Chapter 250

Gu Xiu was strolling on the Three Immortals Island.

Though he appeared to be strolling leisurely, his brows were slightly furrowed, as he was constantly thinking about the Investiture of the Gods.

Unknowingly, he walked to the seaside and found a huge reef to sit on.

The sea waves slapped against the reef, splashing up clusters of white spray.

Just at this moment, a huge shadow emerged from the sea.

It was the sea beast that Bi Xiao had taken in earlier, swimming over slowly.

Its figure was massive, like a mountain range, breaking through the water.

The sea beast approached the reef, slightly lowering its massive head to pay its respects respectfully.

"Dashan pays respects to the High Immortal."

The sea beast's voice was low and heavy, as if it were an echo from the deep sea.

Gu Xiu returned from his deep thoughts, looked at the sea beast, and nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

"I remember your name is Dashan, right? Is there something the matter?"

"It is rare for the High Immortal to remember my name. Dashan saw the High Immortal here and came specifically to pay respects, hoping to be of some small service to the High Immortal."

Gu Xiu's expression was calm: "You have a good heart, but I have no need for help for the time being. You may withdraw."

"Take care, High Immortal. Dashan will take his leave now."

The sea beast slowly raised its massive head, and its huge body began to move backward.

When it moved to a slightly further distance, its massive form suddenly sank downward, its mountain-like back submerging into the sea, stirring up a large patch of white foam and layers of ripples.

Immediately after, its huge head also gradually disappeared beneath the sea surface, leaving only circles of constantly expanding water ripples.

Before long, the sea surface returned to calm.

"This sea beast is quite sensible."

Just as Gu Xiu was looking in the direction where the sea beast had disappeared, sighing,

A clear, bright voice came: "Master!"

The voice came from far to near, and Yang Jian was walking over.

Gu Xiu turned slightly, his gaze falling calmly on Yang Jian, his voice unhurried: "Yang Jian, you came specifically to find me; is there something the matter?"

"Disciple has seen that Master seems to have something troubling him these past few days, so I wanted to share Master's worries."

"Oh? You have a good heart." A hint of gratification flashed in Gu Xiu's eyes: "I am currently thinking about the matter of the Investiture of the Gods."

Yang Jian's expression turned serious, and he said: "Master, although Disciple's cultivation is still shallow, I also want to contribute to the Investiture of the Gods."

Gu Xiu smiled indifferently: "You have a good heart, but this is a matter for the Chan Sect. What we must do is not fall into their schemes."

Yang Jian frowned slightly, and after pondering for a moment: "Since the Chan Sect is planning and scheming like this, Master, why don't we gather our fellow Jie Sect disciples to discuss it together? By pooling our wisdom, perhaps we can find a solution."

Gu Xiu nodded slightly: "I was just planning to talk to your Grandmaster about this, but your Grandmaster and two Junior Martial Aunts have always been detached from worldly affairs and do not know the dangers of the world. They are not suited to deal with the Chan Sect's conspiracies and tricks. This matter should not be publicized yet, so as to avoid causing unnecessary trouble."

Yang Jian nodded and replied: "Disciple understands. Everything is as Master commands."

"Very good. Here is a Five-Turn Golden Pill; take it and use it."

As he spoke, Gu Xiu took out a small, exquisite jade box and opened it gently. A Five-Turn Golden Pill, emitting a brilliant light and a fragrant scent, appeared in the box.

A hint of surprise flashed in Yang Jian's eyes, and he hurriedly took the jade box with both hands: "Thank you, Master, for the reward. Disciple will definitely practice harder and not let down Master's high expectations."

Gu Xiu smiled: "This pill has strong medicinal effects. After taking it, you need to go into seclusion to practice and bring its efficacy to the extreme. You must not be too hasty."

Yang Jian nodded solemnly and replied: "Disciple will keep Master's teachings in mind."

Gu Xiu stepped forward again and gently patted Yang Jian on the shoulder: "Go. Practice well. When you emerge from seclusion, I believe your strength will be able to reach a higher level."

Gu Xiu patted Yang Jian on the shoulder and then left, intending to find the Three Xiao Sisters.

Looking at Gu Xiu's departing back and then at the jade box in his hand, Yang Jian felt a wave of emotion.

"Perhaps it is because Master feels my current strength is too weak that he bestowed this immortal pill."

Gu Xiu's figure moved like the wind, speeding along the winding path toward the Three Xiao Sisters' residence.

Along the way, exotic flowers and rare grasses swayed in the wind, as if gently greeting him.

Before long, he arrived at the place where the Three Xiao Sisters usually discussed the Dao.

An exquisite pavilion stood by a secluded waterside.

It was quiet and serene.

The pavilion was surrounded by faint spiritual mist, adding a sense of mystery.

Not far away was the cave dwelling of the Three Xiao Sisters.

Immortal energy was dense, and auspicious colors abounded.

"Junior Martial Nephew, you came over; is there something the matter?"

As soon as he arrived, Qiong Xiao's voice suddenly rang out, and she appeared before Gu Xiu.

"Junior Martial Aunt, I came to find Master to discuss some matters."

"Big Sister and Third Sister have gone to Jinao Island and will return later. If there is anything, you might as well tell me, and I can pass it on, or you can wait until Big Sister returns."

Then, he thought about the matter of the Investiture of the Gods.

The Chan Sect is accelerating the progress of the Investiture; perhaps soon, Perfected Taiyi will take action against Shi Ji.

"It seems the real contest is about to begin."

Having no heart to continue meditating, he stood up and walked out into the courtyard.

A black dog with a vigorous build suddenly darted out from somewhere.

The black dog's fur was pitch black and shiny, like the ink of deep night, and a pair of eyes flashed with a vigilant light.

It bared its teeth, and a low, fierce growl emanated from its throat.

Gu Xiu was puzzled: "Where did this dog come from?" He thought of how Yang Jian's standard equipment included a dog.

"Could this be the Sky-Barking Hound?"

Gu Xiu stopped his steps, his gaze meeting the black dog's stare calmly.

Facing Gu Xiu's gaze, the black dog's body tensed, its muscle lines clearly visible, every hair standing on end, staring fixedly at Gu Xiu, full of aggression.

"Sky-Barking Hound, do not be rude to the Master!" A sharp shout came.

Yang Jian walked over.

Hearing this familiar voice, the black dog's originally fierce momentum suddenly dissipated, and it ran over, wagging its tail happily.

It rubbed affectionately against Yang Jian's legs, making whimpering, fawning sounds in its throat, looking exactly like a sycophantic dog.

Yang Jian squatted down, gently stroking the Sky-Barking Hound's head, and scolded: "Sky-Barking Hound, this is my Master; how can you be disrespectful to him?"

The Sky-Barking Hound seemed to understand, drooping its head, its eyes full of obedience and fawning.

Yang Jian stood up and cupped his hands in salute to Gu Xiu: "Master, this is the Sky-Barking Hound I encountered while out training. Seeing that it had a connection with me, I took it in. It just offended you; I hope you will not blame it. I will teach it a lesson later."

Gu Xiu smiled slightly: "No matter. It is loyal and protective of its master, just a bit reckless. It does indeed need to be taught well how to be a good dog."

Yang Jian apologized again, then looked at the Sky-Barking Hound, his eyes carrying a hint of warning: "Sky-Barking Hound, you are not allowed to be so rude to the Master next time, or I will not spare you!"

The Sky-Barking Hound barked twice, as if responding to Yang Jian's words, its expression also appearing very aggrieved.

"Master." Gu Xiu bowed with cupped hands.

Yun Xiao moved with lotus steps and walked forward: "Gu Xiu, why are you here?"

"I came to find Master, but since Master was not here, I was discussing some matters with Junior Martial Aunt Qiong Xiao." Gu Xiu explained unhurriedly.

"Do you have something to say to me?" Yun Xiao's eyes were filled with doubt.

"Master, the three religions have already signed the Investiture of the Gods list together. However, the current situation is that the Chan Sect has been constantly plotting outside, and they are fully prepared in every aspect, while we have kept our mountain gates tightly closed, quietly chanting the Huangting Scripture, and have not done any preparatory work. Regarding this situation, what is your view?"