Chapter 348: Xi Daoyun and Yu Qi

The mountain-guarding disciple did not dare to neglect his duties. He immediately took out a Communication Jade Talisman and reported the matter.

The message first reached the Inner Sect deacons, then the Elders, and finally, the Sect Master.

Unlike the Profound Moon Sect, the Sect Master of the Spirit Taming Sect was not held by a powerful Nascent Soul Stage expert.

Over the course of several millennia, strict rules had long been established.

The Sect Master of the Spirit Taming Sect was always a Mid-stage Golden Core cultivator, replaced every two hundred years, or stepping down if they broke through to the Nascent Soul Stage.

About the time it takes to finish a cup of tea later.

The message finally arrived deep within the Spirit Taming Sect, reaching a picturesque peak shrouded in thick, impenetrable spiritual mist and the faint roars of beasts.

This peak was named Strange Beast Peak, and it was the location of Grand Elder Yu Qi's Grotto-Residence for quiet cultivation.

The Spirit Taming Sect possessed several Fourth-Tier Spirit Veins. Every Grand Elder enjoyed exclusive use of one, and the Sect Master Peak also possessed one.

Although Fourth-Tier Spirit Veins were rare, the Spirit Taming Sect had accumulated deep Heritage over thousands of years, having experienced dozens of battles for Connate Secret Realms and Ancient Secret Realms.

Except for one that originally belonged to this land, the rest had been plundered.

This included a massive number of Three-Tier Spiritual Veins.

Inside a Grotto-Residence at the summit of Strange Beast Peak, a Daoist sitting quietly on a Meditation Cushion comprehending the Dao slowly opened his eyes.

He appeared to be in his fifties or sixties. His hair was meticulously combed and bound with a Purple Gold Daoist Crown, revealing a broad forehead and hair that was a mix of gray and white.

His face was gaunt but featured sharp, regular features, with a long beard draping down his chest.

He wore a luxurious yet dignified Purple-Gold Dharma Robe with wide sleeves.

Cloud patterns and the faint phantoms of Spirit Beasts were embroidered upon it with dark gold thread, shimmering subtly in rhythm with his breathing.

The Daoist had a well-proportioned and upright figure. Even while sitting perfectly still, he exuded an aura as deep as the ocean, possessing a commanding presence without needing to show anger.

This person was precisely the second-ranked Grand Elder of the Spirit Taming Sect, a Mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator—Yu Qi.

With a flick of his Sleeve Robe, a Communication Jade Talisman flew out from his Storage Ring. It spewed out a burst of golden rosy light, forming several lines of text in mid-air.

"Xi Daoyun... why has he come?"

Yu Qi murmured to himself, "It has been several hundred years since we last parted... Calculating the years, his remaining Lifespan should be less than a century, right?"

"Could it be that he has come to catch up before his impending end?"

Before forming his Nascent Soul, he had traveled through the Heavenly South, visited the Northwest Region, and tempered himself in the Black Wind Mountain Range.

He had encountered grave danger at that time, and it was Xi Daoyun who intervened to save him.

The two had forged a Friendship That Transcends Age.

Over a hundred years after that, he stepped into the Nascent Soul Stage.

When he held his Nascent Soul Grand Ceremony, he had even specially sent a disciple to invite him to the Spirit Taming Sect to attend.

A hint of complex emotion flashed through Yu Qi's eyes.

There was a slight ripple of emotion at reuniting with an old friend, but also a faint sigh at the ruthlessness of the Great Dao and the unforgiving march of time.

For Cultivators, especially those who had reached their level.

A prolonged closed-door seclusion or a distant journey could very well mean a final farewell.

'He might also be here to call in a Favor,'

Yu Qi pondered in his heart.

"Forget it."

He gently shook his head and stood tall, his Purple-Gold Dharma Robe fluttering without any wind.

"An old friend has traveled far to come here; how could I not see him?

No matter the reason, after this time, I am afraid there will never be another day for us to meet."

He did not summon a servant boy or disciple. Instead, his figure blurred as he transformed into a streak of pale purple light, flying directly out of Strange Beast Peak and heading toward the mountain gate.

At the mountain gate.

Xi Daoyun seemed to sense something and raised his eyes to look over.

He saw a streak of purple light sweeping over from deep within the sect. Its speed was incredible, arriving right before him in the blink of an eye. The radiant light retracted, revealing Yu Qi's figure clad in his Purple-Gold Dharma Robe.

"Daoist Friend Xi, I trust you have been well since we last met. We haven't seen each other in hundreds of years, yet your bearing—"

Yu Qi laughed heartily, his voice clear and resonant, containing the graceful bearing of one who had long held a high position.

However, as his gaze swept over Xi Daoyun, the smile on his face instantly vanished, and his voice came to an abrupt halt.

"Daoist Friend Xi, how did you end up in this state?"

Yu Qi carefully probed and realized that Xi Daoyun's impending end was not far away. It was far from the less than a century he had assumed; rather, it looked like he had less than twenty years left.

A faint aura of death had already begun to linger around his body.

Foundation Establishment and Golden Core Stage cultivators might not necessarily be able to see through it, but facing a cultivator of the same tier, he could not hide it.

"It is a long story," Xi Daoyun cupped his hands, squeezing out a smile on his face. "Daoist Friend Yu, it has been a long time.

I rashly came to visit this time and disturbed your quiet cultivation. I hope you will not take offense."

Yu Qi's expression was solemn. "Between you and me, there is no need for such pleasantries. This is not the place to catch up. Come with A certain Yu to my Grotto-Residence so we can talk in detail."

"Then I will impose on you."

The two stood shoulder to shoulder, transforming into two streaks of escaping light. Under the increasingly reverent gazes of the mountain-guarding disciples, they flew directly into the depths of the Spirit Taming Sect.

Within Strange Beast Peak, deep inside Yu Qi's Grotto-Residence.

This place was not some luxurious palace, but rather an incredibly expansive Grotto-heaven that naturally blended into the mountainside.

Inside, the Spiritual Qi had liquefied into babbling streams and hazy mist. It was dotted with exotic flowers and rare grasses, and several rare Spirit Beasts with elegant forms and serene auras lay resting to the side.

Seeing their master return, they merely lifted their eyelids lazily.

The ceiling of the cave was inlaid with luminous pearls and a Spirit-Gathering Formation, casting a soft, clear radiance downward.

In the center sat a celadon Altar Table, with two Meditation Cushions placed facing each other, exuding an ancient and natural charm.

Yu Qi led Xi Daoyun to take a seat and personally brewed Spirit Tea. The curling aroma of the tea wafted out, carrying an effect that calmed the mind and soothed the soul.

He waved his hand to dismiss the attending disciples, leaving only the two old friends in the Grotto-Residence.

The Spirit Tea was poured, but Yu Qi did not raise his cup.

Instead, he gazed solemnly and scrutinized Xi Daoyun once more, his heart sinking.

"It is not just an aura of death lingering around you. Your Divine Soul is Severely Injured, on the verge of splitting apart. Daoist Friend Xi, you..."

Yu Qi's brows furrowed tightly, his voice low. "Given your current state, just what exactly happened? How did it come to this?"

Upon this careful examination, he felt that Xi Daoyun might not even have ten years left.

Xi Daoyun picked up his jade cup, his fingertips trembling so faintly it was nearly imperceptible.

He did not answer immediately. Instead, he took a sip of the Spirit Tea. Only after setting down the teacup did he let out a long sigh and reveal a bitter smile.

"Daoist Friend Yu has Eyes as Sharp as a Torch; this matter is a long story."

Xi Daoyun looked around this serene and peaceful Grotto-Residence brimming with Spiritual Qi. Remembering the situation of his own sect, he could not help but sigh with emotion.

"Daoist Friend Yu's place is still a pure land of immortals, and the Spirit Taming Sect appears even more prosperous.

In contrast, my Heavenly Azure Sect is now Tottering in Wind and Rain, A Great Building is About to Collapse."

"Oh?"

Hearing this, surprise colored Yu Qi's face.

After all, the Heavenly Azure Sect was the hegemon of a prefecture, and its Heritage could be considered ancient. To think it would actually make Xi Daoyun utter the words "Tottering in Wind and Rain".

"Why would Daoist Friend Xi say such a thing? Has some major upheaval occurred in Heavenly Azure Prefecture?"

"It is far more than just a major upheaval."

Xi Daoyun's eyes were filled with helplessness as he slowly recounted the dramatic changes that had taken place in Heavenly Azure Prefecture over the past few decades, one by one.

From the conflicts at the Prodigy Grand Assembly to the outbreak of the War of the Two Prefectures.

When he mentioned Demon Lord Tianluo, Yu Qi exclaimed in shock, "That newly advanced Nascent Soul demonic cultivator possessed a True Demonic Nascent Soul?"

"Could it be an Ancient True Demon's Body Re-cultivated After Possessing a Host?"

"Nine times out of ten, yes."

Xi Daoyun's expression was full of deep sorrow, as if he had returned to that moment of despair. "Not long after this person completed his Nascent Soul Formation, his strength was already comparable to a Late-Stage Nascent Soul Grand Cultivator!

This old man exchanged only a few blows with him before being severely injured and pushed to the brink of death, suffering extremely heavy damage to the foundation of my Divine Soul.

If the Ancestor of Profound Moon had not been passing through the area at the time and intervened in time to capture and suppress him, my Heavenly Azure Sect... and perhaps the entire Heavenly Azure Prefecture, would have likely changed masters long ago."

'Is it really such a coincidence?' Yu Qi felt his emotions surge as he murmured in his heart.

A Nascent Soul-level true demon appearing in the world, and a Grand Cultivator taking action.

A clash and upheaval of this caliber, even if it took place in the central region of the Heavenly South, would be enough to cause A Great Disturbance.

"However, the fact that Daoist Friend Xi managed to survive against a Nascent Soul-level true demon is truly remarkable. Even if A certain Yu had encountered him, I would have no choice but To Retreat Three She and would not dare clash head-on."

Xi Daoyun gave a bitter smile. "If I had known, how could I have defended the sect to the death?

But now, things are not much better.

With this old man so heavily injured and the sect's Heritage suffering massive depletion during that great battle, we no longer have the strength to suppress the other factions in Heavenly Azure Prefecture.

They have been building cities, establishing foundations, and expanding their forces one after another. My Heavenly Azure Sect's prestige and control have long been like Rivers Flowing Downhill Daily."

Yu Qi digested this information and mused, "If no one from the Mo Family had undergone Nascent Soul Formation, with your abilities and the Heavenly Azure Sect's Heritage, you should still have been able to keep them suppressed."

"You guessed wrong, Daoist Friend Yu." Xi Daoyun shook his head and sighed softly, his tone complicated. "In my Heavenly Azure Prefecture over the past few decades, first the Mo Clan Ancestor successfully completed his Nascent Soul Formation.

Not long ago, another faction gave birth to a Tier 4 Transformed Grand Demon, and a mysterious demonic cultivator also reached the Nascent Soul stage before vanishing to who knows where."

Hearing this, Yu Qi's brows could not help but knit together. "For a single prefecture to successively give birth to Nascent Soul-level existences in such a short period of time?

And among them are a Shapeshifting Great Demon and a demonic cultivator.

This is truly somewhat abnormal.

Even in our central region, it takes decades or even centuries to produce a single Nascent Soul Stage expert, sometimes even longer.

Could it be that because your Heavenly Azure Prefecture went so long without a Nascent Soul expert being born, it caused a rebound effect?"

Pausing for a moment, he continued, "However, in that case, with all the various factions in your Heavenly Azure Prefecture jockeying for power, there will hardly be a day of peace."

"Not so."

Xi Daoyun shook his head, a complex emotion revealing itself in his eyes.

It seemed to be helplessness, apprehension, and even a sliver of admiration.

"The farce is already about to conclude before it has even truly begun."

"Which family is it? The Nascent Soul Mo Family?"

"The Xu Family, the one that produced the Transformed Flood Dragon."

Xi Daoyun took a deep breath, slowly exhaling the name that made his emotions incredibly complicated.

"The Xu Family?"

"It is completely normal that you haven't heard of them, Daoist Friend Yu."

Xi Daoyun's voice carried an almost absurd sense of emotion. "Because this Xu Family went from a mere minor Foundation Establishment clan to the point where they are now on the verge of taking control of an entire prefecture.

And it only took them a little over thirty years."

"A little over thirty years?!"

For the first time, Yu Qi lost his composure, almost thinking he had heard incorrectly.

"Are you certain it is thirty-something years, and not three hundred years?"

"Daoist Friend Xi, you aren't joking with me, are you?"

"I wish I were joking," Xi Daoyun laughed bitterly. "But this is the absolute truth."

"You may not have heard of the Xu Family, but you should have heard at least a little about its members. At the last Prodigy Grand Assembly, the Xu Family completely stole the show.

A total of four people were listed on the Prodigy Roll.

And among them was the number one Prodigy, Fairy Feng Ling!"

Yu Qi instantly remembered. He had heard his Junior Brother mention it before, but he hadn't paid it much mind.

"And these four individuals have now all completed their Divine Ability Core Formation and stepped into the Golden Core realm."

Xi Daoyun continued, "However, the most terrifying one is that Family Head of the Xu Family."

"This person stepped into the Golden Core realm shortly after the Prodigy Grand Assembly, but now, he is already capable of fighting... to a standstill against this old man's frail body."

"Against you..."

Yu Qi stood up abruptly, causing the tassels on his Purple Gold Daoist Crown to tremble.

His eyes went wide, and for the first time, his face lost all its composure, filled entirely with extreme shock and disbelief.

"It has only been twenty-some years since the end of the Prodigy Grand Assembly. No matter how fast his cultivation speed is, at most he has just stepped into the Mid-stage Golden Core.

A person at such a realm actually fought you to a draw?!

This... even if you are severely injured, Daoist Friend Xi, it shouldn't be like this, right?!"

Xi Daoyun spoke in a deep voice, the apprehension in his eyes so thick it could not be dissolved. "I don't know what method he used, but he has managed to make the quality and vigorousness of his Mana, and even his Divine sense, comparable to a cultivator at Golden Core Perfection.

He also possesses two High-Grade Magic Treasures, providing both offense and defense. One of them is even a High-Grade Magic Treasure capable of deploying a Sword Formation.

When fully unleashed, its power is not the slightest bit inferior to a Top-Tier Magic Treasure.

It is fully comparable to a Nascent Soul attack."

Yu Qi pondered for a moment. "Relying solely on this still seems somewhat insufficient. Activating a High-Grade Magic Treasure consumes a tremendous amount of Mana, let alone two of them. He shouldn't be able to last long."

"That is correct."

Xi Daoyun said, "But what he cultivates is the Withered Glory Divine Ability, and it seems he has comprehended it to the Perfected Realm. He was actually able to trigger the trauma in my Divine Soul.

Had I not retreated in time, my injuries would have likely flared up on the spot, making them impossible to suppress.

Because of that very battle, my Lifespan was pointlessly reduced by quite a bit."

Silence fell within the Grotto-Residence.

Only the babbling of the spirit spring and the drifting of the mist could be heard.

"Now, regarding the remaining two top-tier factions in my Heavenly Azure Prefecture, the Lei Family and the Mo Family, I suspect they have both already sided with the Xu Family, whether openly or in secret."

Xi Daoyun's voice carried a deep sense of exhaustion. "My Heavenly Azure Sect... is now like Meat on the Chopping Block, simply waiting for the Xu Family to be completely prepared.

Then, the final transition of power will arrive."

After saying this, he took another shallow sip of his Spirit Tea.

"It seems I have spoken a bit too much today. Please do not take offense, Daoist Friend Yu."

Yu Qi waved his hand. "To be treated with such sincerity by Daoist Friend Xi, A certain Yu feels nothing but gratification in his heart. It proves that Brother Xi truly regards A certain Yu as a close friend.

Otherwise, how could existences like us so easily bare our souls to others?"

Looking at his old friend sitting before him, now so dispirited and desolate, Yu Qi could not help but feel an indescribable sigh well up in his heart.

No wonder he was so emaciated and surrounded by the aura of death. This was not solely due to his Dao Injury and waning Lifespan; it was likely also a result of the mental and physical exhaustion born from helplessly watching his sect's foundation collapse while lacking the power to turn the tides.

The struggle for the Great Dao and the rise and fall of sects were just this cruel.

Although the Spirit Taming Sect was strong, it was not eternal either.

Today's Heavenly Azure Sect might just be tomorrow's... Yu Qi suppressed this ominous thought. Raising his teacup to substitute tea for wine, he said solemnly:

"Daoist Friend Xi, The Affairs of the World are Impermanent, and the Great Dao is arduous. The fact that you were able to come today brings great comfort to A certain Yu's heart.

At this moment, let us set aside all burdens and simply savor the tea and discuss the Dao. How about it?"

"Stealing Half a Day of Leisure from a Floating Life, finding mutual joy in a clear cup of tea."

Xi Daoyun laughed heartily and raised his teacup. "Then I shall do as Daoist Friend Yu says. What harm is there in me indulging in this fleeting moment of joy today!"

Yu Qi also burst into hearty laughter.

The two clinked their teacups together and drained them in a single gulp.

It was as if what they drank was not tea, but wine!

Wine that could wash away their sorrows!

However, this fleeting indulgence was ultimately just temporary.

In the end, Xi Daoyun still had to face reality.

A while later.

He suddenly turned serious and said, "Daoist Friend Yu, the truth is, the reason I came this time is to ask you for a favor, and to conveniently call in the debt of gratitude you owe me from the past."