Chapter 649: The Siblings Are About to Reunite

Above the blue sky, the White Cloud Xiangong.

A burly middle-aged man in heavy armor sat astride a fearsome beast that resembled a tiger yet bore the likeness of a lion, with a thick, resplendent golden mane around its neck.

He gripped the reins, gaze fixed straight ahead.

The lion-tiger beast's stout limbs advanced unhurriedly, its broad paws landing soundlessly upon the immortal-jade corridor.

Within the Xiangong, one need not dismount — that was the privilege of a fifth-rank Immortal General.

"I heard General Qingluan sent you down to the mortal realm to attend the ceremony on his behalf. Why have you not departed yet?"

He asked calmly. Behind the lion-tiger beast, a woman of graceful bearing followed on foot.

Hearing the question, the woman only then slightly raised her head and said softly, "Princess Ziling was too hasty and forgot the proprieties. Fortunately, my lord Bimawen reminded me, so I was delayed for some time."

"…"

The man fell silent for a moment, then finally deigned to glance back, yet said nothing more.

Having risen to fifth-rank Immortal General within the Immortal Court, he had seen countless women of this sort — whether they were deliberately putting on airs to provoke him, or truly repenting in earnest, he cared nothing for it.

"Since you've been delayed, then make haste. I recall you too are from Hongze, so take this chance to descend to the mortal realm and do me a favor — pay a visit to my worthless nephew."

Having spoken, the man withdrew his gaze. His ties with that nephew were hardly close; after all, whether in talent or temperament, the lad was far too lacking, and had once committed no small blunder.

It was only that he and the boy's parents had once been fellow disciples on good terms, and he had received much help from the two of them. After senior brother and senior sister perished, by every sentiment and every reason, he ought to prepare a way out for that boy.

The boy was reasonably filial — on appointed days, he would always send letters to pay respects to his uncles.

After reading too many of those syrupy words, one grew weary of them.

The man rarely bothered to look through them anymore, but on this return, he discovered the desk where the letters should have been was utterly empty — which, oddly enough, made him think of that nephew.

"General Hongjing overstates things. Ziling had long wished to return and look about. Had Lord Shi not recommended me with all his might, this servant would never have had the chance to ascend to the heavenly halls of the Xiangong."

Speaking thus far, Princess Ziling bowed again with utmost respect.

These generals within the Xiangong, besides holding office in the heavens, were mostly themselves members of the Sanxian Sect, each with their own lineage — from their Daoist titles one could roughly deduce beneath which Immortal Venerable they served.

Take General Qingluan, for instance — his fellow disciples all took divine birds as their titles. As for General Hongjing, his master preferred to name his disciples after heavenly treasures and rare marvels.

Hearing the word "servant," General Hongjing slightly raised his eyes, and only after a pause did a faint smile appear: "Qingluan is in his prime these days. As his sole mount, you do keep the word 'humility' close to heart."

So it is said — before a prime minister's gate, even a seventh-rank official stands tall. Those who abuse their master's power to do as they please are hardly few. This woman, at least, knew her place.

It so happened that he also wished to transfer that nephew back to the Immortal Court.

Playing at Hou Tu Huang Di in some remote corner — comfortable, yes, but ultimately without prospects. If Qingluan were truly promoted, there would surely be many vacancies opening beneath him.

It happened that his nephew had an old acquaintance with this dragon woman; serving together under Qingluan later, they could look after one another.

Through this chance, he himself could also forge a bond of goodwill with Qingluan.

"Let us go."

Thinking thus, Immortal General Hongjing dismounted, led the lion-tiger beast by its reins, and stepped unhurriedly into the Imperial Stables.

"We greet the General!"

Several strongmen hurried forward to take the lion-tiger beast, but were waved off by General Hongjing. They could only stand there exchanging uncertain glances: "You are… is there something you require?"

Immortal General Hongjing said nothing, walking with Princess Ziling toward the front, until he came before the towering Golden Body who was recording the registry. He toyed with the reins in his hand: "Are you the newly appointed Bimawen?"

Lady Qinghua froze for a moment, then rose and bowed: "This humble official pays respects to the Immortal General."

By rights, the two were not of the same system, and this being their first meeting, there was no need for such formality.

Yet General Hongjing did not bid her rise, but stood quietly, expression indifferent, watching the Bimawen bend fully at the waist — until she went down on one knee. Only then did he say lightly, "My immortal beast is used to the best of food and drink. See to it carefully, and let nothing go amiss."

"This humble official understands." Lady Qinghua responded with cupped fists.

"If there is any problem, have Princess Ziling report to this General. Do you understand?"

General Hongjing raised a brow and handed the reins over.

"…"

The Supervisors and Vice-Supervisors around them scarcely dared to breathe — every one a seasoned hand, how could they fail to see what was happening before them?

"This humble official understands."

Lady Qinghua fell silent for a moment and reached out to take the reins. But at the very instant of contact, Immortal General Hongjing drew his hand back. He turned to look at Princess Ziling: "I nearly forgot — you are to attend the ceremony in the mortal realm. It happens that this immortal beast of mine is also of Puti Sect origin, and once committed a grave offense. The Venerable stripped it of its fruit-position and sent it to the Immortal Court to atone. Take it along with you — it may serve as your protector."

"Many thanks, General Hongjing!"

At these words, Princess Ziling bowed as though overwhelmed by the favor, while the people of the Imperial Stables beside them turned pale.

This General had never intended to return the immortal beast to the Imperial Stables at all — this whole visit was deliberately meant to slight their lord's face. And to lend one's personal mount to another as a protector — what immense favor was that?

"No need for such ceremony."

Immortal General Hongjing smiled faintly and said affably, "Once your business is done, return this wretched beast to the Imperial Stables for me."

Having spoken, he strode straight out of the Imperial Stables. Even now, he still had not uttered a word telling Lady Qinghua to rise.

After the General had departed completely.

The lion-tiger beast slowly took human form — likewise a burly man, with a thick mane of golden hair.

As a mount, merely hearing Princess Ziling's words just now was enough to roughly guess what had transpired.

He rose to his feet, looked toward the towering Golden Body, eyes full of mischief: "My lord, if there is nothing else, we shall take our leave."

"…"

Lady Qinghua was about to rise, but Princess Ziling quietly stood before her. As Bimawen, she had plainly been bowing to Immortal General Hongjing, yet now it seemed as though she knelt before this purple-maned white dragon.

"This is the written order Ziling has prepared. Please, my lord, have a look."

Princess Ziling appeared entirely unaware of anything amiss, her gaze guileless, her bearing graceful, as she handed the order over.

Her face bore a smile beyond reproach.

Only Lady Qinghua, who stood close at hand, read a hint of playfulness within that serene smile.

"Is something the matter, my lord?" Princess Ziling's smile deepened.

"Nothing at all."

Lady Qinghua stood up, took the handwritten decree, and after a brief glance said, "No problem, go ahead."

She had come up to the heavens on her master's business, not to quarrel with anyone.

She was originally a wild demon of the mortal realm; if not for her master's favor, she wouldn't even have the right to stand before this gathering of immortals, so what grievance was there to speak of?

She turned to register the decree, but heard that woman's gentle voice rise again from behind her.

"My lord, my mistress will be returning soon."

"And so?" Lady Qinghua glanced back.

"When that time comes, Ziling shall come pay another visit."

Princess Ziling withdrew her smile and stared intently at the Golden Body; she had always believed that making enemies was a most irrational act.

Therefore she never made meaningless gestures.

But if there was a grudge, she would see to it that the other party was cast into an abyss of no return in one stroke, with no chance of recovery.

It had been many years since anyone had reminded her of her status as a mount.

Since the Bi Ma Wen my lord before her wished to bring it up, he had best be prepared to bear the brunt of her wrath.

A seventh-rank immortal official... ha.

Zi Ling Xianzi cast a brief glance toward the distant stables, and a barely perceptible chill crept across her serene features.

Lady Qinghua, as if she had not caught the threat in those words, gave a slight nod of her chin and withdrew her gaze. "You are welcome."

Hearing this, Ziling paused for a beat, still smiling, and departed together with that burly man bristling with golden hair.

Tch, stubborn.

A fellow who ascended through merit and virtue like this had a mind too wooden; he only knew the size of an official rank, yet failed to see what lay behind it.

To put it bluntly, this man didn't even have a single master or friend; if something truly happened, who would pay him any heed?

No need for further words.

When the day came for her to return to the heavens, this fool would naturally come to know what sort of existence he had offended.

"My lord—"

Once no outsiders remained within the Imperial Stables, the Supervisor and Vice Supervisor stepped forward with complicated expressions: "Perhaps... you might prepare some courtesy and offer an apology to this Zi Ling Xianzi?"

The strongmen also gathered close, lowering their voices to advise: "Don't feel ashamed. When General Qingluan Xuanwei returns, this xianzi will naturally shed her identity as a mount, and then she'll be your colleague—both of you immortals. Bowing your head a little is no great matter."

They knew well how difficult it was to ascend through merit and virtue; why throw away such a fine immortal registry for the sake of a momentary fit of pique?

"Go about your business."

Lady Qinghua closed her eyes; no matter how helpless she felt within, she absolutely refused to let it show on the surface.

This woman was her master's enemy; without her master's consent, and as the Suppressing Stone herself, what reason was there to bow her head?

The only thing she felt self-reproach for was that she had taken this immortal rank yet accomplished nothing for her master, and was even about to lose it so soon.

……

Shenzhou, Jianyang Prefecture.

Upon a high cliff, three people waited in silence.

Shen Yi stood with arms folded against a boulder, eyes closed, sensing the changes within his lotus platform.

Under the protection of the newly acquired precious scripture.

At present, both the Lotus Platform and the Green Wood had reached the perfection of the Six Tribulations, meaning that the two Seventh-Rank Paths—Taiyi True Immortal and the Vajra Wanderer—had both reached their end.

As for the sixth-rank realms, the Heavenly Immortal and the Golden Lotus Wanderer, there was presently no clue at all.

Shen Yi had also tried using the lifespans of demons and monsters to forcefully push forward the later paths, but just as Meng Xiuwen had said, these realms were merely transitions; without entering fifth rank, one simply could not perceive the true face of heaven and earth.

If one couldn't even understand it on sight, what talk was there of deducing it?

A moment's carelessness and one would be swept up by the tribulations, meeting the fate of the Dao dissipating and the body perishing.

A master...

Shen Yi opened his eyes and cast his gaze forward—perhaps he truly had to do as they had discussed earlier, placing his hopes upon that General General Yan Lan?

But he wasn't even acquainted with the other party.

The Puti Sect's scripture-teaching assembly would likely have many disciples present; if he could seize the chance to obtain a sixth-rank technique, it would solve this problem as well.

But the moment he thought that this scripture-teaching assembly was presided over by a Venerable, Shen Yi felt a good deal of headache.

According to Meng Xiuwen, such beings were figures who could blot out the heavens; trying to cause trouble under their very eyes was basically no different from seeking death.

"Finally back."

Meng Xiuwen seemed to sense something and stretched his body out of boredom.

As his words fell, a travel-worn figure streaked in as a flash of light and came to a halt before the three. The woman, who had once been dashing and valiant, was now wrapped in thick weariness, the light in her very eyes dimmed by several degrees.

It was hard to imagine what sort of matter could reduce a fifth-rank Taiyi immortal to such a state.

Ye Lan swept her gaze across the three of them and, without much explanation, gave a brief instruction: "I couldn't keep the news contained; it's spread too far. You all come with me, to keep the situation from spiraling out of control."

"Spread too far?" Meng Xiuwen spat out the grass root in his mouth, his expression turning solemn.

"A full seventeen prefectures. Not to mention cultivators and sects, even among the common folk the news has passed from mouth to ear—they want to go to Heshan to pay homage to the Buddha, hoping to catch a touch of the Bodhisattva's spiritual light." Ye Lan's voice was slightly hoarse.

All manner of people gathering in one place.

A moment's carelessness and something big enough to alarm the Imperial Capital might erupt; the imperial court and Zhan Yao Si would inevitably have to step in.

"His grandma's, they've got nothing better to do!" Meng Xiuwen couldn't help cursing.

Ye Lan waved her hand to cut him off: "Go back and give Min Lao a word—while Zhan Yao Si is heading to Heshan in full, ask him to trouble himself with looking after Jianyang Prefecture, and not let any trouble arise."

Heshan would likely become the safest place in all of Dananzhou, but these seventeen great prefectures would all be left hollow.

"Understood."

Without further wasted words, Meng Xiuwen took Shen Yi and the other, and swiftly streaked toward the Earth God Temple.

Before the three could even speak, it was Min Zhiyan who said first: "That purple-whiskered white dragon came by earlier with people looking for you. Not finding you, he asked this old man to pass along a word—he heard there's a Bodhisattva giving teachings at Heshan, so he's taken a few of your country fellows along to see the world."

"He sure knows how to pick a spot." Meng Xiuwen rolled his eyes but said nothing more. Under the scrutiny of the entire imperial court and Zhan Yao Si, if something could go wrong even at Heshan, then there wouldn't be many safe places left in Shenzhou.

"Understood."

Shen Yi gave a slight nod; he could understand.

After all, what Ziyang wanted most was to help the people of Hongze find their own opportunities, so that they could work together with one heart to rescue the remnant soul of the East Dragon King—how could he possibly miss such a grand occasion?

For the imperial court, this was turmoil, but for most cultivators, it was a heaven-sent opportunity.

Even if they couldn't hear the Puti Sect preach the Dharma, they could still use this chance to make connections with a few true immortal seniors.

"Everyone, please go ahead. Jianyang Prefecture has this old man keeping watch."

Min Zhiyan looked at the three before him, his gaze settling on Shen Yi. Although the other two each had their own opportunities and backgrounds, for some reason he felt that this young man from the countryside was the one with the brightest future.

The only shortcoming, perhaps, was that his experience was too shallow and he had no connections to speak of.

This trip to Heshan could make up for those two flaws — making a few more friends from Zhan Yao Si, so that in future cultivation they could look out for one another.

And with General General Yan Lan watching at his side, it would be just the thing to help rein in his temperament.

"Is there anything else you need to prepare?"

Meng Xiuwen looked over: "Once you're ready, let's set off."

"Alright."

Shen Yi looked ahead with a hint of anticipation. Forget Ziyang — even he himself wanted to see what the true great powers of this realm actually looked like.

A Venerable on par with a third-rank immortal official was already a being standing high above the blue heavens.

Just then, his expression faltered slightly as Lady Qinghua's voice rang out in his mind.

"My lord, Princess Ziling has descended to the mortal realm!"

"I don't know where she went, but from what the immortal general said, it seems to be related to the Puti Sect's Dharma lecture. She's gone in place of General Qingluan to attend the ceremony — should Qinghua go investigate more carefully?"

Shen Yi did not respond, only suddenly turned his head to look at the Earth Deity, the other's earlier words echoing in his ears.

Ziyang… Princess Ziling…

When this former pair of siblings appeared in the same place—

At the thought, Shen Yi's pupils contracted sharply and he clenched his fists tight.

(End of chapter)