Dao Lord: Starting from a Top-grade Golden Core

The ground floor lobby of the Tai Su Pavilion was not for receiving guests. Upon entering, one’s eyes were drawn to a pool of clear Jade Water that took up almost the entire floor, leaving only narrow walkways on either side. Dozens of miniature landscapes were arranged within the water, and with a closer look, one would find them quite familiar.

This pool of Jade Water was a miniature replica of Yunmeng Marsh. Regardless of location, every Tai Su Pavilion featured this arrangement on its ground floor, with only minor details differing between them.

After walking past the sides of the pool, a winding staircase led to the second floor. Only then did someone approach to greet him. It was not a manager or a serving girl, but a young and beautiful Kun Dao. She bowed gracefully and asked, "Greetings, Senior. May I ask if you have any important business here at the Tai Su Pavilion?"

The Tai Su Pavilion in Weiyun Immortal City was unlike the others; it only bought, never sold. Furthermore, it didn’t accept just any miscellaneous items, typically only engaging in major transactions. As a result, unfamiliar faces were a rare sight. Seeing that Xu Zhuang was a stranger, and noting his imposing figure and the rich Daoist aura about him, she grew quite curious.

Xu Zhuang smiled slightly, revealing the True Inheritance Golden Sword in his palm. "Who is the Chief Steward here?" he asked. "Is he in the pavilion?"

"Ah! You’re a True Inheritance Martial Uncle," the young woman exclaimed in surprise. She quickly added, "The Chief Steward of the pavilion is Martial Uncle Yi Qing. I’ll take you to him right away."

Xu Zhuang gave a slight nod and followed the young woman. After navigating a few twists and turns and ascending another level, they arrived before the door to a room.

"Martial Uncle, please wait a moment. Allow me to go in and announce you."

Xu Zhuang had no objection. The young woman gave a slight curtsy and went inside. A moment later, a clear laugh came from within, and a man walked out. He clasped his hands in a salute and said, "I was wondering which True Inheritance disciple had graced us with their presence. I never expected it to be Dao Miaozhi himself."

"My apologies for the poor reception. Please, forgive me."

Yi Qing appeared to be in his thirties. He had deep-set eyes, a short beard, and wore a simple cloth robe, giving him a plain and natural air.

Xu Zhuang was not surprised. Although this place was far-flung, the Chief Steward of the pavilion was bound to be from the main sect and would certainly maintain constant contact. It was only natural that Yi Qing recognized him.

Moreover, the Yi Family was a major, established family within the sect. Although Yi Qing’s name was not on the True Inheritance Jade Scroll, Xu Zhuang observed that he was a High-Achieving Cultivator at the Nascent Soul Third Layer. He was likely much older than Xu Zhuang himself. Thus, Xu Zhuang returned the salute and replied, "Senior Brother, you jest. I am the one who has arrived unannounced. If I am intruding, I should be the one asking for your forgiveness."

Yi Qing laughed heartily and dropped the pleasantries. "Since Dao Miaozhi respects my seniority, I shall take the liberty of calling you Junior Brother."

"Junior Brother Xu, please, let’s speak inside." With that, he led him further in.

The room was quiet and secluded, with simple furnishings. It appeared to be Yi Qing’s personal tea room.

Beside the tea table stood a stone figure holding a xiao flute. As the two men approached and sat down, Yi Qing clapped his hands lightly. A gentle, lingering melody drifted from the statue’s flute, filling the room with an elegant air.

Yi Qing smiled slightly and motioned for Xu Zhuang to sit. Only then did he ask, "I was in communication with the sect not long ago and heard news of how Junior Brother has shaken the Divine Land. How is it that you’ve arrived in the Guangyuan Realm so quickly?"

"Shaken the Divine Land?" Xu Zhuang raised an eyebrow slightly. "What news is this?"

Hearing this, a strange look flickered in Yi Qing’s eyes. "Junior Brother, are you perhaps teasing me?"

Seeing Yi Qing’s expression, Xu Zhuang decided not to be mysterious and stated frankly, "To be honest with you, I’ve been in the Guangyuan Realm for several years now. I only left a dharma body behind in the sect to handle mundane matters. Therefore, I truly know nothing of the recent events in the Profound Yellow."

"I came to the pavilion this time hoping to use your channels to get an update on the sect’s situation."

"This..." Yi Qing was stunned for a moment. His hands, however, moved with practiced ease, brewing the tea. He pushed a cup toward Xu Zhuang before shaking his head with a wry smile. "So that’s how it is."

Before Xu Zhuang could press him, he continued, "The world is buzzing with the news. They say Yang Huai Venerable of the Celestial Fire Sect ambushed you, Junior Brother, but suffered a crushing defeat, leaving him gravely injured and near death."

𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

"Yang Huai Venerable was, after all, a rather prominent figure several hundred years ago. He only began to keep a low profile after reaching the Great Circle of the Nascent Soul realm. For him to be defeated by your hand, Junior Brother... it has caused an uproar across the Divine Land."

"Everyone is saying the same thing: though Dao Miaozhi has only cultivated for a short time and hasn’t even reached the Great Circle of the Nascent Soul realm, he has already secured his place among the foremost Great Cultivators, second only to the Patriarchs of the major sects."

Yi Qing picked up his tea, slowly drained the cup, and sighed. "If others were to find out that the one who accomplished such a shocking feat was merely a dharma body you left behind to handle mundane affairs... how utterly sensational that would be."

"Is that so?" Xu Zhuang swirled the tea in his cup. ’Yang Huai Venerable...’ he thought to himself.

He hadn’t expected the man to actually come after him. And in doing so, his dharma body had only served to further bolster his reputation.

But since it had already happened, he didn’t dwell on it. He simply said, "Senior Brother, you flatter me."

Yi Qing didn’t press the matter. Sipping his tea, he shook his head and said, "Junior Brother, you were saying you wanted to understand the sect’s situation?"

"Exactly," Xu Zhuang nodded in response. "Please, Senior Brother, I’d appreciate it if you would share what you know."

"You’re too kind, Junior Brother," Yi Qing said. "The situation within the sect remains stable. However, in the Divine Land, the Demon Sect’s arrogance seems to be growing rampant. Now, their presence is felt not only in the territories of the six sects, but also gradually in the Central Plains and Zeji Land."

"As for our little corner of Yunmeng Marsh, being a Water Realm, it remains peaceful..."

Xu Zhuang didn’t interrupt, listening intently. His thoughts began to turn, and he couldn’t help but think of that powerful expert who cultivated the Tribulation Art, and also of the matter of the Six-Eyed Demon Lord. He mused, ’The four great Demon Sects, especially the Innate Demon Sect, once dominated the Divine Land. Their strength cannot be underestimated. It’s no wonder the Demon Sects are unwilling to remain dormant and wish to re-emerge in the Divine Land.’