On these stools and chairs were strange runes engraved, yet they seemed like ordinary furniture patterns, unobtrusive. However, when Daoist Xie laid eyes on them, he vaguely remembered something.
Daoist Xie took a sudden step back, wanting to leave the thatched cottage.
But as soon as he turned around, where was the door to the thatched cottage? It had transformed into a gloomy, thorny forest.
Without hesitation, Daoist Xie forcefully cast a talisman forward.
God and Demon Disperse!
Golden light burst forth, and the forest ahead twisted. It seemed as if an invisible curtain was lifted slightly, revealing the true image of the thatched cottage, but that image disappeared immediately.
A calm voice came from the sky, "Daoist, your spell is impressive, but unfortunately, it’s not so easy to break my formation."
Daoist Xie abruptly looked up to the sky and saw a figure of a Taoist appear among the clouds. The Taoist wore a blue and black robe, stepped on auspicious clouds, surrounded by immortal cranes, and the sun formed a halo behind him. He looked down from on high, like a celestial being descending, exceedingly mystical.
Daoist Xie knew it was only an illusion technique. "Hmph, stop pretending. Who are you, and why do you trouble me?"
The Taoist slightly inclined his head, "I am Wentian Wuji. I seek a certain item from you, no intention of making things difficult. Just hand over the item, and I will leave with a token of appreciation. Please do me this favor, Daoist."
Daoist Xie sneered, "Oh, I wonder what it is that has made you go to such great lengths."
"The Unnamed Taoist Scripture."
Daoist Xie’s face slightly changed, "How did you know I have this Unnamed Taoist Scripture? What do you know about its origins?"
Wentian Wuji appeared puzzled, "Why do you ask, Daoist? This scripture was written by you, so why ask me?"
Daoist Xie sighed, "I have forgotten the past, but this scripture does exist." He took out a Taoist book from his bosom.
Wentian Wuji’s voice turned excited, "That’s wonderful. Just give me this scripture, and I won’t trouble you any further."
Daoist Xie, however, continued, "I don’t know where you learned about this scripture’s existence. I’ve also read it a few times when idle. Although the principles within seem profound, they are rather biased. If you believe in them, you may veer off the right path.
As for its origin, I do not know. You say I wrote it, perhaps that’s true. But in my opinion, this kind of evil book should be destroyed. Do you agree?"
Wentian Wuji smiled, "Daoist, don’t belittle yourself. I’ve also read this scripture, and I find its words priceless and mysterious. The paths within align greatly with the will of heaven. If thoroughly studied, it could lead to attaining the Dao.
It’s just a pity I haven’t seen the complete scripture. That’s why I shamelessly request it from you.
Since you dis book, why not give it to me? That would be doing a good deed."
Daoist Xie nodded silently, "If that’s the case, take it." He threw the scripture toward the clouds where Wentian Wuji was.
Wentian Wuji did not reach out to catch it. Instead, an immortal crane swooped down from the clouds, seized the scripture, and delivered it to Wentian Wuji’s hand.
System prompt: Daoist Xie has given you the item "Unnamed Taoist Scripture: Human Dao Chapter."
Wentian Wuji opened his backpack and checked it.
"Unnamed Taoist Scripture: Human Dao Chapter," the same scripture Xiao Jie had shown him.
"Daoist, why feign ignorance? The Unnamed Taoist Scripture has three volumes; this is only the Human Dao Chapter. Where are the other two volumes?"
Daoist Xie was stunned, "There are two more volumes? I didn’t know. Since I awakened, there has only been this one on me."
"Daoist, why feign ignorance? I’ve already read the Human Dao Chapter. It’s the Earth Dao Chapter and Heavenly Dao Chapter that I truly seek. Never mind the Heavenly Dao Chapter, but you must account for the Earth Dao Chapter."
Daoist Xie said helplessly, "What Earth Dao Chapter and Heavenly Dao Chapter? I’ve never heard of them. There’s nothing else. I’ve given you the item, so please leave."
Wentian Wuji sighed, "I want to believe you, Daoist. However, I am determined to obtain this item. So, Daoist, think carefully if you have any relevant memories.
If you genuinely can’t produce it, then I have no choice. If the living cannot provide it, I’ll have to search a dead body.
You seem like a respectable person, Daoist. I do not wish to resort to violence. Please do not make things difficult for yourself."
Daoist Xie’s face changed slightly, and he stretched out his hand, producing several talismans, "Do not push me too far."
Wentian Wuji stood motionlessly on the cloud, saying plainly, "Daoist, won’t you reconsider?"
Daoist Xie’s face suddenly showed a fierce expression, "No need—take this!"
He lifted his hand and unleashed a bolt of lightning toward the clouds. The cloud layer shattered instantly, turning into blood-red fragments like a sunset, growing redder, making it seem as if the sky were on fire.
Daoist Xie was uncertain and alarmed, hearing a thunderous noise. The red clouds were instantly dispersed, and a massive meteor, like a small mountain, blazed down toward him from the sky.
The aura of destruction filled Daoist Xie with dread. Even from a distance, he felt the scorching heat waves rushing toward him. Although he knew it was an illusion, his heart trembled in fear and unease.