True Master Tao received the token from the child, glanced at it, and gently brushed his hand over it. A streak of light flashed and disappeared. Without any visible action, the two tokens floated downward. He then said, "Seven days from now, this seal will naturally dissolve."
Zhang Yan quickly took the two tokens in hand, stood up, and expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, True Master, for your assistance."
True Master Tao chuckled, "Fellow Daoist, there’s no need to thank me yet. Have a seat; I happen to have a matter I’d like to seek your assistance with. Whether you agree or not, hear me out first and decide afterward."
Zhang Yan hesitated briefly before sitting back down.
True Master Tao spoke with a calm tone, "Fellow Daoist, you must be aware that soon, an Immortal Palace will emerge over the East Sea."
Zhang Yan replied cautiously, "I have heard some rumors, though opinions vary and it’s hard to determine the truth. Some say that when the Immortal Palace appears, forty-eight token talismans will manifest. If fortunate, one may obtain a token, granting entry into the palace."
True Master Tao nodded and laughed, "That is indeed true, though there’s something you don’t know. In fact, I have resided within this Immortal Palace for over a hundred years."
Zhang Yan was shocked upon hearing this and exclaimed, "Then the Immortal Mansion, long rumored to soon emerge over the sea, is already in True Master’s possession?"
True Master Tao chuckled softly and shook his head, "Yes, and no. Before me, this Immortal Palace had another owner who has since vanished. Nevertheless, they left behind numerous restrictions. While I can enter the palace, to fully refine and claim it would require over a hundred years of relentless effort without the ability to leave, akin to being trapped in a cage."
Zhang Yan glanced at True Master Tao, who sat there serenely, showing no signs of the "trapped" predicament he described.
True Master Tao smiled faintly, "You need not doubt, for the person before you is not my physical body but my Nascent Soul Dharma Body. My true form remains within the Immortal Palace, undergoing sacrificial refinement. By the next year’s first month, I will fully refine the palace, establishing it as the foundation of my Qingyu Sect."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Yan was astonished. To see this Nascent Soul indistinguishable from a living being demonstrated that True Master Tao’s accomplishment was of the highest order. He recalled having seen Xiao Mousui’s Nascent Soul before, but it could not compare to True Master Tao’s.
True Master Tao exuded an extraordinary aura, speaking with measured grace that made others feel at ease as though bathed in spring warmth. He continued, "This Immortal Palace is named ’Purple Jade Langhan Immortal Mansion.’ It consists of forty-nine intricately designed palaces, each containing its own talisman. I hold the token talisman of the Main Palace, but if sensing a change in ownership of the Main Palace, the other forty-eight side halls will release their own token talismans to seek a new master."
Zhang Yan frowned and said, "True Master, you’ve endured decades of hardship refining this place. If this happens, wouldn’t it mean handing it over to others?"
True Master Tao smiled slightly, "That’s not the case. While the side halls seem equivalent to the Main Palace in appearance, their utility falls short by far. Even if taken by others, it makes little difference."
After a pause, his tone softened, "My concern lies in the critical final stage of refining this Immortal Mansion when my true form cannot move. I recall an old acquaintance, an elder from the Nanhua Sect, who has a deep understanding of the secrets of this palace. If this Immortal Palace emerges, he will surely come seeking revenge and attempting to seize the Main Palace. Additionally, at that time, various forces across the East Sea, such as Chongyue True Temple and Wudang Spirit Hall, will also act upon hearing the commotion, converging to seize the palace. Thus, I need someone to hold my Main Palace’s token talisman, enter the palace to conceal my location, and deceive others to protect its ownership. If we can pass through this tribulation, my Qingyu Sect can successfully establish itself and solidify a presence on the sea."
Zhang Yan silently thought to himself, "So this True Master Tao has already planned ahead, using illusion as truth, drawing demon kings to his cause under the guise of opening a sect. Not only can this mislead others and sow confusion, but these individuals could also serve his purpose and help fend off enemies—a brilliant strategy. However, judging by his words, he clearly intends for me to be the one holding that token talisman."
True Master Tao looked at him and smiled, "Fellow Daoist, you are astute and undoubtedly understand my intent. Let me ask you—are you willing to lend me your aid?"
Zhang Yan harbored some doubts, and thus asked, "This is no small matter, yet True Master undoubtedly has many capable disciples under his command. Why have you chosen me, a mere junior?"
True Master Tao smiled, "Originally, I had intended for Fu Yuqing to play this role, but alas, he is afflicted with the Divine Hooking Wind. I must use a wonderful pill to protect his soul from confusion, leaving him unable to awaken by then. My four apprentices are too conspicuous, and among my third-generation disciples, there’s no suitable candidate. Therefore, you are my only option. Moreover, there is an advantage to choosing you—you’re not part of my Qingyu Sect. Should you hold my token talisman and occupy one of the palaces, it will not arouse suspicion from others."
Zhang Yan nodded slightly. The reasoning was sound; indeed, others would never imagine that True Master Tao would entrust his vital matter to an outsider. Besides, as a disciple of the Mingcang Sect, the Nanhua Sect elder might hesitate to act on a junior from a rival sect.
True Master Tao fixed his gaze upon him and smiled, "This matter cannot be forced and relies entirely on your sincere intent. If you choose not to assist, I won’t stop you. Simply swear to keep this secret, and you may leave freely. However, if you agree, I will appoint you as a Guest Elder of Qingyu Sect, allowing you to learn one Daoist Skill from our sect as you wish. Beyond that, whatever you desire in the future, I will grant you three requests."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Yan was intrigued. While the Daoist Skills of Qingyu Sect were undoubtedly remarkable, his own Mingcang Sect already offered authentic teachings, so he wasn’t overly concerned about them. However, having True Master Tao, a Nascent Soul True Master, personally promise three favors was indeed tempting. The risk seemed worth taking.
Still, he did not immediately agree and instead asked cautiously, "True Master, I must clarify—I am only at the Xuan Guang Cultivation stage. Not to mention the elder from Nanhua Sect, even the various demon kings across the East Sea would be challenging for me to withstand. How could I possibly shield you from them?"
True Master Tao laughed heartily, "I wondered what your concern was—so it’s this! You needn’t worry. Since I’ve asked you to take on this task, I naturally have a solution to assist you."
He reached into his sleeve and retrieved a golden pellet the size of a goose egg, radiating dazzling light. "I can teach you a secret technique to temporarily control this Golden Core for three hours. As I understand, you are a Sword Cultivator. With the aid of this Golden Core, you would be able to hold your ground even against Hua Dan Cultivators."
Zhang Yan’s eyes glimmered with interest. Realizing the potential feasibility of this task, he no longer hesitated and said, "True Master Tao, I accept."
...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please consider visiting Qidian (qidian.com) to vote with recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)