Azure Cloud View stood parallel to the Sacred Sanctuary, its name merely that of an ordinary Daoist temple. However, it was said that a millennium ago, the last Immortal of the Twenty-One Provinces ascended to heaven from this very view. Since then, dense Spiritual Energy blanketed the view, diffusing an aura of immortality. Follow current novels on NovᴇlFirᴇ.ɴet
Great efforts in manpower and resources were expended by the Sacred Land to renovate this Daoist temple. Now, its scale rivaled even that of the Sacred Sanctuary.
Perhaps because the cultivators of Wu City had almost all gone to the Sacred Sanctuary to watch the opening ceremony, the streets were not as bustling as before. They seemed somewhat desolate, with only a few kindly looking elders slowly sweeping the dust in front of their storefronts.
A gentle breeze caressed the newly sprouted willows, causing them to sway slightly.
This fine rain, which had started at the break of dawn, continued endlessly. It drizzled down, enveloping Wu City in a misty veil, like a young maiden harboring the blush of spring, too shy to speak her heart.
Innumerable rivers crisscrossed within Wu City, with raindrops creating ripples upon their surfaces.
An oil-paper umbrella stood still on the street; it was the same one Dan Wulan had used last time.
With an umbrella in hand, Su Bei took steps towards Azure Cloud View, each stride covering the distance of a mile.
In no time, he had reached the outskirts of Wu City, gazing up at the towering Azure Cloud Mountain.
Azure Cloud View was situated just above the line of clouds on the mountain. If one looked down from the mountain peak, they would be greeted by a sea of clouds, resembling a heavenly immortal realm.
Truly a fitting place for Ascension.
Even though he wasn't purposefully running his cultivation technique, driven by the thick Spiritual Energy, Su Bei still could feel the abundant energy coursing through his meridians.
He ascended to Azure Cloud View and walked through its layered corridors.
There were only a handful of Daoist Boys scattered within the view, with very few visitors around.
Arriving at the main hall, Su Bei approached the statue of the Immortal known as Azure Cloud Daoist, looking up at a towering sign inscribed with the following:
"The incense reaches all three realms and the smoke penetrates the nine heavens above. It reaches the Great Luo Heavenly Realm of Ten Thousand Saints, the Purple Palace of a Thousand True Immortals. The incense fills the void with auspicious mists, and the sacred fragrance ascends to the Emperor's throne. When a single burner's smoke rises, it reflects the transcendent insight of myriad true Immortals."
The general meaning was that offering incense for blessings yielded the same result regardless of location. There was no need to fixate on being in front of a burner or outside the temple. The smoke could ascend to the high heavens, reaching the Thirty-Six Heavenly Realms of Ten Thousand Saints and the abode of a Thousand True Immortals. Indeed, the incense smoke could reach any place as long as it was burned in an incense burner.
Having received a few sticks of incense from the hands of a Daoist Boy, Su Bei walked up with the intention to casually place them. A few new sticks of incense were already burning on the incense burner, their faint green smoke wafting towards him.
Su Bei bowed in respect and felt a sense of relaxation. He turned to leave the main hall when suddenly, he caught sight of an extremely handsome figure.
Clothed in spotless green robes, with hair dark as ink, without the black and gold Dragon Robe, he resembled a graceful noble youth, elegance to the bone.
The Eastern Emperor? He's here too?
Despite not wishing to interact with this man, who apparently had a penchant for other men, Su Bei forced a smile when he noticed the man's gaze turn towards him. He then said,
"Su Mou greets the Eastern Emperor. What a coincidence..."
Ji Nanjue's eyes noticeably brightened, and with a smile, he greeted Su Bei,
"Greetings, Elder Su. Did Elder Su not go to the Sacred Sanctuary?"
Confronted with those intensely burning eyes, Su Bei subconsciously felt a chill, but nevertheless openly examined his face. This time, he wasn't wearing a mask, and Su Bei could see his face clearly.
If only he were a woman.
There was a vague likeness... seven-tenths similar to that woman beneath Unrepentant Cliff?
"Su Mou has long heard of Azure Cloud View and came here to clear his mind. I wonder, Eastern Emperor..."
Ji Nanjue took a step forward, unaware of what Su Bei was thinking, and spoke softly,
"The Emperor... Mr. Ji has come to this place to offer a stick of incense for the well-being of the Dongfeng Common People.
"Elder Su need not address Mr. Ji as Eastern Emperor; in private, just call Mr. Ji Brother Ji..."
Listening to the faint magnetic voice and gazing at the increasingly familiar face, Su Bei had a hint of suspicion on his face. He hesitated for a moment, and then asked,
"Su Mou has a small doubt; I wonder if it is appropriate to ask?"
Ji Nanjue clearly showed interest in Su Bei, smiled and encouraged him,
"Please speak, Elder Su."
Su Bei cleared his throat subtly, a look of awkwardness on his face, yet he seriously asked,
"Does... Brother Ji have any biological younger sisters or perhaps older sisters?"
Ji Nanjue froze for a moment, not immediately grasping the implication.
As a member of the imperial family, he naturally had them...
Sensing the foolishness of his question, Su Bei hurriedly smiled again and said,
"What Su Mou means is, does Brother Ji have any biological sisters?"