"What matter?" Qiu Shengshui asked back.
"That day in the wilderness, Diao Zeyi and his group heavily injured my wife. Her life and death are now unknown, and it is truly difficult for this disciple to practice with peace of mind." Lin Dalu replied solemnly.
Qiu Shengshui did not speak. With a "hu" sound, he tossed an Image-Recording Jade Slip from his sleeve and said indifferently, "See for yourself."
The Image-Recording Jade Slip floated over, Spirit Radiance flickering.
Lin Dalu asked in confusion, "Master... this is...?"
Qin Yue explained with a smile, "This is our pavilion's Image-Recording Jade Slip. Press it to your forehead and concentrate your mind, pouring in spirit power, and you will see the matters recorded within."
Lin Dalu knew that Qiu Shengshui had already helped him break through to Qi Refinement Level 1, saving him nearly thirty years of the path of cultivation. He was now considered a Dao Cultivator. However, Lin Dalu had never used such an object. Although he did as instructed, gathering his Qi and concentrating his spirit, he had only just entered Qi Refinement, and his spirit power circulation was almost non-existent. He did not know how to control it either. Even with Qin Yue's guidance from the side, he was still incredibly clumsy. The Image-Recording Jade Slip remained dark and gave no reaction.
Seeing his awkward manner, Qin Yue sighed, "Truly a block of wood." She stepped forward slowly, raising a finger to tap a point on his back, her fingertip spirit power slowly flowing in.
Instantly, this fine, warm Qi arose from his spine and flowed through his four limbs and hundred bones. Lin Dalu only felt his whole body tremble slightly as a warmth spread out from his back. That spirit power circulated within his body, opening orifices and smoothing meridians. A faint Spirit Radiance lit up at his lower abdomen and went from bottom to top, heading straight for his forehead. He opened his lips slightly but ultimately endured, thin sweat appearing on his forehead. His mind instead became more focused on the Image-Recording Jade Slip.
As spirit power was injected, the gray shadows dissipated, and a scene slowly manifested—
In the picture was a secret chamber with dark stone walls. A woman was seen sitting cross-legged at the center of a Minor Array, her hands bound to stone posts by black iron chains. Her hair was white as snow, and her breathing was long and weak as she closed her eyes to regulate her breath. Her figure was small, soft, and slender. Her back was familiar, appearing to be Xiang'er.
The scene faded, and the Spirit Radiance dissipated.
Lin Dalu gripped the Image-Recording Jade Slip tightly and looked up to ask, "Master, is this person Xiang'er?"
Qiu Shengshui's brow furrowed slightly, "I do not know anyone named Xiang'er! This is the wife you spoke of—Fang Yun."
"May I ask Master, where is she now?" Lin Dalu asked anxiously.
"She is heavily injured and is in secluded meditation to recover." Qiu Shengshui's tone was indifferent, as casual as if discussing an object.
Lin Dalu wanted to ask further, but Qiu Shengshui raised his hand to stop him, speaking slowly, "Fang Yun's life energy is overdrawn and needs to be replenished with a secret method. If she is disturbed, her breath will be cut off. At that time, even if you succeed in Foundation Establishment, it will be impossible to meet again."
Lin Dalu's heart grew cold. That back in the picture did indeed look like Xiang'er, yet it could not be seen clearly. Qiu Shengshui was sinister and treacherous. Every word from his mouth seemed both true and false and could absolutely not be trusted. If Xiang'er is truly in his hands, as long as I stay in the Yin Spirit Pavilion, there will come a day when I can see her.
Thus, Lin Dalu took a deep breath, steadied his spirit, and bowed again, "This disciple shall follow Master's orders. I am willing to practice diligently and condense the Sacred Relic early to repay Master's grace."
Qiu Shengshui's gaze was icy, and he gave a faint smile.
The spirit flames in the hall flickered, and Qin Yue's laughter drifted out lightly, carrying a bit of playfulness. She brushed her hair at her temples and stepped slowly to Lin Dalu's side, leaning down to whisper, "Junior Brother Lin, do not forget, I am your initiator... Hehe..."
Lin Dalu's gaze was calm as he replied in a heavy voice, "Thank you for the guidance, Senior Sister." He knew this place was filled with hidden dangers, yet he still had to hide his edge and wait for the chance to see Xiang'er again. He murmured in his heart—Xiang'er, wait for me!
At this moment, the sound of heavy footsteps came from outside the hall as a reporting disciple quickly entered. Qiu Shengshui was about to leave the hall when he heard someone announce, Outer Pavilion Elder Diao Zeyi, bringing his nephew Diao Sandai and his disciple Zhuo Huan, requests an audience.
As soon as these words were spoken, the fire of hatred surged in Lin Dalu's chest. If not for the plots of these people, why would Xiang'er suffer this calamity? If not for their ambush, how would the two of them have fallen into the hands of the Yin Spirit Pavilion? His fury was difficult to restrain, yet he knew that he was currently in a place filled with experts. If he acted impulsively, it would surely lead to his destruction. To save his wife and take revenge, he needed a good plan first.
Thinking here, Lin Dalu restrained his emotions and bowed respectfully again, "Master, this disciple is willing to enter the Yin Spirit Pavilion to practice. However, I formed a grudge with Elder Diao and his nephew that day, and I fear I may be made things difficult for in the future, risking my life. If I encounter trouble and it instead causes damage to the Sacred Relic, I fear I would fail Master's command. I hope Master can grant this disciple a plan to protect my life, so that I may practice without distraction and achieve Foundation Establishment early to accomplish great things."
Qiu Shengshui scrutinized him for a moment with indifferent eyes, his tone neither hurried nor slow, "Just stay by my side and watch from the side."
After speaking, Qiu Shengshui pointed a finger at a servant. This person took out a storage bag from his waist, used two fingers to swipe with spirit power, and suddenly a blue light flew out, heading straight for Lin Dalu and covering his body. The light and shadow withdrew, and that blue light turned into a blue robe covering his body, bringing a faint medicinal fragrance like that of autumn poria. Lin Dalu felt a slight doubt in his heart, yet he knew this was a gift from Qiu Shengshui and it was difficult to refuse.
Before long, with the "ta ta..." sound of footsteps, Outer Pavilion Elder Diao Zeyi and the others were led into the hall. The three performed their salutations respectfully. Diao Zeyi was older with a heavy aura and a face like it was carved by a knife. Diao Sandai had a donkey face and dog whiskers, while Zhuo Huan had a hunched and stooped back. Seeing Lin Dalu wearing the Yin Spirit Pavilion disciple uniform, Diao Zeyi's brow twitched slightly as he asked, "Why is this person named Lin wearing this attire?"
Qin Yue laughed lightly from the side, responding in a faint voice, "This is Junior Brother Lin. His talent is quite good, and he contains the Sacred Relic in his body. He has now been accepted as a personal disciple by the Pavilion Master. He bears a heavy responsibility and is a great blessing for our Yin Spirit Pavilion."
Diao Zeyi and the others offered superficial congratulations, their words containing hidden probes. They immediately stepped forward to recount the process of the capture that day, boasting much in an attempt to claim merit and seek rewards.
Qiu Shengshui's expression was indifferent. After they finished speaking, he said slowly, "It seems you all put in quite an effort and indeed deserve a good reward..." Immediately, he flicked his sleeve, and "da da da...", three Spirit Stones flew out from his robe, heading straight toward the three people. Diao Sandai and Zhuo Huan greedily reached out to take them. Before their laughter even ended, they were instantly as if struck by heavy hammers. Their faces contorted, they foamed at the mouth, and they fell to the ground, unable to get up.
The hall was in an uproar. Diao Zeyi immediately cupped his fists and shouted, "Pavilion Master, what is the meaning of this? We came here under orders, why has it come to this!"
Qiu Shengshui replied coldly, "You may take your Spirit Stone. This Pavilion Master has other plans for the remaining two. This time you handled the matter appropriately and established great merit for this Pavilion Master. Today I grant you the Command Token and the protection jade slip for the Teleportation Array, allowing you to take charge of the Teleportation Array. I hope you remember your place." After speaking, he reached into a box beside him and took out a Blue Jade Badge and a blue storage bag, "sou... sou...", tossing them to Diao Zeyi.
Diao Zeyi took the flying objects with trembling hands, his peripheral vision catching his nephew's eyes which had not yet closed. His Adam's apple rolled violently.
"Are you satisfied with this arrangement?" Qiu Shengshui's voice was as flat as casual conversation.
"Diao Sandai and Zhuo Huan violated the Iron Law of the Cultivation World and nearly damaged the Sacred Relic. They deserve to die ten thousand deaths!" Diao Zeyi replied with cupped fists.
The hall grew silent. Qiu Shengshui turned to look at Lin Dalu, "Can my disciple now practice with a quiet mind?" Although his words were peaceful, the depths of his eyes were like cold stars.
Lin Dalu suppressed the alarm in his chest and cupped his fists in thanks, "This disciple has received Master's grace and will surely practice with all my heart to not fail your trust."
"If you have difficulties in practice, you may ask Qin Yue." After speaking, with a "sou" sound, Qiu Shengshui turned into a blue light and sped away into the air. His lingering voice echoed in the hall, "Do not let this Pavilion Master be disappointed."
[Illustration ↓]
https://i.postimg.cc/TYD08HbV/Q0014C.jpg
After Qiu Shengshui had gone far, Qin Yue walked around to Lin Dalu's side, her eyebrows raised and her smile deep, "Junior Brother Lin, if you wish for your Cultivation to advance quickly, you might as well step a few paces closer to me. Many complicated things happen in the Yin Spirit Pavilion, and opportunities are also hidden deep within. Junior Brother should just be extra cautious." Her words contained both enticement and pressure, causing the listener to feel a sense of wariness.
Lin Dalu returned the salutation indifferently, "I will keep Senior Sister's earnest words in my heart. If I can obtain Senior Sister's help, I will be infinitely grateful."
Lin Dalu calculated in his heart, knowing this place was treacherous. He had to first get close to this person to probe the details. Thus, he left the main hall with Qin Yue and walked toward the corridor. His steps were steady and his expression normal, yet he had already devised a good strategy in his heart, wishing to use Qin Yue's convenience to find out Xiang'er's whereabouts.
Inside the main hall, only Outer Pavilion Elder Diao Zeyi and the two corpses remained. Diao Zeyi held the Blue Jade Badge, his heart aching like it was being twisted by a knife. His gaze was dark as he looked at his fallen nephew, the veins on his forehead bulging and his hatred gradually intensifying, "Absolutely detestable. You have gained a temporary lease on life today, be careful not to be too pleased with yourself. If the Sacred Relic condenses in the future, I will surely take your life with my own hands to avenge my nephew." He clenched his fists tightly, his knuckles turning white.
Lin Dalu stepped outside the hall, the wind carrying the cool scent of the mountain forest. He looked at those points of lamplight in the hall, as if seeing many schemes operating in the dark. He lightly brushed his chest, feeling the form of Xiang'er being trapped, his heart containing both hatred and tenderness. At this moment, he felt even more that practicing the Dao was not for his own honor or disgrace, but for that one wisp of tenderness in his heart.
Walking...
——(End of Chapter)