Chapter 108 - 72: So What of Demons and Evil?

Chapter 108: Chapter 72: So What of Demons and Evil?

After about an hour, a Daoist Child emerged from the Cloud Palace. He bowed deeply and said respectfully, "Junior Martial Uncle Xu, the Master summons you inside."

Xuzhuang nodded, straightened his robes, and strode into the Cloud Palace. A short while later, he reached the main hall, where he saw Master Yuanhua sitting cross-legged on a cloud bed, with Daochen standing calmly to the side, his hands clasped behind his back.

Not daring to neglect his etiquette, Xuzhuang took two steps forward and bowed deeply. "Your disciple, Xuzhuang, pays his respects to the Master." He then straightened up and bowed again, saying, "Greetings, Senior Brother Daochen."

Master Yuanhua studied him for a moment before nodding. "Xuzhuang, recount the details of your journey."

Xuzhuang bowed slightly and began to recount everything he had seen after entering the Dharma Origin Grotto Heaven, holding nothing back, including his encounters with True Master Xu Chen and the Mixed Element Child.

Master Yuanhua simply listened intently. When Xuzhuang finished, he nodded slightly and said, "So that’s how it was." He said no more on the matter, instead asking, "Xuzhuang, my plan was to use you to lure out the Outer Celestial Demon Lord. Do you hold any resentment for that?"

This was a different explanation than the one Daochen Zhenren had given him, but Xuzhuang was not surprised. "I have no resentment," he replied.

Master Yuanhua said, "Good. It is a pity the plan failed, and you were put in grave danger for nothing."

Xuzhuang replied, "I am unharmed."

Master Yuanhua waved his hand dismissively. "That fiend is a Formless Celestial Demon that has attained its own Dao—it is exceedingly cunning. I underestimated the situation. For now, let me remove this demonic affliction so you can cultivate in peace."

Xuzhuang was silent for a moment, then replied with newfound resolve, "Master, I wish to keep this demon. I will use it to spur on my cultivation and, in the future, eliminate this scourge for the sake of the Profound Yellow Realm!"

"Oh?" Master Yuanhua said in surprise. "Do you truly mean that?"

Xuzhuang’s words came from the heart; he was not just posturing.

In truth, while the demon’s interference had delayed his cultivation somewhat, he found that every demonic tribulation he overcame was of great benefit. This time, by facing death head-on, he felt that he had gained an unseen, profound benefit for his future path, even if his cultivation level hadn’t increased. It was no wonder that seekers of the Dao used enduring tribulations as a method of practice.

In fact, Xuzhuang had already faintly conceived of a way to deal with this demon. Directly facing its might had ignited an endless fighting spirit within him, and he was determined to transform this fiend into a tribulation for his own cultivation.

"I speak nothing but the truth," Xuzhuang said firmly.

"Excellent!" Hearing this, Daochen could no longer hide the admiration in his eyes. He clapped his hands in praise. "What are fierce winds to a mighty peak? What are terrifying waves to a steadfast reef? And what is demonic evil to you? Junior Brother, with a spirit like this, even the outer evils are nothing to fear!"

Master Yuanhua laughed heartily and shook his head. "Since you have already made up your mind, I will not try to persuade you further..."

He glanced at Daochen and said with the serene air of an elder, "Now that Daochen has returned after achieving the Primordial Spirit realm, I can finally lay down my heavy burden. I will follow the example of our ancestors and focus wholeheartedly on my cultivation. After Daochen takes charge of the sect, if you change your mind, you can seek him out to remove the demonic affliction for you."

Although Xuzhuang had long expected this, he was still surprised. He looked up to see Daochen smiling and nodding, so he bowed deeply and replied, "Yes, I understand."

Master Yuanhua nodded slightly, then closed his eyes and said no more.

Seeing that Master Yuanhua had finished speaking, Daochen smiled slightly and asked, "Junior Brother Xu, I said before that I would compensate you, and I now have a few ideas. But before that, is there anything you desire? As long as it is within my power to grant, I will not refuse."

Xuzhuang did not stand on ceremony. After some serious thought, he said, "Senior Brother, could you grant me the opportunity to cultivate in Dongzhen Hall for ten years?"

"Oh?" The request seemed to surprise Daochen. After a moment’s thought, he replied, "Which Grotto Heaven do you wish to cultivate in?"

Xuzhuang replied thoughtfully, "I wish to cultivate in either the Primordial Truth Grotto Heaven or the Flowing Water Grotto Heaven."

Daochen said with a knowing look, "I presume you’ve chosen them to refine the Golden Mercury."

Xuzhuang confirmed this was his intention. Daochen said slowly, "I have only just taken charge of the sect, so I do not wish to overstep my bounds. However, refining the Golden Mercury is a trivial matter indeed."

"I used this treasure for my own cultivation when I was younger. In terms of benefits, it surpasses even the time you requested in Dongzhen Hall. So, I will give it to you, Junior Brother."

With that, he flicked his finger, and a brilliant ray of light flew into Xuzhuang’s hand.

Without even a chance to examine it closely, Xuzhuang hurriedly bowed. "Thank you for your gift, Senior Brother."

Daochen waved his hand slightly and laughed. "Just cultivate well, Junior Brother. And don’t let the thirteenth generation of true disciples surpass you."