Chapter 138 - 87: Yin Yang Merging Dao

Chapter 138: Chapter 87: Yin Yang Merging Dao

"Hm?" Xuzhuang asked. "The Primordial Jade Gui is one thing, but how could you not get the Furnace Sand either?"

The Primordial Jade Gui was a rare, naturally occurring jade. Spiritual Qi and Magical Power could circulate within it without the slightest loss, making it a supreme vessel for magical powers and restrictive spells. It had always been quite precious and highly sought after due to its wide range of uses, so it was perfectly normal that the Ministry of Affairs Hall might not have any in stock.

The Furnace Sand, however, was a different matter. It was a type of high-grade cinnabar, a material specially refined in a Pill Furnace. Although not cheap, it was a common item used for drawing and refining talismans; both its consumption and production were immense. For the Ministry of Affairs Hall to have none in reserve was completely unexpected to Xuzhuang.

The Daoist Child replied, "I do not know. Steward Liu from the Ministry of Affairs Hall only said that there was none left."

Xuzhuang frowned, waved his hand, and said, "I understand. You may wait outside for now."

The Daoist Child acknowledged and left. Xuzhuang did not return to his meditation chamber, because today he was opening his residence to receive guests.

For the past six months, whenever Xuzhuang opened his residence, a constant stream of visitors would arrive. Aside from close friends like Sun Suzhen who visited often, Xuzhuang had also received many gestures of goodwill from the great families within the sect. Perhaps because it was still early, they hadn’t rushed into negotiations, but there was certainly no shortage of exchanging gifts and pleasantries.

Of course, there was no lack of social climbers. Xuzhuang was not a reclusive person and wouldn’t turn people away. He treated all guests who came to visit with a formal calling card with due courtesy. This, in turn, attracted even more people who wished to befriend him, including no small number of the sect’s stewards and elders...

Sure enough, while Xuzhuang was still pondering matters of Daoist arts, the Daoist Child hurried back into the hall a short while later. He reported in a low voice that a guest had arrived. Hearing the unexpected name, Xuzhuang’s eyebrows shot up. He quickly instructed, "Hurry and invite Senior Sister in. Serve the Immortal Tea."

The Daoist Child acknowledged and hurried away. A few moments later, he led a woman into the residence. Even within the Tai Su Sect, she looked the same as ever, her Sword Box never leaving her side. Her expression was still haggard, but it seemed she had applied some rouge, lending her a strange kind of beauty.

The visitor was, unexpectedly, Sword Step Master.

Although Xuzhuang and Sword Step Master were True Inheritors of the same generation and were acquainted, Sword Step Master had a cold and aloof personality, and the two had not interacted much. Her sudden arrival at his residence today could not help but surprise him.

Xuzhuang rose to greet her. "I didn’t expect your sudden visit, Senior Sister. Please forgive me for not welcoming you properly."

Sword Step Master gave a slight nod and sat down where Xuzhuang guided her. Knowing her temperament, Xuzhuang didn’t mind her coldness. They sat in silence for a few moments until the Daoist Child served the tea. Xuzhuang invited her to drink, but Sword Step Master merely nodded again, accepted the cup, and held it to her lips, still showing no intention of speaking.

Even though Xuzhuang wasn’t one to be overly concerned with etiquette, he couldn’t help but find this a bit odd. After a moment’s thought, he decided to ask directly, "Senior Sister, have you come to my humble residence today to see me about something?"

Sword Step Master spoke. "I heard that you have not yet obtained a spot for the demonstration of the True Monarch’s Innate Tai Su Realm, Junior Brother?"

Xuzhuang had nothing to hide. "That is indeed the case," he admitted freely. "Do you have some insight on the matter, Senior Sister?"

Sword Step Master shook her head slightly and replied, a rare enough occurrence on its own, "I have no intention of getting entangled in deals with the great families."

Xuzhuang asked, slightly surprised, "Does that mean you have no interest in the Innate Tai Su Realm, Senior Sister?"

Sword Step Master said, "I do."

Xuzhuang was taken aback. After a moment’s thought, he said bluntly, "Then I presume you have a method to suggest, Senior Sister? Please, speak your mind."

Given that Sword Step Master was interested in the demonstration of the True Monarch’s Innate Tai Su Realm but unwilling to entangle herself with the great families, she must have had a plan. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have come to him. Xuzhuang was quite curious about what she had in mind, especially since Daochen Zhenren had stated outright that there was absolutely no way to bend the rules on this.

Sword Step Master’s fine brows furrowed slightly, and she seemed to hesitate for a moment before finally asking, "I have read the *Secret Records of the Three Phases, Six Seals, and Nine Orifice Condensing Pill*. I heard that you forged a Nine Orifice Golden Pill. I have a copy of the *Yin Yang Merging Dao* here. Are you willing to cultivate this art, Junior Brother?"

"What?" Xuzhuang’s eyelid twitched.

’If I remember correctly, the *Yin Yang Merging Dao* was the True Inheritance Dao Skill of the Harmony Sect, one of the Three Major Sects and Six Great Schools.’

’One had to understand that the Harmony Sect was famous as a major school of dual cultivation. But make no mistake, they cultivated the orthodox Yin Yang Dao, and it was also a Mystic Gate Taoist Skill that could be practiced alone.’

’However, dual cultivation was also an orthodox method for the *Yin Yang Merging Dao*. Not only did it allow for rapid progress, but it also solidified one’s foundation. Most disciples of the Harmony Sect formed Daoist partnerships to comprehend the Great Dao together. This was what made the Harmony Sect so unique among the Three Major Sects and Six Great Schools.’

Xuzhuang said, "The *Yin Yang Merging Dao*? Senior Sister, you mean...?"

Whether it was his imagination or not, Xuzhuang suddenly noticed a blush spread beneath the thin layer of rouge on Sword Step Master’s cheeks. He heard her say, "I can give you the *Yin Yang Merging Dao*, Junior Brother. As long as you cultivate it... and comprehend the Yin and Yang with me, it’s possible for us to reach the Nascent Soul realm together within thirty years."

"This...?" Xuzhuang had never imagined Sword Step Master would make such a proposal. Even with his quick thinking, he was stunned for a moment. It took him a long while before he slowly replied, "I have already pledged my heart to the Great Dao..."

Sword Step Master’s brows knitted as she interrupted, "Don’t misunderstand, Junior Brother."

"What?"

For once, Sword Step Master became unusually talkative, her voice remaining cool and detached. "I, too, have pledged my heart to the Great Dao. If you are willing, Junior Brother, we can use the *Yin Yang Merging Dao* to aid our cultivation and reach the Nascent Soul realm... It would be a mutually beneficial arrangement. We need not have any ties afterward."

After another moment’s hesitation, she added, "I am aware of how men think. If you are concerned about it, Junior Brother, after this is done, I can remain chaste for you..."

Hearing this, Xuzhuang quickly interrupted, "The misunderstanding was mine. Please don’t concern yourself with it, Senior Sister."

Sword Step Master frowned and asked bluntly, "What is your decision, Junior Brother?"

"This..." Xuzhuang fell into deep thought.

’Sword Step Master didn’t want to create karmic ties with the great families; otherwise, she could have easily gained their support or even married into one of them. Therefore, her proposing to become his Daoist partner just for the benefits of the *Yin Yang Merging Dao* was indeed out of the question.’

’He could completely understand her proposal. She would provide the *Yin Yang Merging Dao*, and by leveraging the marvels of his Nine Orifice Golden Pill, they would comprehend Yin and Yang together to reach the Nascent Soul realm. He would benefit equally, gaining the Harmony Sect’s true art of the Yin Yang Dao for nothing, reaching the Nascent Soul realm more quickly, and rightfully earning a position to cultivate the Innate Tai Su Realm...’

’And they wouldn’t have any ties to each other afterward. No matter how he looked at it, it seemed like a perfect solution to his current predicament.’

’Besides, although this Senior Sister looked haggard, she possessed a strange and poignant charm. Agreeing to this seemed to have only benefits for him...’

As he thought of this, a sudden dread washed over him.

Although Xuzhuang considered the Great Dao his life’s pursuit, human nature is what it is. It was perfectly normal to have such thoughts in this situation. But it was precisely this that made Xuzhuang realize something: if he truly agreed to this, there was no way things would be as simple as they imagined afterward. To be free of ties, to owe each other nothing... that was impossible. This, too, would create a karmic bond.

For a moment, Xuzhuang was caught in a deep and difficult dilemma.

’Entanglement with the great families was a karmic bond, but so was this entanglement with Sword Step Master. It isn’t that I loathe the great families, but I have always been reluctant to get involved with them. Sword Step Master, on the other hand, has forged a Top-grade Golden Core and has the potential to reach the Primordial Spirit realm. Moreover, her heart is set solely on the Dao, her resolve no less than my own. In the future, couldn’t we watch over and support each other on our path? From every angle, the latter seems to be the better choice.’

After a long while, Xuzhuang finally managed to speak, his voice strained. "Senior Sister, I cannot give you an answer on this matter right away..."

Sword Step Master seemed to understand his inner conflict and had been waiting quietly. Upon hearing his response, for some unknown reason, she felt a sudden sense of relief. She replied hurriedly, "In that case, please consider it carefully, Junior Brother."

Then she abruptly stood up, gave a slight bow, and drifted away.