Chapter 859 - 678: Four Directions in Turmoil
True Master Xuan Ji still remained silent.
At this moment, silence spoke louder than words.
Celestial Star True Master suddenly stood up, breaking the suffocating silence.
"Master, this disciple has had a sudden insight and must return to seclude oneself for silent meditation."
True Master Xuan Ji looked at him, nodding slightly.
"Go. Cultivate with a calm heart; do not be disturbed by mundane affairs."
Celestial Star True Master bowed to his fellow sect members in the hall and walked out of the council hall with steady steps.
His back appeared somewhat lonely.
Until his figure vanished beyond the hall door, True Master Xuan Ku, who had yet to speak, gently coughed.
The eyes of everyone instinctively focused on him.
True Master Xuan Ku slowly spoke, "This old man heard that True Master Profound Ice is constructing an academy for cultivation techniques on Starlight Island."
He paused briefly, his gaze calmly fixed on True Master Xuan Ji.
"This act benefits Song Country and our fellow cultivators, a deed of virtue that serves the Cultivation Realm of Song Country well. As the leading Sect in Song Country, our sect ought to send representatives to congratulate and express support."
As soon as he finished speaking.
True Master Xuan Xiang, who had quietly listened, immediately clapped and loudly agreed: "What Senior Brother Xuan Ku says is most agreeable! Sect Leader, Xuan Xiang believes our sect should send envoys to Starlight Island to offer congratulations!"
"Indeed!"
"We should send emissaries to congratulate them!"
The hall instantly rang with voices of agreement, rising and falling in waves.
The prior stifling oppression and awkwardness seemed quietly dispersed by this sudden "consensus."
True Master Chishu and True Master Ling You, both previously treated by Shen Xuan, rose simultaneously and solemnly bowed to True Master Xuan Ji, volunteering eagerly.
"Sect Leader, Chishu (Ling You) is willing to go to Starlight Island!"
When the sect intended to target Shen Xuan previously, the two were newly minted True Pills, of low rank and little influence, not daring to speak much.
Yet now, their demeanor was determined, willing to share the sect’s burdens and endure hardships.
This drew complex and unspeakable glances from some of the younger True Masters present.
There was envy, and also jealousy.
Who wouldn’t want to forge ties with such a powerful figure?
True Master Xuan Ji’s gaze swept over the hall’s occupants, garnering their expressions before nodding slightly.
"Junior Brother Xuan Ku’s words are very reasonable."
"Speaking of which, True Master Profound Ice’s partner, True Master Hanyue, is a descendant of Purple Maple True Monarch. Given this relationship, True Master Profound Ice can be considered a kin of our Profound Celestial Sect. As family, we should naturally foster good relations."
"Indeed! We are like family!"
"The Sect Leader speaks wisely!"
The attendees all nodded in agreement, with no dissenting voices.
As if the sharp accusations of "borrowing the island without returning" and "shamelessness" had never echoed through this grand hall.
True Master Xuan Ji gazed at True Master Xuan Ku, musing aloud: "Since that is the case, I will trouble Junior Brother Xuan Ku to make the arduous journey. You may take Junior Brothers Chishu and Ling You with you to Starlight Island to represent our sect in congratulating True Master Profound Ice on establishing the academy."
"As for the congratulatory gift..."
True Master Xuan Ji pondered briefly.
"I recall that True Master Profound Ice has been collecting various Demon Cores and Essence Blood from Divine Dragon descendants. One can take out that Purple-eyed Fire Demon Pill from the Sect Treasure Vault."
Upon hearing this, several True Masters in the hall drew in a soft breath.
This time, the Sect Leader certainly was generous.
The Purple-eyed Fire Demon Beast is a Tier Three Upper Grade Demon Beast, with its Demon Core being exceedingly valuable.
Even to a Golden Core True Master, it is a rare treasure.
Upon reflection, this was indeed appropriate.
True Master Profound Ice is now a Tier Four Cultivator, a status vastly different from before.
If Profound Celestial Sect’s gift was too ordinary, it might seem dismissive, causing unnecessary displeasure or backfiring entirely.
This gift, while a gesture of celebration, also quietly signals repairing relations and conveying goodwill.
True Master Profound Ice is the youngest Tier Four Cultivator in Song Country, with immense potential.
Profound Celestial Sect cannot afford to continue antagonizing him.
Of course, such a precious treasure indeed requires drawing from the sect’s treasury.
True Master Xuan Ji still needed to seek everyone’s opinion.
"What do you all think?"
His gaze calmly swept the room.
"Would using this Purple-eyed Fire Demon Pill as a gift be appropriate?"
True Master Xuan Ku spoke first: "The Sect Leader’s thoughtful consideration is very suitable."
"We agree."
"It is fitting."
Voices of concurrence sounded one after another.
The proposal to send True Master Xuan Ku leading, with Chishu and Ling You accompanying him to Starlight Island, bearing the Purple-eyed Fire Demon Pill as a gift, quickly passed unanimously amid the chorus of approval.
Despite perhaps a few still harboring dissatisfaction or reluctant to part with the valuable Demon Pill, none would show it.
No one was willing to, unnecessarily, offend a powerful Tier Four Great Cultivator.
...
On Starlight Island, inside the Practice Room.
The Fire Spiritual Qi condensed into sparks, hot and dry.
"Fellow Daoist Shen, continue?"
A woman’s voice rose, tinged with expectation, clear and lively.
"No. That’s enough."
The man’s reply seeped with deep fatigue.
"I can still hold on longer."
The woman’s voice was gentle and alluring.
"No, it’s already enough."
The man’s voice was firm and irrefutable.
Shen Xuan looked up, facing Li Ruyi, whose smile was charming, and spoke sternly.
Return from Danxia Sect of Yan Country had taken half a month.
During these days, morning, noon, and evening, he circulated the Divine Hidden Sea Technique, harnessing the Taichu True Water, to cleanse Li Ruyi’s flesh body, purging the sluggishness after the fusion of soul body and old body.
Afterward, he had to carefully separate a strand of Cyan Yang Spirit Fire, introduce it into her Dantian, helping nurture her foundation and harmonize yin and yang.