Qi Xuansu emerged from seclusion in a fairly good mood because he was now also the master of the Shadow Realm.
However, there were two problems. Wu Zhen’s remains were still inside the Shadow Realm, so how should he deal with them? Could he handle them on his own? Moreover, he was unsure if the Earthly Preceptor could enter the Shadow Realm. If she could, what would Qi Xuansu do if he encountered her there? After all, the Shadow Realm was a lawless territory beyond anyone’s jurisdiction, a place that was deserted in the truest sense of the word. If the Earthly Preceptor were to pull some underhanded trick on him there, wouldn’t he suffer a tremendous loss?
Therefore, Qi Xuansu decided against rashly entering the Shadow Realm. It would be better to wait and see.
Unfortunately, Qi Xuansu’s good mood did not last long. Little Yin was up to her usual mischief again. Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined that, during the few days he spent in seclusion, Little Yin would secretly go running to Madam Qi to complain about him, accusing Old Qi of being mean to her. Consequently, Qi Xuansu received a scolding from Madam Qi.
Qi Xuansu initially wanted to argue his case, but he ultimately proved no match for Madam Qi in a war of words.
Madam Qi’s exact words were, “You and Zhang Yuelu are mentally sick! It’s your choice that you two want to become the Grand Master, reform the Daoist Order, and leave your names in the annals of history. That’s why you work yourselves to the bone without allowing yourselves a moment’s rest. Since it’s your choice, no one else has any right to interfere. But Little Yin isn’t going to become Grand Master. All she wants is to be happy. What’s wrong with that? Why are you forcing her to do homework? Why must you impose your own way of life on her? Isn’t that exactly the kind of authoritarian behavior you’d expect from domineering family patriarchs? Ask yourself, have I ever forced you like that?
“Of course, if you’re planning to groom her as your successor and have her inherit your legacy, then I have nothing more to say. But leaving aside whether Little Yin, a Yin Being, is even eligible to become an Omniscient Sage or Virtuous Great Sage, do you honestly think her personality is suited to such positions even if she were eligible? The Confucians advocate teaching students according to their individual abilities and aptitudes. From what I can see, you’re simply applying the same formula to everyone without considering their differences.”
For once, Qi Xuansu found himself completely at a loss for words.
He reflected on the matter seriously and realized that Madam Qi did have a point. What had Little Yin done wrong? All she wanted was to be happy.
Thus, Qi Xuansu made Little Yin copy the Five Thousand Word Classic once again. It was not because he could not bear to see Little Yin happy. Rather, bypassing one’s immediate superior to report directly to higher authorities was a serious taboo. How could he tolerate such behavior? Little Yin’s blatant disregard for the rules simply had to be punished. Otherwise, once this little troublemaker got a taste of success, she would start bypassing the chain of command to petition the “higher authorities” every single day. If today, she could go to Madam Qi, tomorrow, she could seek out Madam Wu. Who could possibly put up with that?
As soon as one matter had been settled, another arose.
Qi Xuansu had originally intended to check on the progress of the articles concerning moral development, but Gong Jiaojun contacted him again.
Strictly speaking, Gong Jiaojun had first contacted Yan Yongzhen, who then notified Qi Xuansu. Only then did Qi Xuansu make his way to the voice transmission talisman marked “Top Secret” and begin speaking with Gong Jiaojun. “Secretary Gong, what instructions do you have for me?”
“Sage Taiwei, you’re giving me far more credit than I deserve.” A voice carrying a slight Imperial Capital accent came through, its tone exceedingly respectful. “I’m merely a humble secretary. How would I dare presume to give you instructions? At most, I can only convey instructions from Sage Donghua.”
Although Gong Jiaojun served as Sage Donghua’s secretary and was widely known as the “Junior Sage,” Qi Xuansu was Sage Donghua’s legitimate successor. Gong Jiaojun understood his own position perfectly and was careful not to overstep his bounds. Nevertheless, Qi Xuansu had no desire to offend Gong Jiaojun without good reason. A secretary might not have enough influence to ensure the success of an undertaking, but he could certainly wield more than enough influence to ruin one.
Qi Xuansu smiled and said, “There’s no need for such formality between the two of us.”
Gong Jiaojun replied, “Here’s the situation, Tian Yuan. Sage Donghua would like you to make a trip to Jade Capital. He has some matters he wishes to discuss with you.”
Qi Xuansu’s expression grew serious. “Do you know what it’s about?”
Gong Jiaojun instinctively lowered his voice. “It’s difficult to explain the details. Sage Donghua specifically instructed that it would be best to discuss the matter in person. However, it should have something to do with the Western Region.”
Qi Xuansu immediately realized that this trip to Jade Capital was undoubtedly connected to the recent series of developments, like Madam Wu’s appointment as Great Sage of the Western Region Daoist Mansion, along with the warnings issued by the Spirit Guard Office and the Tiangang Hall.
Qi Xuansu fell silent for a moment before replying, “Alright, understood. I’ll make my way to Jade Capital as soon as possible.”
Gong Jiaojun said, “Very well. I’ll inform Sage Donghua immediately.”
When they ended the conversation, Qi Xuansu instructed Yan Yongzhen, “Cancel all my scheduled engagements and prepare a flying ship for me. I need to make a trip to Jade Capital. Also, notify Deputy Palace Master Ning and have her inform Great Sage Shi and the other Deputy Palace Masters of my absence.”
Yan Yongzhen acknowledged the instructions and went to carry them out.
Meanwhile, the Western Region Daoist Mansion Master had also been summoned to Jade Capital.
All 36 Omniscient Sages held formal Daoist titles. The Western Region Daoist Mansion Master’s title was Sage Feiling, and his name was Chen Zhengxian. His name, Zhengxian, meant striving to take the lead and coming first in everything.
Chen Zhengxian came from the Quanzhen Sect. His ancestor was Chen Mian, who had been one of the 36 Omniscient Sages during the Holy Xuan Era. However, there were also rumors that Chen Mian had never had any biological children and had instead adopted a child. But regardless, Chen Zhengxian could never surpass his ancestor. After all, exceptional figures like the fifth-generation Grand Master were exceedingly rare.
The Wanxiang Daoist Palace’s flying ship departed from Xingye Lake, while the Western Region Daoist Mansion’s flying ship took off from the Jade Pond of the Daxue Mountain.
The Jade Pond of the Daxue Mountain was shaped like a crescent moon and stretched approximately 3.5 kilometers in length and measured around 1.5 kilometers at its widest point. It was situated near the Daxue Mountain’s summit, where it was perpetually shrouded in clouds.
To reach the Jade Pond from the Daxue Mountain Palace, one had to go through a natural mountain pass. The passage was approximately 30 meters wide at its broader sections, narrowing to around 10 meters at its tightest point. Two mountain peaks towered on either side, leaving only a narrow passage between them. This was known as the Stone Gorge due to its towering rock walls that resembled two enormous doors standing open. The rocks were dark reddish-brown in color, looking as though they had been cast from iron.
After passing through the stone gateway and ascending to the mountaintop, the Jade Pond was only a short distance away. Its waters were crystal clear, sparkling like polished jade. Snow-capped mountains surrounded the lake, while mist drifted on the surface of the water. The sky, water, and mountains seemed to merge into a single harmonious expanse of white.
To the southeast was the mountain peak upon which the Daxue Mountain Palace was built, flanked by two adjoining peaks on either side. Looking up into the distance, one could see the three peaks rising together, their towering summits piercing the clouds.
At that moment, an enormous flying ship was floating upon the surface of the Jade Pond, its towering structure presenting an imposing and majestic sight.
Chen Zhengxian and his entourage had already reached the Stone Gorge.
Following behind Chen Zhengxian was Zhao Jiaowu, the Chief Deputy of the Western Region Daoist Mansion. He was one of the key figures among the seventh-generation disciples. As the sixth-generation disciples gradually withdrew from active service, seventh-generation disciples had been able to advance further in their careers.
Back when Qi Xuansu was still a seventh-rank Daoist and first visited the Daxue Mountain Palace, Zhao Jiaowu was already a third-rank Youyi Daoist and a Deputy Mansion Master. At that time, he was only one step away from becoming a second-rank Taiyi Daoist. Now that Qi Xuansu had become the youngest Omniscient Sage, Zhao Jiaowu had also successfully advanced to the second rank and had been promoted to Second Deputy.
The previous Chief Deputy of the Western Region Daoist Mansion had been Yao Pei. Since Yao Pei had been promoted to Chief Deputy of the Ziwei Hall, the position of Chief Deputy in the Western Region had become vacant.
Under normal circumstances, even if Zhao Jiaowu were to be promoted to Chief Deputy, he should have been transferred to another Daoist Mansion rather than being promoted directly to Chief Deputy within the Western Region Daoist Mansion itself.
However, the present circumstances were special. The Daoist Order was aware of the complicated situation developing in the Western Region. Considering that Zhao Jiaowu was a veteran of the Western Region Daoist Mansion and possessed extensive familiarity with local affairs, an exception was made to allow him to advance directly from Second Deputy to Chief Deputy without being transferred elsewhere. Thus, Zhao Jiaowu succeeded Yao Pei. His circumstances were remarkably similar to Xu Jiaorong’s promotion.
Of course, Chen Zhengxian had also put considerable effort into securing this arrangement. After all, Zhao Jiaowu was his martial nephew and a trusted subordinate whom he had personally cultivated and promoted. Having such a deputy at his side naturally made things much easier for him.
This was particularly important given that Great Sage Qi Wu would soon be arriving at the Western Region Daoist Mansion to assume her position. Under such circumstances, having a Chief Deputy who shared his interests and loyalties was more necessary than ever.
After all, the position of Second Deputy of the Western Region Daoist Mansion was currently vacant. The Golden Tower Council had yet to finalize a candidate. But judging by the way things were developing, it appeared that they intended to consult Great Sage Qi before making the appointment. In all likelihood, the future Second Deputy would be someone from Great Sage Qi’s own faction.
If he were to lose control of the Chief Deputy position as well, then he would only end up like Yao Shu of the Poluo Daoist Mansion. With the Great Sage, Chief Deputy, and Second Deputy all aligned, they could simply push the Mansion Master aside.
In short, no matter how one looked at it, life was becoming increasingly difficult for Chen Zhengxian as the Mansion Master. External and internal pressures were bearing down on him simultaneously, each an immense burden weighing heavily upon his shoulders.
“Alright, you can see me off here,” Chen Zhengxian said, raising his hand.
Zhao Jiaowu stopped in his tracks.
Chen Zhengxian said, “This meeting convened by Sage Donghua must be related to the Western Region. The Buddhist Sect has been making suspicious moves with increasing frequency, and they’re most likely preparing to take action in the Western Region. Sage Donghua personally directed the previous campaign in the Western Region. Now that a preliminary date has been set for the Grand Master election, absolutely nothing can be allowed to go wrong in the Western Region at such a critical juncture. Sage Donghua will undoubtedly attach great importance to this matter, so I expect the discussions will last several days.
“Let me emphasize this once again. During my absence, all matters involving personnel appointments, dismissals, and major policy decisions are to be put on hold without discussion. If any unexpected situations arise, or if you encounter matters of principle that you’re uncertain how to handle, you must report them to me through secure channels and keep me informed.”
Zhao Jiaowu replied, “Rest assured, Martial Uncle. I’ll remember your instructions.”
Chen Zhengxian nodded slightly and proceeded toward the Jade Pond, surrounded by his entourage of attendants and subordinates.
Soon after, the flying ship slowly ascended into the air, sending vast clouds of mist billowing up from the lake’s surface.
Zhao Jiaowu remained standing where he was, watching the flying ship depart into the distance while waving his hand slowly in farewell.
Only after the flying ship had completely disappeared from view did Zhao Jiaowu finally lower his hand. He glanced around before he transformed his expression. The humility and deference he had displayed before the Mansion Master vanished, replaced by the authority and dignity befitting a Chief Deputy. He then turned around and began walking back.
The Daxue Mountain and the Kunlun Mountain formed an irregular shape resembling a concentric square, with Kunlun on the left and the Daxue Mountain on the right. The smaller enclosed area at the center of this formation was an enormous desert basin, commonly known as the Death Sea.
To travel from the Jade Pond of the Daxue Mountain to Jade Capital in Kunlun, one had to cross the desolate and uninhabited Death Sea.
No matter how one looked at it, that name was hardly an auspicious one.