Chapter 547 - 27: Words From the True Monarch
The Mountain Peak Dojo.
In the heart of a dense Spirit Wood Forest, at the core where thick Wood Spirit Qi converged, Liu Shuang sat cross-legged atop a complex Wood Spirit Array. Her hands formed a fixed Spell, and her spiritual consciousness circled her physical body. It endured the scouring of Spiritual Energy while simultaneously fusing with the Spirit Body’s consciousness within her own soul.
This was likely not her first attempt, as the fusion process was going exceptionally smoothly. The Array beneath her suppressed most of the Spirit Body’s thoughts, allowing her own soul to experiment freely.
Outside the Array, a clever Spiritual Dog watched Liu Shuang with its large eyes, vigilant for any potential Spiritual Energy rampages. Beside the dog was a Sealing Array connected to the Wood Spirit Array beneath Liu Shuang. If a problem arose, the Spiritual Dog would promptly activate this array to temporarily seal her spiritual consciousness.
Liu Shuang’s expression was cold and detached. The repeated attempts had not worn away her patience. Before she knew it, the sun was already high in the sky.
A figure carefully entered the garden.
It was Xia Wen Yi.
During Wang Ping’s current seclusion, only Liu Shuang and Xia Wen Yi were allowed into this garden. However, Xia Wen Yi had rarely come here since he successfully purified his marrow six years ago.
When the Spiritual Dog saw Xia Wen Yi, it sniffed his scent, then gestured toward the cultivating Liu Shuang, indicating that he should not make any noise. At the signal, Xia Wen Yi proceeded even more carefully, skirting the area as he headed for the small courtyard.
But he returned shortly after, for he hadn’t found Wang Ping in the courtyard.
Liu Shuang had just completed another attempt. Her soul sensed someone approaching, and she opened her eyes to look at Xia Wen Yi. "What is it?" she asked.
Xia Wen Yi said, "Daoist Zi Luan has sent a formal request for a meeting. He wishes to see Master."
Liu Shuang paused, taken aback. "Must he see him?" she asked.
"Yes. Daoist Wan Zhi sent him. He says it’s an important matter that requires a face-to-face discussion!"
"But Master is at a critical juncture in his cultivation. He went into seclusion six months ago, and even I don’t know where he is."
"..."
Xia Wen Yi was stunned for a moment. Then he said, "I have to go back and report this to the elders."
Liu Shuang rose to her feet. "I’ll go with you," she said.
The Front Hall.
After hearing the news, Yu Cheng Taoist said nonchalantly, "In that case, just explain the situation to Daoist Zi Luan truthfully. There’s no need for you to be so worried."
"Exactly!"
Yuan Zheng Taoist nodded.
Ruan Chunzi chimed in, "Given the relationship between Daoist Zi Luan and Fellow Daoist Changqing, he’s unlikely to make a fuss over such a small matter."
Hearing this, Yu Cheng Taoist stroked his long beard while looking at Yuan Zheng Taoist. "Go in my stead," he said. "Take Shuang’Er with you to greet Daoist Zi Luan. Explain the situation to him beforehand to avoid any awkwardness."
"Very well!"
...
But after Zi Luan heard the news from Yuan Zheng and Liu Shuang, his reaction was completely unexpected. He said, "Fellow Daoist Changqing must be on the verge of completing the first stage of his cultivation—the final moments of fusing with the ’Heaven-Reaching Talisman.’ He naturally wouldn’t want to be disturbed. But that’s fine. I can wait."
At a signal from Yuan Zheng Taoist, Liu Shuang braced herself and explained, "Before he went into seclusion, my master told me that this time it would last for a minimum of five years, and a maximum of eight."
"No matter. It’s only a few years!"
"..."
This response left both Liu Shuang and Yuan Zheng at a loss for words.
Zi Luan explained, "This is a matter decreed by Daoist Wan Zhi. I must ensure the message is delivered to Fellow Daoist Changqing in person. However, you should listen as well, as this matter is also deeply relevant to you."
"Yes!"
Filled with curiosity, Liu Shuang and Yuan Zheng led Zi Luan to the front hall of Qianmu Temple. After a prolonged exchange of pleasantries, Yu Cheng Taoist tried to offer Zi Luan the seat of honor, but he declined. Only after another round of courtesies did everyone finally take their seats.
Zi Luan did not beat around the bush. As Zhao Qian personally served tea, he cupped his fist to everyone present and said, "I am here to convey a message from Daoist Wan Zhi... From this moment forward, no Cultivator at the Second Realm or above may interfere in the struggle for the Zhongzhou Divine Artifact."
The moment he spoke, the front hall fell silent. Everyone present was processing the implications of his words.
Zi Luan waited for several breaths. Once everyone had absorbed what he’d said, he added, "The deadline is one month. Within one month, you must recall all disciples with a Second Realm Cultivation whom you have dispatched."
After he finished speaking, his gaze fell upon Liu Shuang. "The conditions I just stated also apply to the Imperial Family. The Imperial Family must not harbor any Cultivators at the Second Realm or above. If any are discovered, they must be brought back immediately. This is the decision reached after discussion among several True Monarchs. Anyone who violates this, no matter who they are, will face a reckoning."
"The Daoist Palace is responsible for the Southern Cultivation Realm, and the sects of the seven chief disciples will be the first to be held accountable. You understand what I mean, don’t you?"
As he spoke, he turned his gaze to Yu Cheng Taoist.
Yu Cheng Taoist immediately cupped his fist and said, "We understand completely!"
Ruan Chunzi glanced at Yu Cheng, then cupped his fist to Zi Luan. "What about ordinary trade? For example, the sale of Elixirs?"
Zi Luan replied, "That is permitted, but only for basic consumable Elixirs. For instance, basic ’Power Pills’ are allowed. Likewise, for Arrays, only the sale of basic ones is permitted."
Yuan Zheng asked next, "Is proselytizing still permitted? For example, do we need to make commoner families stop their incense offerings to Qianmu Temple?"
"That is also permitted!"
Zi Luan stated the answer before explaining further. "It’s not as strict as you might think. We certainly aren’t prohibiting contact with mortals. After all, some people’s very path of cultivation lies in the mortal world. What is forbidden is using the power of the Cultivation Realm to change the course of a war, for example, through logistical support or front-line combat."
"What about passing on intelligence?"
Liu Shuang asked with a cupped fist. She looked worried—after all, the Chu Royal Family were her descendants, and the struggle for the Divine Artifact was a life-and-death battle. Failure meant the annihilation of her clan!
"Let me put it this way: Cultivators at the Second Realm or above are forbidden from appearing in any battle. They are even forbidden from having any contact with people or matters related to the front lines."
Zi Luan’s tone was extremely serious.
Seeing the hall fall silent again, Xia Wen Yi respectfully cupped his fist. "May I ask, Daoist Zi Luan, if we discover someone violating these rules, who should we report it to?"
"Very simple..."
Zi Luan, wearing his usual smile, glanced first at Xia Wen Yi before meeting the eyes of everyone in the room. He explained, "Go to the nearest temple of any True Monarch where incense is burned, offer incense and candles, and pray devoutly. That is all."
"..."
The moment he spoke, a chill went down everyone’s spines.
But Zi Luan wasn’t finished. "I am certain there will be those who want to take the risk. I predict that within the next half-month, countless ambitious figures will emerge across the land, inciting local powers to declare independence. When that happens, some Second Realm Cultivators will inevitably be unable to resist making a move. Therefore, you are all about to be very busy. Don’t forget what I said before: we are the Law Enforcers of the South!"