Yun Xiao, this is the disciple you took in? Indeed, he's quite extraordinary."

Having consumed the Chaos Lotus Seed and undergone bodily transformation, Duobao would not be surprised by Gu Xiu at all.

Seeing a somewhat plump Daoist step out, Gu Xiu clasped his hands: "Gu Xiu, greetings, Elder Duobao."

Although Duobao is plump, he shows no sign of clumsiness; his face always bears a kind smile, very approachable.

"Junior nephew, I've heard of your deeds; the Jie Sect and the Chan Sect have long harbored grudges, but we cannot act rashly. As a junior who wounded True Person Yuding, even the Second Uncle cannot say much."

"You have vented a foul breath for my Jie Sect; Uncle, I will give you a magical treasure as a greeting gift."

Seeing Duobao hand over a bag, Gu Xiu wondered: "Uncle, what is this bag used for?"

Duobao lightly said: "This is the Cosmos Bag I refined; though it looks small, it contains the universe within, capable of holding a small world—whether rare treasures or weapons, they can be easily stored inside, and its sealing power can also capture enemies."

"Many thanks, Uncle, for the treasure."

Upon hearing the description, Gu Xiu's eyes lit up; the Cosmos Bag is quite handy for storing things in daily use.

……

After bidding farewell to Duobao, they next went to visit the Golden Spirit Holy Mother.

The Golden Spirit Holy Mother saw Yun Xiao's happy face, and they exchanged greetings and pleasantries.

Gu Xiu also found it hard to interject; after they finished chatting, he then clasped his hands.

"I pay my respects, Golden Spirit Uncle."

As the foremost female immortal of the Jie Sect, the Golden Spirit Holy Mother has a dignified countenance, eyes like stars, and her feet bring auspicious signs.

After glancing at Gu Xiu and nodding with a smile, she said: "These past days on Gold Ao Island, everyone has been talking about how you and the Three Immortals Junior Sisters have beaten True Person Yuding into a sorry state—especially you, as a junior, you have made True Person Yuding lose all face, giving our Jie Sect disciples a vent for their anger; everyone is delighted, and I believe Elder Duobao has already given you a greeting gift."

"But Uncle doesn't have as many treasures as Elder Duobao; this Spirit-Rending Robe counts as Uncle's greeting gift to you."

The Golden Spirit Holy Mother raised her hand, and a gleaming golden robe appeared in her palm.

"Whatever is given freely, Gu Xiu wants; he clasped his hands and said: 'Many thanks, Uncle, but what effect does this robe have?'"

The Golden Spirit Holy Mother slowly said: "The Spirit-Rending Robe is my creation; as its name implies, this robe can communicate with the wearer's mind, automatically sense danger and form a protective barrier in advance, the barrier's strength increasing with the wearer's magical power."

"Many thanks, Uncle, for the treasure." It sounded not bad; wearing it also counts as adding an extra layer of insurance for oneself.

After parting with the Golden Spirit Holy Mother, they then visited the Turtle Spirit Holy Mother and the Non-attachment Holy Mother respectively, each receiving a treasure.

The Turtle Spirit Holy Mother was generous, lavishly praising Gu Xiu for bringing honor to the Jie Sect, and directly gave him a lower-grade innate spiritual treasure.

The more mysterious Non-attachment Holy Mother's magical treasure was also rather special: she gave him a puppet.

After visiting the four direct lineages, Gu Xiu specifically went to see the Fire Spirit Holy Mother before returning with Yun Xiao to Three Immortals Island.

This trip to get acquainted was quite fruitful; upon returning, Gu Xiu began studying the treasures he had obtained.

He discovered that the puppet given by the Non-attachment Holy Mother offered considerable room for manipulation.

As long as the spell is chanted to activate it, it becomes a puppet indistinguishable from a real person, able to communicate with people and imitate anyone's appearance and voice.

It's quite good for running errands, serving tea and water, and attending to people.

Suddenly, a clear, bell-like voice rang out.

"Gu Xiu, what are you doing?"

A slender jade hand slapped Gu Xiu's shoulder.

The comer was Bi Xiao, looking curiously at Gu Xiu as he fiddled with things.

"Martial Uncle, I'm just sorting through the things the martial uncles and elders gave me."

Gu Xiu was very curious about where Bi Xiao had come from.

Upon hearing that, Bi Xiao blinked her lively eyes and leaned in with interest.

"Let Martial Uncle take a look."

Since Martial Uncle was so proactive, Gu Xiu couldn't refuse: "Thank you, Martial Uncle."

Bi Xiao crouched down and began toying with those few magic treasures, as if playing with a new toy.

"The magic treasures given by Senior Martial Brother Duobao and Senior Martial Sister Jinling are quite suitable for your cultivation level, but could we discuss something? May I borrow the puppet that Martial Sister Wudang gave you for Martial Uncle's use?"

"Martial Uncle, if you like it, just take it."

"Martial Nephew, you're really good; Martial Uncle will definitely take you to fun places in the future."

……

Time flew by; the Investiture of the Gods had reached its second year, which was also the eighth year of King Zhou's reign.

Marquis of Yizhou Su Hu duly raised troops in rebellion.

Kunlun Mountain.

Jade Void Palace.

After returning from the East Sea, True Person Jade Cauldron went back to Kunlun Mountain and then proceeded to Jade Void Palace to pay respects to Yuanshi Tianzun.

"Jade Cauldron pays respects to the Venerable Master, wishing the Venerable Master boundless longevity!"

True Person Jade Cauldron laid his head on the ground, not daring to look at Yuanshi Tianzun.

Yuanshi Tianzun sat enthroned upon the auspicious clouds, opened his eyes, and glanced at True Person Jade Cauldron.

"Jade Cauldron, do you have any business?"

"Venerable Master, I am incapable; the matter of accepting Yang Jian as a disciple has encountered some mishaps."

Yang Jian was a future Dharma protector that the Orthodox Sect had specially plotted for.

Even before his birth, everything had been calculated; logically, it should have been foolproof.

Yuanshi Tianzun frowned slightly.

"Tell me what happened."

Although his voice was calm and unruffled, it carried a majesty that could not be refused.

True Person Jade Cauldron could only recount how, while pursuing the mishap of accepting a disciple all the way to the shore of the East Sea, the incident that occurred on Three Immortals Island unfolded.

Of course, he deliberately omitted the embarrassing parts.

Upon hearing that, Yuanshi Tianzun secretly calculated and found that Yang Jian was indeed already someone else's disciple.

But Yuanshi found it hard to believe that a third-generation disciple of the Jie Sect would sabotage his Orthodox Sect's plans; he wondered whether it was related to Tong Tian, using a third-generation disciple as a scapegoat so he wouldn't have to launch a punitive expedition over a mere third-generation disciple.

Seeing Yuanshi Tianzun remain silent, True Person Jade Cauldron felt terrified and uneasy.

"My disciple is incompetent; I earnestly beg the Venerable Master to punish him!"

"This matter must be related to Tong Tian; whoever dares to seize the Orthodox Sect's future Dharma protector, this Venerable One will certainly not let it go—I will personally go to Biyou Palace to seek an explanation!"

Upon hearing that, True Person Jade Cauldron felt delighted; perhaps, with a sage intervening, this disciple Yang Jian still has a chance.