Celestial Refining Divine Scripture

"Originally, the place arranged for you was Water and Wood Four Spirits Mountain. It is a treasured land under the sect’s external control, with four immortal mountains—two belonging to water, two to wood. Within the five elements, water nourishes wood, so the aura of water and wood here is abundant, nurturing many such immortal elixirs."

"It is also highly suitable for cultivating herbs of both water and wood attributes. Therefore, there are many medicine gardens, which not only supply the sect internally but are also sold externally."

Tongmin Golden Immortal smiled and said, "Guarding this place is considered a highly enviable position, the cultivation environment is most favorable, and its resources are rather plentiful; however, the area is also quite prosperous, with no less than a dozen affiliated immortal sect powers nearby, more than half of which have Golden Immortals presiding."

"Outside Four Spirits Mountain lies Four Spirits Town, which has now flourished to rival certain great cities, its inhabitants a blend of all kinds. As the guardian, there will be much to consider."

...

"According to the privileges of a seed disciple, going to oversee there for half a year, excluding the portion turned over to the sect, you may keep one third of the remaining resources produced within Four Spirits Immortal Mountain for your own use."

"However, if you are willing to go, aside from what must be handed over, you may take the rest as you please."

"If you are unwilling to go, the sect will arrange another place for you."

Xu Yang responded without hesitation, "This disciple is willing to go hold this post."

There are, in fact, advantages to a place teeming with all kinds.

As a seed disciple of Black Fire Immortal Mountain, no matter how complex the place, those forces would not dare to go too far.

He is not someone who knows nothing of the broader world, but one who forged ahead step by step, from Daqian, to Spirit Realm, and then the Immortal Realm—a bit of supposed hardship is far from enough to turn him back.

"Good."

Tongmin Golden Immortal regarded him with undisguised admiration.

Indeed, he had spoken plainly, granting Xu Yang the freedom of choice.

As a prodigy with a Ninth Grade Immortal Foundation, as long as he asks, nothing is lacking.

Such composure Xu Yang now demonstrates is what all sects favor most.

Only thus can one walk farther down the road.

"Fourth, give him the things."

"Yes, Sect Leader."

The Fourth Elder produced a token and an ancient scroll, handing them to Xu Yang, "This is the token for guarding duty. With it, you may enter and exit Four Spirits Immortal Mountain at will—it is proof of your guardianship."

"As for the scroll, it contains techniques for commanding the arrays of Four Spirits Immortal Mountain, as well as lists of the various immortal elixir resources and quotas to be handed to the sect after half a year."

Xu Yang took everything with full awareness, and quickly stowed them away.

"Xu Yang, present your Identity Token," Tongmin commanded.

Xu Yang hurriedly took out his token and handed it over.

Only to see Tongmin tap the token several times with his fingers, employing unknown techniques upon it.

"Your token has been reforged by this sect. When you travel abroad, should any mishap occur, this sect will become aware at once; and if you’re in danger, you can use the token to contact us directly."

Xu Yang’s face lit with joy, "Many thanks, Sect Leader!"

Experience is crucial, but one must not lack requisite safeguards.

"Is there anything else you need to prepare?"

"Nothing more is needed."

"Good. The sect will send you directly to near Four Spirits Immortal Mountain. The previous guardian has already returned over a month ago. Make haste and go."

With that, Tongmin Golden Immortal flicked his sleeves, and with a gust, Xu Yang vanished into thin air.

"Black Fire Immortal Mountain shall surely thrive,"

Tongmin Golden Immortal stared into the boundless sky and murmured in exhilaration.

The Fourth Elder smiled, "Sect Leader, this youngster is truly monstrous."

"Not only in strength, but also in Alchemy Dao."

"Oh?"

"In Ice and Snow Immortal Palace, before breaking through, he could simultaneously refine two furnaces of Sixth-Turn True Immortal Elixir!"

"Hiss—!"

Even Tongmin Golden Immortal could not help but draw a sharp breath.

Matters such as these, he did not always inquire about from Dan Qi—he only knew Xu Yang’s gift in Alchemy Dao was notable, but never imagined he would be so astoundingly talented.

"Now, he would hardly encounter difficulty making ordinary second-rank elixirs."

"With a Ninth Grade Immortal Foundation of his own and such arrogant prowess in Alchemy Dao, the ’Immortal Prides’ of the Eastern Continent are no match whatsoever for Xu Yang. Even in top tier sects, he would stand out!"

"That Yang Yuan may have entered the Immortal Pride List, but he is far inferior to Liou Xueyan; as for comparing with Xu Yang, he’d be crushed completely, hm."

At the mention of Yang Yuan, Tongmin Golden Immortal narrowed his eyes and said, "All are disciples of the immortal sect—let us hope Yang Yuan knows his place."

"As for the Yang Family, so long as they do not go too far, we may turn a blind eye; but if they cross the line, hmph!"

With a cold snort, a chilling murderous intent filled the air.

...

"There are still more than three thousand li to Four Spirits Immortal Mountain. As expected of a Golden Immortal, with a mere gesture he has sent me over a hundred thousand li away."

Xu Yang stowed away the map, deeply impressed.

Right after, he hurried toward Four Spirits Immortal Mountain according to the map’s route.

About an hour later.

In the distance among the continuous mountain range, four towering peaks leapt into view, especially conspicuous.

These four peaks were precisely Four Spirits Immortal Mountain, shrouded from afar by a thin veil of immortal light—exceedingly striking.

And on the plain beneath the mountains, a massive city reared upright.

"Is this Four Spirits Town?"

Xu Yang murmured in surprise.

For a mere town, just from the exterior, it surpassed the majority of cities.

No doubt, it was first planned as a small town, only to serve as the guardian’s base here.

But with time, owing to its abundant resources and the emergence of over a dozen nearby factions, it has steadily developed to this scale.

"I should enter the town first, to get a sense of the situation."

He was to guard this place for half a year; though not a long span, he could not leave matters unattended.

He did not overlook Tongmin Golden Immortal’s reminder.

Coming from the mouth of a Sect Leader of the top three sects in the Northern Province, those comments about the place being a mixed bag are certainly not to be taken lightly.

Among the dozen or so dependent forces, nearly half have Golden Immortals presiding.

To designate this place as a center for trade and exchange, one may well imagine the implications.

Thinking this far, Xu Yang also deeply admired the wisdom in staking out such a position.

With Black Fire Immortal Mountain’s treasured lands here, and constant guardianship, using this as the trading center for the entire region is indeed most fitting.

Xu Yang descended outside the town and began walking in.

Despite being called a town, the arrangements outside Four Spirits Town were barely different from those of a city.

At the city gates stood a squad of guards, none of whom wore the attire of Black Fire Immortal Mountain disciples.

Xu Yang intentionally glanced twice, then approached, bowed to the lead guard with cupped fists and smiled, "I am new here and unfamiliar with this place. I wonder if you might answer some questions for me?"

The guard paused for a moment, for this was the first time someone had approached them to make inquiries.

However, noticing Xu Yang give a subtle wink, the guard instantly understood, offering a warm smile as he led the way inside, "Come in and we’ll talk."

They entered the town.

The guard led him to the wall on one side, smiling, "What would you like to know, young master?"

Xu Yang casually handed over several pieces of immortal jade, and said offhandedly, "The more comprehensive, the better. I plan to cultivate here for some time."

The guard’s expression turned thoughtful. He discreetly pocketed the immortal jade, scanning the surroundings, and then waved to a certain spot, calling out, "You there, come here."

Xu Yang turned his gaze to look.

He saw a youth of about sixteen or seventeen rush over, dressed plainly in black, his cultivation at the rank of first-class immortal soldier.

"Brother Wu, do you have orders?"

The youth arrived, asking respectfully.

The guard looked at Xu Yang and said, "Young master, this boy is a local here, has been around longer than I have; and this is how he makes his living. If there’s anything you wish to know, just ask him."

Xu Yang gave a slight nod, "Thank you."

"Kid, keep your eyes open," the guard reminded the youth as he left.

The youth nodded hurriedly.

After the guard left, he straightened his back, looked eagerly at Xu Yang, patted his chest and said, "Brother, if you want to seek out news or find someone in Four Spirits Town, you won’t be disappointed with Hong Zhi at your service!"