Chapter 775 - 126: Settling Down on Tianxiao Peak (Part 2)

"Additionally, the Sect holds a discussion at the Gathering Pavilion on the first of every month, where the Supreme True Monarch sometimes personally attends. Fellow cultivators, if you have free time, you can also join for exchanges."

Li Ji’an followed leisurely, listening attentively, nodding in response from time to time, and gradually gaining a clear understanding of the Qinglan Sect’s structure.

Upon reaching the entrance of the Dao Field at the summit, he paused and cupped his hands with a smile to True Man Qingyue: "Fellow Daoist Qingyue, you have gone to great lengths to explain along the way, and Li is deeply grateful.

As I have just settled here without much to offer, I merely express my sentiment through a cup of spirit tea and hope you do not find it too humble."

With that said, he waved his hand to set up a simple soundproof array, took out a jade tea set from his storage pouch, and retrieved a small can of cloud mist spirit tea that’s nearly a thousand years old.

As the boiling water was poured, the tea fragrance rose, with spiritual qi wafting around, refreshing the mind.

Seeing this, True Man Qingyue’s eyes flickered with a trace of delight and, without declining, he sat down gladly: "You are too kind, Fellow Daoist. This cloud mist spirit tea is a rare treasure, even ordinary core formation cultivators seldom get to enjoy it. You indeed have a good foundation."

The two sat opposite each other, sipping tea, and in their casual conversation, mostly shared insights on cultivation and anecdotes from the Sect.

Li Ji’an spoke gently, neither boastful nor timid, perfectly drawing closer to Qingyue.

Qingyue already admired Li Ji’an’s capability and heart nature due to his previous deeds of saving the people, and after this conversation, felt even more affinity.

Meanwhile, at the pinnacle of Tianxuan Peak within the core Dao Field of the Qinglan Sect, the temple was aged and simple.

Atop the meditation cushion on the uppermost position sat an elder clad in a grayish-blue daoist robe, his face thin, brows carrying a trace of indelible fatigue, he was True Monarch Xuanji.

Beside him stood a woman in white, her beauty striking, her figure graceful, surrounded by a faint nascent soul aura, yet retaining some girlish charm.

She was the newly ascended True Monarch Qingxiao ten years ago.

Sect Leader Changgeng bent down and bowed on the ground, extremely respectful.

"Disciple greets Master."

"Greetings to True Monarch Qingxiao."

Seeing this, True Monarch Qingxiao slightly furrowed her brows with a hint of reproach in her voice: "Senior Brother, how many times have I told you.

Even though I have ascended to True Monarch, I am still your junior sister.

Why be so formal, only creates distance."

Her voice was clear, empowered by the spiritual power of a nascent soul true monarch, yet affectionate.

Sect Leader Changgeng, however, continued kneeling uprightly, appearing mature and steadied.

"Etiquette cannot be abandoned, the position of True Monarch is of incomparable honor.

Showing respect to the True Monarch is the Sect’s rule.’

It also demonstrates reverence for the true monarch status."

His character stubbornly adhered to the hierarchy.

Even though Qingxiao was his junior sister, he would never dare to overstep the bounds.

True Monarch Xuanji slowly opened his eyes, his gaze sweeping over Changgeng and finally settling on Qingxiao.

His voice hoarse yet indisputably commanding.

"Qingxiao, now that you have attained True Monarch status, you ought to have the demeanor and composure of a true monarch. In the cultivation realm, rules prevail.

Changgeng’s conduct is not inappropriate, avoid making it difficult for him further."

He paused before continuing: "Once ascended to True Monarch, you’ve truly entered the upper tier of society.

In this One Realm, you have established a genuine foothold."

"Status and hierarchy should not be confused."

Upon hearing this, True Monarch Qingxiao felt a bit unwilling.

Yet dared not defy Master’s intent.

Only let out a soft hum and remained silent.

Only then did Sect Leader Changgeng stand up, hanging his hands beside him.

Solemnly said: "Master, I came today to inquire why retaining Chang’an True Man is necessary?

Though he reached mid-stage Golden Core before the age of 200, indeed quite talented.

But ultimately he is an external loose cultivator, with origins unclear and virtues unknown.

Is it truly necessary to nurture him diligently?

If we entirely devote ourselves to cultivating him, should he someday truly ascend to True Monarch.

The sect’s pact would then be hard to bind him.

Should he harbor ill intent and develop ambition.

For the sect, wouldn’t it be akin to raising a tiger to invite trouble?"

Hearing this, True Monarch Xuanji’s lips curled into a mysterious smile, eyes deep.

"You needn’t ask further, as I have my plans for keeping him. You all needn’t delve into this matter deeply."

"Simply know that he represents not a threat but rather an opportunity for our Qinglan Sect."

Not wishing to elaborate more, Sect Leader Changgeng, despite his doubt, dared not question further.

Only bowed in acknowledgment.

The curiosity of True Monarch Qingxiao beside him, however, intensified.

Her beautiful eyes flashed with radiance.

A mere mid-stage core formation loose cultivator, unexpectedly getting such attention from the Master, even laying out arrangements purposely.

What is unique about that junior?

She decided secretly.

Determined to find an opportunity to observe this character someday.

The scene shifts.

Deep within the Black Marsh Pool.

Above the eerie pool, black mist rolled, evil qi pervasive.

True Monarch Yanze’s avatar hovered above the water.

His face ashen.

Fluctuations of spiritual power surrounding him were chaotic.

Evidently, he hadn’t fully calmed from the earlier fright.

Opposite him stood another True Monarch dressed in a black robe.

Who was none other than the other nascent soul true monarch of the Black Marsh Pool—True Monarch Xuansha.

"Had it not been for my avatar chasing out today, I fear I’d fall for Xuanji, that old immortal’s treachery, and be trapped within the Qinglan Sect’s territory!"

True Monarch Yanze gritted his teeth.

His voice filled with remorse and rage.

"That junior bears tier three spirit flame, surely a bait used by Xuanji to lure me out!

He’s definitely known I possess tier four spirit flame.

Purposefully using such lure to coax me into a snare to ambush me.

An audacious mid-stage nascent soul true monarch indeed! Shameful!"

Upon hearing this, True Monarch Xuansha not only appeared unworried.

Instead, he laughed heartily upward.

The laughter filled with pleasure.

Seeing this, True Monarch Yanze frowned deeply, unfriendly in tone: "Why are you laughing?"

"Are you gloating over my misfortune?"