The turmoil in the Central Region Imperial Capital temporarily settled.
Tang Xiaoqi, with thunderous means to draw bottom lines and wise moderation to guide direction, forcibly constrained the three princes' fighting within relatively controllable bounds. Though not eradicating hidden dangers, at least it won the Central Region a precious period of stability, avoiding immediate war and suffering. When this news spread, Xiao Qi's and Qingxu Temple's prestige rose another level; his wisdom and responsibility displayed in handling secular affairs made various factions increasingly respectful.
Upon returning to Qingxu Temple, Xiao Qi continued investing in compiling the "Scripture of World Purification" and sect affairs. The insights from the north and practice in the central region deepened his understanding of "purifying human hearts" and "guiding people toward goodness." The scripture's compilation flowed ever more smoothly; many originally obscure concepts now, falling onto jade slips, became clear and full of life.
However, as the saying goes, the tree desires stillness but the wind will not cease.
Just when he thought he could devote himself to writing for a period, a spiritual energy fluctuation utterly different from the Central Plains cultivation world, carrying vast moisture and ethereal immortal intent, came from the east, directly penetrating Qingxu Temple's formations, precisely landing before the main peak's Assembly Hall.
The visitor was not physical, but an azure shadow formed from pure water-elemental force and some divine sense. The shadow resembled an elderly Taoist with crane-white hair and youthful face, holding a fly whisk. His expression was kind, his eyes deep as the sea. He bowed slightly toward Tang Xiaoqi and Senior Brother Mu Qingfeng who had hurried out: "The Overseas Alliance sends a water-element avatar to pay respects to the World Purification True Lord."
Xiao Qi's gaze sharpened. The Overseas Alliance? This was a faction more mysterious and transcendent than even the Western Frontier Sun Clan. Legend said they resided on Penglai, Fangzhang, Yingzhou and other immortal islands beyond the vast Eastern Sea, with ancient inheritances and unfathomable strength. They rarely had contact with the outside world, maintaining an otherworldly stance. During the demon calamity, they also did not directly intervene, merely sealing their passages to the outside.
"Fellow Daoist, no need for such courtesy. Having traveled far, what brings you here?" Xiao Qi returned the bow, his tone peaceful.
That water-element avatar elder, his fly whisk lightly waving. A scroll made of pure spiritual light and emitting ancient dao rhythm slowly flew toward Xiao Qi. "By order of the Alliance elders' mandate, I specially deliver this invitation." The elder's voice carried an uncanny rhythm. "A thousand years have passed; the Penglai Immortal Island 'Discourse on the Dao Assembly' will soon begin. The Alliance acknowledges the True Lord's pivotal role during the demon calamity, purifying the source, and has heard of the True Lord's world-embracing heart in compiling the 'Scripture of World Purification,' with lofty aspirations. Thus we specially break convention to invite the True Lord to visit Penglai, to participate in this grand assembly, to discourse on the secrets of longevity with overseas fellow Daoists and jointly explore the profound mysteries of the dao."
The invitation fell into his hands—not gold or jade, but warm to the touch. Ancient cloud-script characters were inscribed upon it, the strokes flowing with dao rhythm, obviously meticulously crafted. More importantly, this invitation itself seemed to be a token, faintly resonating with some existence far in the Eastern Sea.
"A thousand-year Discourse on the Dao Assembly?" Senior Brother Mu Qingfeng beside Xiao Qi, upon hearing this, showed astonishment. He had read widely and knew some overseas legends. It was said this Penglai Discourse on the Dao Assembly was the highest overseas cultivation world event, held once per millennium. Only top-level major powers who had gained recognition or those bearing great fortune and merit could receive invitations. Attendees were overseas immortals, hidden great demons, and even some ancient inheritance guardians—discussing all matters directly related to longevity and the fundamental mysteries of the universe. The Central Plains cultivation world had not received such an invitation for nearly ten thousand years.
Xiao Qi grasped the invitation, sensing its weight and the anticipation within. This was not merely a simple discourse invitation, but represented overseas powers' recognition of his personal strength, prestige, and chosen path. It was also an excellent opportunity—a platform to encounter higher-level cultivation civilization, broaden horizons, and verify his own learning.
"The secrets of longevity, the profound mysteries of the dao..." Xiao Qi murmured quietly, a longing flickering in his eyes. Though he had reached the Great Circle of Nascent Soul stage, touching the threshold of Spirit Transformation, regarding higher realms, the ethereal path of longevity, and the ultimate mysteries of the dao, he remained full of desire to explore. Discussing the dao with overseas those who had lived countless years and knowledgeable great powers would undoubtedly greatly compensate for his relatively short cultivation time.
Moreover, the Overseas Alliance existed beyond worldly matters. Building good relations with them could, for maintaining this realm's long-term peace and meeting future challenges possibly coming from broader heavens (such as the earlier silicon-based civilization and star-devourers), add another source of assistance.
"By the esteemed Daoists' kindness, such an event—I, Xiao Qi, am heartfully drawn to." Xiao Qi accepted the invitation, facing the water-element avatar solemnly: "Please convey to the elders—I, Xiao Qi, will certainly arrive on time."
That elder's face smiled even more broadly, nodding: "Excellent. The True Lord is indeed decisive. At the proper time, the guiding light will show the True Lord the direction. My avatar's spiritual energy is nearly spent—I shall take my leave, looking forward to meeting the True Lord again at the immortal island."
With that, the azure shadow gradually faded, ultimately dispersing into motes of spiritual light, leaving only a faint sea breeze scent.
Once the avatar had completely vanished, the senior brother stepped forward, his tone carrying worry: "Xiao Qi, overseas forces are complex and their depth unknown. The journey there is long and the outcome uncertain—should we make thorough preparations? Or should I accompany you?"
Xiao Qi shook his head, his gaze eastward, as if already seeing those cloud-shrouded overseas immortal mountains: "Since this is a Discourse on the Dao Assembly, we meet through the dao, not for battle. More people would be counterproductive. Senior Brother, the sect and Alliance still need your diligent attention. This journey for me, short perhaps a few months, long perhaps a year or more, I can also take this opportunity to travel overseas and broaden my experience."
He paused, then said: "As for safety... the path of cultivation is like sailing against the current—how could one shrink back from fear of difficulty? Besides, with my current cultivation, even with risk, I am confident in my self-preservation."
Seeing Xiao Qi was set in his mind, the senior brother offered no more protests, only: "Be careful in all things. The sect is in my care—rest assured."
Xiao Qi nodded, saying no more. He lowered his gaze to the invitation in his hand, his heart already anticipating that thousand-year overseas discourse gathering.
The Central Region matter was temporarily settled; the north's enlightenment integrated. It was time to turn his gaze toward broader heavens. This overseas immortal island invitation might be another crucial opportunity on his dao path. He faintly sensed this Penglai journey would certainly elevate his understanding of the "dao" to an entirely new realm.