"Immortal friend, you're worrying too much." Daoist Danyi couldn't help but laugh. Since our sect spent the golden core and used the Six Directions Rejuvenation Heart Technique to edify him, we naturally have to nurture him well. How can we be slow?”
"That's hard to say." Su Zhen shook his head.”
Shui Qingling knew that her husband was up to something again to make things difficult for Daoist Light, so she smiled and said nothing.
"If you don't trust my sect, what should I do?" Daoist Master Danyi said with a wry smile.”
"Let's make a bet," Su Zhen said confidently.”
"What bet is it?" Luo He asked curiously.”
Su Zhen pointed at Ding Yuan and said,"I'll bet that he won't be able to defeat my precious daughter in eight years." If he defeats Yu 'er, I'll personally hand over the [Daybreak Spring Mountain Painting] to him."If you lose, it's naturally because your Emerald Cloud Sect didn't teach you with all your heart. You can forget about the map.”
Dao Master Dan Yi couldn't help but be startled. He had expected that Su Zhen wouldn't give him the Painting of the Cold Spring Mountains so easily, but he didn't expect the conditions he proposed to be so strange. "So Immortal Friend Su wants these two children to fight with each other to decide who will own this map."”
"I don't care if it's a sword fight or not, as long as it's a fair duel.”Su Zhen said," Although Yu 'er cultivated a few years earlier than that young man, after the Six Harmonies Rejuvenation Heart Technique and the Golden Core effect, this young man has an additional sixty-year-cycle of pure power compared to others. In this case, I'm the one who's at a disadvantage."”
Shui Qingqing finally understood her husband's painstaking efforts. Since they had agreed to the exchange, it didn't matter who the painting belonged to. However, Su Zhen was afraid that the Emerald Clouds Sect would neglect this child in exchange for Ding Yuan's life for the painting of the Cold Spring Mountain at dawn, so he came up with this move.
With the cultivation base of the six Emerald Glow Immortals, especially with the cultivation base of Daoist Master Dan Yi, even the mischievous stone would nod his head as long as he was willing to teach Ding Yuan with all his heart.
Although Su Zhiyu did not understand why her father wanted her to have a sword duel with Brother Ding in the future, she knew that the elders were discussing the matter of saving Ding Yuan, so she held back and did not say anything.
Seeing that Daoist Dan remained silent, Luo He said,""Then if this child loses to your daughter, won't we be unable to explain to the other senior and junior brothers?”
"That's why I want you to think of a way to nurture this child into an outstanding talent among the younger generation in eight years. If you're afraid that the time is too short, ten years will do." Su Zhen smiled.”
" Eight years is enough," Master Daoist Dan thought for a long time and finally said,""Immortal Friend Su's suggestion is really creative, I have to admire your good intentions. However, this matter is of great importance and cannot be decided by me alone. Can you allow us to discuss it in detail before making a decision?”
Su Zhen smiled in his heart,'This old Daoist is indeed smart. He actually guessed my intentions. He didn't suspect that I had ulterior motives, so I didn't want to make things too difficult for him.”
"Alright," he replied,"I'll ask Daoist Light One to discuss this with the elders of the sect as soon as possible. However, this child's injuries really can't last long."”
"This poor Taoist doesn't have to worry about that." Daoist Master Danyi nodded.”
He flicked his right index finger and sent out a soft white light, which hit a small bronze bell hanging on the side of the bed. The bell made a crisp "ding" sound, but it wasn't very loud.
Su Zhen had also heard people say that this bell was called the " Bronze Sparrow." It got its name because there was an immortal sparrow carved on its body. This bell had countless uses and was the treasure of Emerald Cloud Mountain. One of them was used by the sect master to gather disciples.
The sound of the bell did not seem very loud, but it had already spread throughout the entire mountain through the cave door in the blink of an eye. In the ears of more than a thousand disciples, they could hear the "ding" sound of the bell, regardless of the distance.
The first one to arrive was the Immortal Dannu, who was in charge of the secular affairs of the Emerald Cloud Sect. He was thin and small, his skin was as dry as old bark, and his beard and hair were all white. His eyes were half-closed, and his expression was solemn and cold. He wore a black Daoist robe and walked into the cave with a horsetail whisk in his hand. He bowed in front of Master Daoist Dan Yi and said,""Pale anger greets Sect Leader Senior Brother."
Dao Master Dan Yi shook his horsetail whisk, and two grass hassocks appeared on both sides of the stone bed. He slightly nodded to Dan Nu and said,"Junior Brother Dan Nu, please sit down.”
He thanked Su Zhen and sat cross-legged on the first futon on the left. He did not look at Su Zhen and the others, nor did he ask any questions.
Just as Dan Nu sat down, he heard a woman's voice say,""So there's a guest."
Another loud and clear voice laughed." It must be a distinguished guest. Otherwise, how could we trouble the Sect Leader to come out of seclusion to welcome him?"”
Luo He sat on the futon and did not turn his head. He smiled at Su Zhen and said in a low voice,"Fifth Junior Brother and Junior Sister have arrived.”
After entering the cave, the man and the woman first paid their respects to Dao Master Danyi before sitting down cross-legged.
The woman looked to be in her forties, but she still had the charm of an old woman. She wore an apricot yellow Daoist robe and had a rather arrogant expression. Although Su Zhen had never seen her before, he knew that this woman must be the only female among the six immortals, Nun Danchen. The man sitting opposite her was in his fifties. He was tall and burly. His face was half black and half white with a full beard. His nose was straight and his mouth was wide. His eyes were like a pair of copper bells, but his face was as black as the bottom of a pot. It must be the other expert of the six immortals, Ji Bietian.
It was said that this man had a fiery temper and was very talkative. Even Master Daoist Dan Yi couldn't do anything about him. However, his appearance was quite consistent with the rumors.
The last one to arrive was the third of the six immortals, Reverend Dan Yan. He was only slightly taller than Dan Nu, but thinner. His face was as red as dates, but his face was full of pockmarks and he looked extremely ugly. He had a pair of protruding ears, a big nose that was facing the sky, and eyes that were bulging like they were swollen. He wore a dark-colored Daoist robe and looked quite honest.
Dan Yan was indeed the least talkative among them. When he saw Daoist Dan Yi, he only said two words,"Senior Brother!"
Dao Master Dan Yi had long been accustomed to this Third Junior Brother's temperament, so he invited him to sit opposite Dan Nu with a smile. Thus, the six immortals gathered together, it was a rare thing in recent years.
Dao Master Dan Yi first introduced Su Zhen and his wife to the four disciples who arrived later, then introduced Dan Nu and the others to Su Zhen one by one. After Pan Xuan, Master Daoist Dan Yi said to Luo He,"Fourth junior brother, please tell us why immortal friend Su and his wife are here.”
Luo He had a quick tongue, and it only took him half a cup of tea's time to explain the sequence of events clearly. However, when he finished speaking, the cave fell into silence, and everyone lowered their heads in deep thought.
First of all, Immortal Danyi cast his gaze at Immortal Dannu and asked,""This matter is of great importance and is no child's play. Thus, I urgently summoned all my junior brothers to discuss this matter. I wonder what Second Junior Brother thinks about this?”
The Immortal Dannu seemed to have expected that the Immortal Danyi would ask him first, so he bowed slightly and said,"I don't have any objections. I'll listen to Sect Leader Shixiong's arrangements.”
"Third Junior Brother, what about you?" Dao Master Dan Yi asked Dan Yan.
The Immortal Danyan's head was still lowered. No one knew what he was thinking about. When he heard the sect leader ask him, he was silent for a long time. In the end, he only said one word,"Save him!"
Just this word made Su Zhen have a good impression of him. It should be known that the Immortal Danyan said "save" and not "exchange". With his style of sparing words like gold, he meant that even if there was no map, he had to save Ding Yuan first.
Compared to the others, this ugliest Dan Yan was the kindest.
Unexpectedly, Nun Danchen, who was sitting at the back, said coldly,"Senior Brother Dan Yan is indeed forthright. It's probably because I've already passed the great tribulation with my golden core, right?”
Dan Yan's body trembled slightly, but she did not refute. Su Zhen's evil fire rose. Just as he was about to mock him, he heard Perfected Dan Nu shout in a low voice,"Little Junior Sister, it's not your turn to speak yet.”
Nun Danchen glanced at Dan Nu, seemingly afraid of this iron-masked senior brother, and snorted without saying anything.
Dao Master Dan Yi sighed in his heart and asked,""Fifth Junior Brother, what do you think?”
Ji Bie Tian's bright eyes stared at Su Zhen and said,""With immortal friend Su's reputation, I shouldn't have doubted it, but in these sixty years, no one has ever seen that picture in immortal friend's hands. Let's not talk about anything else, I want to ask immortal friend to take out the map and show it to everyone.”
Everyone present was moved. They thought to themselves that this fifth brother looked very rough on the surface, but he was not blindly honest. This was actually something that everyone wanted to ask, but it was most appropriate for someone with his temper to ask.
"Don't tell me you don't trust me?" Su Zhen's expression remained unchanged as he sneered.”
Ji Bietian didn't back down and retorted,""Immortal Friend Su doesn't trust our sect either. Otherwise, why would you make an eight year agreement?”
Su Zhen came to a realization and chuckled." So you've been talking for so long because you're afraid that this child won't be able to defeat Yu 'er eight years later. Your Emerald Cloud Sect will end up empty-handed."”
Ji Bietian laughed." Although Immortal Friend Su is famous for his Righteous Dao and Demonic Dao, he was already a top expert in the Heavenly Continent a hundred years ago. His skills are astonishing and his cultivation is profound. "However, our Emerald Cloud Sect's thousand-year-old heritage might not be inferior. It's just that we don't know anything about that child's foundation or temperament. We only know from your introductions. Just based on this point, such an agreement was already unfair.”
"This child's root bone is good," Dao Master Danyi said slowly.”
Although he only said this, no one present doubted him anymore. As for temperament, although no one knew Ding Yuan, one reason was that Su Zhen's identity and character would not be deceived and fabricated. Secondly, Ding Yuan was still young. As long as he was taught properly, he might not be a bad talent.
"That's not important." Ji Bietian shook his head."If Immortal Friend Su is sincere, this bet is unnecessary.”
Everyone understood the meaning behind his words. If Emerald Cloud Sect saved Ding Yuan, Su Zhen could just hand over the map. Why would he have to make a bet?
Su Zhen chuckled,"In the end, you're still afraid of losing."”
Ji Bietian raised his thick eyebrows and was about to retort when Daoist Danyi said,""Fifth junior brother, immortal friend Su has his own reasons for doing this. What we need to discuss now is whether to accept this bet and nothing else.”
Ji Bietian looked at Dao Master Dan in astonishment and lowered his head.""Yes, Sect Leader Senior Brother."
Daoist Dan Yi knew that Ji Bietian didn't understand what he meant, so he sighed in his heart."How would you know that Su Zhen would be willing to hand over the Painting of the Cold Spring Mountains so easily? Even if he did not raise this condition, he would definitely have other more demanding and unimaginable requirements.”
"This Penniless Priest doesn't doubt that the scroll is in Immortal Friend Su's hands, nor does This Penniless Priest doubt its authenticity," said Nun Danchen. But how do I know if Immortal Friend Su did something to the painting when he handed it over?”
Su Zhen's expression was gloomy. Just as he was about to retaliate, Shui Qingqing hurriedly said,"Although the foolish couple are not saints, they definitely disdain such despicable actions. Besides, even if we do, we don't know where to start. Nun Danchen, don't worry too much. We have no other intentions here, only to save this child. Please be merciful, my husband and I are extremely grateful!”
Her words were so sincere that it was impossible to not believe them. For a moment, Ji Bietian and the others didn't know what to say.
"Immortal Friend Su, Water Fairy," Daoist Master Dan Yi waved his horsetail whisk and said,"please rest in the abode for a while. Let us discuss this in private."”
Su Zhen knew that the leaders of the Emerald Clouds Sect were going to talk behind closed doors. It was not convenient for him and his wife to be present, so he nodded and said,"Alright, I hope everyone can make a decision soon.”
Master Daoist Dan nodded with a smile and said to Luo He,"Fourth Junior Brother, please invite the few of you to rest in the abode first, then immediately come back to participate in the discussion.”
"Yes, Senior Brother."”
The five of them left the cave together, and Luo He led them toward the abode. This place was still behind Zuowang Peak, and there was still some distance from the abode. However, everyone's pace was fast, and the path was winding, so they didn't feel that it was too long.
When they reached a place where no one was around, Luo He suddenly turned around and said with a sincere expression,"I know that the virtuous couple will have opinions about the sect master and our sect. However, please understand his difficulties. After all, Cuixia Sect has a thousand years of foundation and thousands of disciples. If Eldest Senior Brother doesn't handle it properly, he will bring disaster upon himself. Although the six of us are known as the 'Six Emerald Cloud Fairies,' we are not from the same branch, and our relationship with each other is not something that outsiders should know. Although Eldest Shixiong is the sect master, he has to consider these things. Please forgive him.”
Su Zhen only snorted and did not say anything. Shui Qingqing smiled and said,"Immortal Friend Luo is too polite. In fact, the foolish couple also know about Daoist Dan Yi's difficulties. If it weren't for this child, we wouldn't have dared to disturb him. If I cause trouble for your sect, please forgive me.”
Luo He quickly said,"No, no, Water Fairy, if you say that, I'll feel ashamed."”
Shui Qingling smiled sweetly,"Since that's the case, let's not say these apologetic words."”
Luo He sighed in his heart. Shui Qingqing's reputation as the number one successor of the Heavenly Water Pavilion was not undeserved. Regardless of her cultivation level, her graceful and graceful bearing was enough to look down on everyone. Thinking of this, he couldn't help but feel a little envious of Su Zhen behind him.
The few of them chatted for a while before arriving at the abode. It was a few rows of houses in the southeast of the mountain peak. The surrounding environment was elegant and self-contained, but it was specially used to receive the distinguished guests of Emerald Cloud Sect.
Luo He arranged for them to stay and ordered two female disciples to stand outside the door, but Shui Qingling politely declined.
By the time everything was done, the sky was already starting to brighten. Luo He left the abode and returned to the ancient cave.
As soon as he entered the cave, he saw Dao Master Dan Yi's second disciple, Tan Wufeng, standing respectfully in front of his master and reporting to the others about Ding Yuan, whom he had just found out when he went down the mountain.
This Tan Wufeng had followed his master for more than a hundred years, and his cultivation was definitely not below that of a famous old man of the righteous path. Especially his qinggong, which was even better than the six immortals present. Just when Luo He and Su Zhen left, Master Daoist Dan sent Tan Wufeng down the mountain, and he came back even faster than Luo He.
Everyone listened to his report. What he said was roughly the same as what Su Zhen and his wife said. Ding Yuan was indeed a hooligan in a county town near the Azure Mountain. He had absolutely nothing to do with Su Zhen. It was true that the nine masters of the Jade Drop Sword Sect had challenged the two of them. Young Master Jin and the others had also appeared nearby.
One had to know that the Emerald Cloud Sword Sect had deep roots and disciples all over the world. Even the slightest movement could not escape their eyes and ears. There were many things that Tan Wufeng did not need to personally ask the person involved. He only needed to ask the eyes and ears of Emerald Cloud Sect to verify.
Seeing this, Luo He secretly admired him." Senior Brother Sect Leader is indeed thoughtful. If it were me, I'm afraid I wouldn't have thought of sending someone to verify the authenticity of Su Zhen and Shui Qingming's words."”
After Windless Tan left, Dao Master Danyi said,""Junior Brothers, it seems that Su Zhen is right. That child has nothing to do with him, so we can rule out the possibility that he took the opportunity to steal my Emerald Afterglow mental cultivation technique. However, whether it was allowed or not, everyone still needed to weigh it.”
" Su Zhen is a loner and likes to kill," Reverend Pale Nu said in a deep voice." I've always wondered why he would agree to exchange the Painting of the Cold Spring Mountain at Dawn for a child he doesn't know.”
Luo He said," In my opinion, he has spent sixty years but still failed to comprehend the mysteries of this. Instead, he has become the target of both the righteous and demonic paths. Therefore, there is a possibility that he will take the opportunity to get rid of him."”
"If Su Zhen and his wife can't comprehend it, we might not be able to do it. In the end, we'll lose a golden core instead. We'll be laughed at by others. Moreover, if this matter were to spread out, wouldn't the Righteous Dao and Devil Dao experts of the Heavenly Continent cause a huge commotion in the Emerald Cloud Mountain?”
" Given Su Zhen's personality," Dao Master Danyi said," he would never reveal this matter on his own accord. Besides his wife, only the six of us know about this matter. It shouldn't be leaked."”
Nun Danchen said," Su Zhen is a demon, and Shui Qingqing is a traitor to the main gate. How can they understand the Painting of the Cold Spring Mountain at Daybreak that hides the Heavenly Dao?" With the thousand-year foundation of my Emerald Cloud Sect and the wisdom of all the senior brothers present, I don't believe that I can't crack it!”
Daoist Dan Yi glanced at his five fellow disciples, and they all felt their hearts clear as if spring water had poured into them."Sect Master Shixiong has been in seclusion for several years, and his cultivation has indeed improved a lot!”
Dao Master Dan Yi's voice rose slowly,""Junior Brothers, I have been the Sect Master of Emerald Cloud Sect for more than eighty years. These two things are the last wishes of countless ancestors of my Emerald Cloud Sect. One was to wipe out the demonic path and clarify the world; The second is to promote our sect and place it above the three Holy Lands of the continent! However, I am ashamed to say that despite my best efforts and the efforts of all my junior brothers, these two wishes are still far away. I often think about it and sigh, feeling ashamed of my teacher.”
After hearing his words, the other five people's expressions gradually turned solemn as they fixed their eyes on Daoist Dan Yi.
Ji Bietian felt his blood boil as he shouted,""Sect Leader Senior Brother, we all understand what you mean. We'll do whatever you say!”
Reverend Dannu sighed softly and said,"However, can that child called Ding Yuan really defeat the daughter of Su Zhen and his wife eight years later?”
No one was confident about this and could not help but fall silent. However, even Nun Danchen, who had the most prejudice against Su Zhen, did not doubt that Su Zhen would definitely hand over the Painting of the Cold Spring Mountain at Dawn as promised once he lost the bet, so no one was worried about this problem.
"If this child is indeed capable of being nurtured, I don't believe that we can't defeat Su Zhen's daughter with the combined strength of the six of us!”
Luo He felt Ji Bietian's heroism and his spirits were lifted.""Fifth Junior Brother is right. Even if the six of us work together to nurture him, how can we be afraid that we won't be able to defeat Su Zhen and Shui Qingming?”
"How could a twelve or thirteen year old kid learn so much in just eight years?" Daoist Master Danyi shook his head.”
Nun Danchen snorted coldly." Senior Brother Sect Master, we'll agree to Su Zhen's bet. We're a dignified righteous sect. Why would we be afraid of a demonic monster like him?" If none of you are confident, why don't you hand that child over to me to train.”
"I'll bet. At most, I'll lose a golden core!" Ji Bietian pounded his thigh hard.”
Dao Master Dan Yi then looked at Dan Nu and Luo He. The two of them nodded slightly in agreement. Dan Yan kept her head down and didn't say anything.
"Alright, it's decided then." Daoist Master Danyi waved his horsetail whisk. Third Junior Brother, that child called Ding Yuan will be under your tutelage and you will personally teach him.”
Everyone was stunned. In terms of cultivation base, Immortal Danyi was the number one expert of Emerald Cloud Sect, and Immortal Dannu should be ranked below him. Moreover, Nun Danchen had also volunteered to take the role. Although the Immortal Danyan's cultivation was not weak, perhaps he was too stingy with his words, so his ability to teach his disciples was not very good. The disciples of the Immortal Danyan are always ranked last in the sword gathering that is held once every five years. Over time, those who knew the inside story would try their best to not become the disciple of the Immortal Danyan.
He didn't expect that even though Dao Master Dan Yi knew this, he would still give such a heavy responsibility to Dan Yan.
Ji Bietian was the first to raise an objection,"" Sect Leader Senior Brother, although Third Senior Brother's cultivation is not bad, but-"
Reverend Dannu waved his hand to stop Ji Bietian from speaking. He stared at Reverend Danyan aggressively and asked,"Third Junior Brother, can you do it or not?”
The Immortal Danyan still didn't raise his head. After a long time, he finally said,""Alright!"
Luo He heaved a sigh of relief and chuckled."If Third Senior Brother dares to say yes, then there must be no problem.”
Nun Danchen looked at the Immortal Danyan coldly and snorted,"Not necessarily."
Luo He looked at the frosty Dan Chen, the hesitant Ji Bietian, the expressionless Dan Nu, and Dan Yan, who was sitting with her head lowered. He smiled bitterly in his heart."I really don't know what Sect Leader Shixiong is planning.”
Only Master Daoist Dan sat cross-legged on the stone bed calmly with a mysterious smile on his face.
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"Immortal friend, you're worrying too much." Daoist Danyi couldn't help but laugh. Since our sect spent the golden core and used the Six Directions Rejuvenation Heart Technique to edify him, we naturally have to nurture him well. How can we be slow?”
"That's hard to say." Su Zhen shook his head.”
Shui Qingling knew that her husband was up to something again to make things difficult for Daoist Light, so she smiled and said nothing.
"If you don't trust my sect, what should I do?" Daoist Master Danyi said with a wry smile.”
"Let's make a bet," Su Zhen said confidently.”
"What bet is it?" Luo He asked curiously.”
Su Zhen pointed at Ding Yuan and said,"I'll bet that he won't be able to defeat my precious daughter in eight years." If he defeats Yu 'er, I'll personally hand over the [Daybreak Spring Mountain Painting] to him."If you lose, it's naturally because your Emerald Cloud Sect didn't teach you with all your heart. You can forget about the map.”
Dao Master Dan Yi couldn't help but be startled. He had expected that Su Zhen wouldn't give him the Painting of the Cold Spring Mountains so easily, but he didn't expect the conditions he proposed to be so strange. "So Immortal Friend Su wants these two children to fight with each other to decide who will own this map."”
"I don't care if it's a sword fight or not, as long as it's a fair duel.”Su Zhen said," Although Yu 'er cultivated a few years earlier than that young man, after the Six Harmonies Rejuvenation Heart Technique and the Golden Core effect, this young man has an additional sixty-year-cycle of pure power compared to others. In this case, I'm the one who's at a disadvantage."”
Shui Qingqing finally understood her husband's painstaking efforts. Since they had agreed to the exchange, it didn't matter who the painting belonged to. However, Su Zhen was afraid that the Emerald Clouds Sect would neglect this child in exchange for Ding Yuan's life for the painting of the Cold Spring Mountain at dawn, so he came up with this move.
With the cultivation base of the six Emerald Glow Immortals, especially with the cultivation base of Daoist Master Dan Yi, even the mischievous stone would nod his head as long as he was willing to teach Ding Yuan with all his heart.
Although Su Zhiyu did not understand why her father wanted her to have a sword duel with Brother Ding in the future, she knew that the elders were discussing the matter of saving Ding Yuan, so she held back and did not say anything.
Seeing that Daoist Dan remained silent, Luo He said,""Then if this child loses to your daughter, won't we be unable to explain to the other senior and junior brothers?”
"That's why I want you to think of a way to nurture this child into an outstanding talent among the younger generation in eight years. If you're afraid that the time is too short, ten years will do." Su Zhen smiled.”
" Eight years is enough," Master Daoist Dan thought for a long time and finally said,""Immortal Friend Su's suggestion is really creative, I have to admire your good intentions. However, this matter is of great importance and cannot be decided by me alone. Can you allow us to discuss it in detail before making a decision?”
Su Zhen smiled in his heart,'This old Daoist is indeed smart. He actually guessed my intentions. He didn't suspect that I had ulterior motives, so I didn't want to make things too difficult for him.”
"Alright," he replied,"I'll ask Daoist Light One to discuss this with the elders of the sect as soon as possible. However, this child's injuries really can't last long."”
"This poor Taoist doesn't have to worry about that." Daoist Master Danyi nodded.”
He flicked his right index finger and sent out a soft white light, which hit a small bronze bell hanging on the side of the bed. The bell made a crisp "ding" sound, but it wasn't very loud.
Su Zhen had also heard people say that this bell was called the " Bronze Sparrow." It got its name because there was an immortal sparrow carved on its body. This bell had countless uses and was the treasure of Emerald Cloud Mountain. One of them was used by the sect master to gather disciples.
The sound of the bell did not seem very loud, but it had already spread throughout the entire mountain through the cave door in the blink of an eye. In the ears of more than a thousand disciples, they could hear the "ding" sound of the bell, regardless of the distance.
The first one to arrive was the Immortal Dannu, who was in charge of the secular affairs of the Emerald Cloud Sect. He was thin and small, his skin was as dry as old bark, and his beard and hair were all white. His eyes were half-closed, and his expression was solemn and cold. He wore a black Daoist robe and walked into the cave with a horsetail whisk in his hand. He bowed in front of Master Daoist Dan Yi and said,""Pale anger greets Sect Leader Senior Brother."
Dao Master Dan Yi shook his horsetail whisk, and two grass hassocks appeared on both sides of the stone bed. He slightly nodded to Dan Nu and said,"Junior Brother Dan Nu, please sit down.”
He thanked Su Zhen and sat cross-legged on the first futon on the left. He did not look at Su Zhen and the others, nor did he ask any questions.
Just as Dan Nu sat down, he heard a woman's voice say,""So there's a guest."
Another loud and clear voice laughed." It must be a distinguished guest. Otherwise, how could we trouble the Sect Leader to come out of seclusion to welcome him?"”
Luo He sat on the futon and did not turn his head. He smiled at Su Zhen and said in a low voice,"Fifth Junior Brother and Junior Sister have arrived.”
After entering the cave, the man and the woman first paid their respects to Dao Master Danyi before sitting down cross-legged.
The woman looked to be in her forties, but she still had the charm of an old woman. She wore an apricot yellow Daoist robe and had a rather arrogant expression. Although Su Zhen had never seen her before, he knew that this woman must be the only female among the six immortals, Nun Danchen. The man sitting opposite her was in his fifties. He was tall and burly. His face was half black and half white with a full beard. His nose was straight and his mouth was wide. His eyes were like a pair of copper bells, but his face was as black as the bottom of a pot. It must be the other expert of the six immortals, Ji Bietian.
It was said that this man had a fiery temper and was very talkative. Even Master Daoist Dan Yi couldn't do anything about him. However, his appearance was quite consistent with the rumors.
The last one to arrive was the third of the six immortals, Reverend Dan Yan. He was only slightly taller than Dan Nu, but thinner. His face was as red as dates, but his face was full of pockmarks and he looked extremely ugly. He had a pair of protruding ears, a big nose that was facing the sky, and eyes that were bulging like they were swollen. He wore a dark-colored Daoist robe and looked quite honest.
Dan Yan was indeed the least talkative among them. When he saw Daoist Dan Yi, he only said two words,"Senior Brother!"
Dao Master Dan Yi had long been accustomed to this Third Junior Brother's temperament, so he invited him to sit opposite Dan Nu with a smile. Thus, the six immortals gathered together, it was a rare thing in recent years.
Dao Master Dan Yi first introduced Su Zhen and his wife to the four disciples who arrived later, then introduced Dan Nu and the others to Su Zhen one by one. After Pan Xuan, Master Daoist Dan Yi said to Luo He,"Fourth junior brother, please tell us why immortal friend Su and his wife are here.”
Luo He had a quick tongue, and it only took him half a cup of tea's time to explain the sequence of events clearly. However, when he finished speaking, the cave fell into silence, and everyone lowered their heads in deep thought.
First of all, Immortal Danyi cast his gaze at Immortal Dannu and asked,""This matter is of great importance and is no child's play. Thus, I urgently summoned all my junior brothers to discuss this matter. I wonder what Second Junior Brother thinks about this?”
The Immortal Dannu seemed to have expected that the Immortal Danyi would ask him first, so he bowed slightly and said,"I don't have any objections. I'll listen to Sect Leader Shixiong's arrangements.”
"Third Junior Brother, what about you?" Dao Master Dan Yi asked Dan Yan.
The Immortal Danyan's head was still lowered. No one knew what he was thinking about. When he heard the sect leader ask him, he was silent for a long time. In the end, he only said one word,"Save him!"
Just this word made Su Zhen have a good impression of him. It should be known that the Immortal Danyan said "save" and not "exchange". With his style of sparing words like gold, he meant that even if there was no map, he had to save Ding Yuan first.
Compared to the others, this ugliest Dan Yan was the kindest.
Unexpectedly, Nun Danchen, who was sitting at the back, said coldly,"Senior Brother Dan Yan is indeed forthright. It's probably because I've already passed the great tribulation with my golden core, right?”
Dan Yan's body trembled slightly, but she did not refute. Su Zhen's evil fire rose. Just as he was about to mock him, he heard Perfected Dan Nu shout in a low voice,"Little Junior Sister, it's not your turn to speak yet.”
Nun Danchen glanced at Dan Nu, seemingly afraid of this iron-masked senior brother, and snorted without saying anything.
Dao Master Dan Yi sighed in his heart and asked,""Fifth Junior Brother, what do you think?”
Ji Bie Tian's bright eyes stared at Su Zhen and said,""With immortal friend Su's reputation, I shouldn't have doubted it, but in these sixty years, no one has ever seen that picture in immortal friend's hands. Let's not talk about anything else, I want to ask immortal friend to take out the map and show it to everyone.”
Everyone present was moved. They thought to themselves that this fifth brother looked very rough on the surface, but he was not blindly honest. This was actually something that everyone wanted to ask, but it was most appropriate for someone with his temper to ask.
"Don't tell me you don't trust me?" Su Zhen's expression remained unchanged as he sneered.”
Ji Bietian didn't back down and retorted,""Immortal Friend Su doesn't trust our sect either. Otherwise, why would you make an eight year agreement?”
Su Zhen came to a realization and chuckled." So you've been talking for so long because you're afraid that this child won't be able to defeat Yu 'er eight years later. Your Emerald Cloud Sect will end up empty-handed."”
Ji Bietian laughed." Although Immortal Friend Su is famous for his Righteous Dao and Demonic Dao, he was already a top expert in the Heavenly Continent a hundred years ago. His skills are astonishing and his cultivation is profound. "However, our Emerald Cloud Sect's thousand-year-old heritage might not be inferior. It's just that we don't know anything about that child's foundation or temperament. We only know from your introductions. Just based on this point, such an agreement was already unfair.”
"This child's root bone is good," Dao Master Danyi said slowly.”
Although he only said this, no one present doubted him anymore. As for temperament, although no one knew Ding Yuan, one reason was that Su Zhen's identity and character would not be deceived and fabricated. Secondly, Ding Yuan was still young. As long as he was taught properly, he might not be a bad talent.
"That's not important." Ji Bietian shook his head."If Immortal Friend Su is sincere, this bet is unnecessary.”
Everyone understood the meaning behind his words. If Emerald Cloud Sect saved Ding Yuan, Su Zhen could just hand over the map. Why would he have to make a bet?
Su Zhen chuckled,"In the end, you're still afraid of losing."”
Ji Bietian raised his thick eyebrows and was about to retort when Daoist Danyi said,""Fifth junior brother, immortal friend Su has his own reasons for doing this. What we need to discuss now is whether to accept this bet and nothing else.”
Ji Bietian looked at Dao Master Dan in astonishment and lowered his head.""Yes, Sect Leader Senior Brother."
Daoist Dan Yi knew that Ji Bietian didn't understand what he meant, so he sighed in his heart."How would you know that Su Zhen would be willing to hand over the Painting of the Cold Spring Mountains so easily? Even if he did not raise this condition, he would definitely have other more demanding and unimaginable requirements.”
"This Penniless Priest doesn't doubt that the scroll is in Immortal Friend Su's hands, nor does This Penniless Priest doubt its authenticity," said Nun Danchen. But how do I know if Immortal Friend Su did something to the painting when he handed it over?”
Su Zhen's expression was gloomy. Just as he was about to retaliate, Shui Qingqing hurriedly said,"Although the foolish couple are not saints, they definitely disdain such despicable actions. Besides, even if we do, we don't know where to start. Nun Danchen, don't worry too much. We have no other intentions here, only to save this child. Please be merciful, my husband and I are extremely grateful!”
Her words were so sincere that it was impossible to not believe them. For a moment, Ji Bietian and the others didn't know what to say.
"Immortal Friend Su, Water Fairy," Daoist Master Dan Yi waved his horsetail whisk and said,"please rest in the abode for a while. Let us discuss this in private."”
Su Zhen knew that the leaders of the Emerald Clouds Sect were going to talk behind closed doors. It was not convenient for him and his wife to be present, so he nodded and said,"Alright, I hope everyone can make a decision soon.”
Master Daoist Dan nodded with a smile and said to Luo He,"Fourth Junior Brother, please invite the few of you to rest in the abode first, then immediately come back to participate in the discussion.”
"Yes, Senior Brother."”
The five of them left the cave together, and Luo He led them toward the abode. This place was still behind Zuowang Peak, and there was still some distance from the abode. However, everyone's pace was fast, and the path was winding, so they didn't feel that it was too long.
When they reached a place where no one was around, Luo He suddenly turned around and said with a sincere expression,"I know that the virtuous couple will have opinions about the sect master and our sect. However, please understand his difficulties. After all, Cuixia Sect has a thousand years of foundation and thousands of disciples. If Eldest Senior Brother doesn't handle it properly, he will bring disaster upon himself. Although the six of us are known as the 'Six Emerald Cloud Fairies,' we are not from the same branch, and our relationship with each other is not something that outsiders should know. Although Eldest Shixiong is the sect master, he has to consider these things. Please forgive him.”
Su Zhen only snorted and did not say anything. Shui Qingqing smiled and said,"Immortal Friend Luo is too polite. In fact, the foolish couple also know about Daoist Dan Yi's difficulties. If it weren't for this child, we wouldn't have dared to disturb him. If I cause trouble for your sect, please forgive me.”
Luo He quickly said,"No, no, Water Fairy, if you say that, I'll feel ashamed."”
Shui Qingling smiled sweetly,"Since that's the case, let's not say these apologetic words."”
Luo He sighed in his heart. Shui Qingqing's reputation as the number one successor of the Heavenly Water Pavilion was not undeserved. Regardless of her cultivation level, her graceful and graceful bearing was enough to look down on everyone. Thinking of this, he couldn't help but feel a little envious of Su Zhen behind him.
The few of them chatted for a while before arriving at the abode. It was a few rows of houses in the southeast of the mountain peak. The surrounding environment was elegant and self-contained, but it was specially used to receive the distinguished guests of Emerald Cloud Sect.
Luo He arranged for them to stay and ordered two female disciples to stand outside the door, but Shui Qingling politely declined.
By the time everything was done, the sky was already starting to brighten. Luo He left the abode and returned to the ancient cave.
As soon as he entered the cave, he saw Dao Master Dan Yi's second disciple, Tan Wufeng, standing respectfully in front of his master and reporting to the others about Ding Yuan, whom he had just found out when he went down the mountain.
This Tan Wufeng had followed his master for more than a hundred years, and his cultivation was definitely not below that of a famous old man of the righteous path. Especially his qinggong, which was even better than the six immortals present. Just when Luo He and Su Zhen left, Master Daoist Dan sent Tan Wufeng down the mountain, and he came back even faster than Luo He.
Everyone listened to his report. What he said was roughly the same as what Su Zhen and his wife said. Ding Yuan was indeed a hooligan in a county town near the Azure Mountain. He had absolutely nothing to do with Su Zhen. It was true that the nine masters of the Jade Drop Sword Sect had challenged the two of them. Young Master Jin and the others had also appeared nearby.
One had to know that the Emerald Cloud Sword Sect had deep roots and disciples all over the world. Even the slightest movement could not escape their eyes and ears. There were many things that Tan Wufeng did not need to personally ask the person involved. He only needed to ask the eyes and ears of Emerald Cloud Sect to verify.
Seeing this, Luo He secretly admired him." Senior Brother Sect Leader is indeed thoughtful. If it were me, I'm afraid I wouldn't have thought of sending someone to verify the authenticity of Su Zhen and Shui Qingming's words."”
After Windless Tan left, Dao Master Danyi said,""Junior Brothers, it seems that Su Zhen is right. That child has nothing to do with him, so we can rule out the possibility that he took the opportunity to steal my Emerald Afterglow mental cultivation technique. However, whether it was allowed or not, everyone still needed to weigh it.”
" Su Zhen is a loner and likes to kill," Reverend Pale Nu said in a deep voice." I've always wondered why he would agree to exchange the Painting of the Cold Spring Mountain at Dawn for a child he doesn't know.”
Luo He said," In my opinion, he has spent sixty years but still failed to comprehend the mysteries of this. Instead, he has become the target of both the righteous and demonic paths. Therefore, there is a possibility that he will take the opportunity to get rid of him."”
"If Su Zhen and his wife can't comprehend it, we might not be able to do it. In the end, we'll lose a golden core instead. We'll be laughed at by others. Moreover, if this matter were to spread out, wouldn't the Righteous Dao and Devil Dao experts of the Heavenly Continent cause a huge commotion in the Emerald Cloud Mountain?”
" Given Su Zhen's personality," Dao Master Danyi said," he would never reveal this matter on his own accord. Besides his wife, only the six of us know about this matter. It shouldn't be leaked."”
Nun Danchen said," Su Zhen is a demon, and Shui Qingqing is a traitor to the main gate. How can they understand the Painting of the Cold Spring Mountain at Daybreak that hides the Heavenly Dao?" With the thousand-year foundation of my Emerald Cloud Sect and the wisdom of all the senior brothers present, I don't believe that I can't crack it!”
Daoist Dan Yi glanced at his five fellow disciples, and they all felt their hearts clear as if spring water had poured into them."Sect Master Shixiong has been in seclusion for several years, and his cultivation has indeed improved a lot!”
Dao Master Dan Yi's voice rose slowly,""Junior Brothers, I have been the Sect Master of Emerald Cloud Sect for more than eighty years. These two things are the last wishes of countless ancestors of my Emerald Cloud Sect. One was to wipe out the demonic path and clarify the world; The second is to promote our sect and place it above the three Holy Lands of the continent! However, I am ashamed to say that despite my best efforts and the efforts of all my junior brothers, these two wishes are still far away. I often think about it and sigh, feeling ashamed of my teacher.”
After hearing his words, the other five people's expressions gradually turned solemn as they fixed their eyes on Daoist Dan Yi.
Ji Bietian felt his blood boil as he shouted,""Sect Leader Senior Brother, we all understand what you mean. We'll do whatever you say!”
Reverend Dannu sighed softly and said,"However, can that child called Ding Yuan really defeat the daughter of Su Zhen and his wife eight years later?”
No one was confident about this and could not help but fall silent. However, even Nun Danchen, who had the most prejudice against Su Zhen, did not doubt that Su Zhen would definitely hand over the Painting of the Cold Spring Mountain at Dawn as promised once he lost the bet, so no one was worried about this problem.
"If this child is indeed capable of being nurtured, I don't believe that we can't defeat Su Zhen's daughter with the combined strength of the six of us!”
Luo He felt Ji Bietian's heroism and his spirits were lifted.""Fifth Junior Brother is right. Even if the six of us work together to nurture him, how can we be afraid that we won't be able to defeat Su Zhen and Shui Qingming?”
"How could a twelve or thirteen year old kid learn so much in just eight years?" Daoist Master Danyi shook his head.”
Nun Danchen snorted coldly." Senior Brother Sect Master, we'll agree to Su Zhen's bet. We're a dignified righteous sect. Why would we be afraid of a demonic monster like him?" If none of you are confident, why don't you hand that child over to me to train.”
"I'll bet. At most, I'll lose a golden core!" Ji Bietian pounded his thigh hard.”
Dao Master Dan Yi then looked at Dan Nu and Luo He. The two of them nodded slightly in agreement. Dan Yan kept her head down and didn't say anything.
"Alright, it's decided then." Daoist Master Danyi waved his horsetail whisk. Third Junior Brother, that child called Ding Yuan will be under your tutelage and you will personally teach him.”
Everyone was stunned. In terms of cultivation base, Immortal Danyi was the number one expert of Emerald Cloud Sect, and Immortal Dannu should be ranked below him. Moreover, Nun Danchen had also volunteered to take the role. Although the Immortal Danyan's cultivation was not weak, perhaps he was too stingy with his words, so his ability to teach his disciples was not very good. The disciples of the Immortal Danyan are always ranked last in the sword gathering that is held once every five years. Over time, those who knew the inside story would try their best to not become the disciple of the Immortal Danyan.
He didn't expect that even though Dao Master Dan Yi knew this, he would still give such a heavy responsibility to Dan Yan.
Ji Bietian was the first to raise an objection,"" Sect Leader Senior Brother, although Third Senior Brother's cultivation is not bad, but-"
Reverend Dannu waved his hand to stop Ji Bietian from speaking. He stared at Reverend Danyan aggressively and asked,"Third Junior Brother, can you do it or not?”
The Immortal Danyan still didn't raise his head. After a long time, he finally said,""Alright!"
Luo He heaved a sigh of relief and chuckled."If Third Senior Brother dares to say yes, then there must be no problem.”
Nun Danchen looked at the Immortal Danyan coldly and snorted,"Not necessarily."
Luo He looked at the frosty Dan Chen, the hesitant Ji Bietian, the expressionless Dan Nu, and Dan Yan, who was sitting with her head lowered. He smiled bitterly in his heart."I really don't know what Sect Leader Shixiong is planning.”
Only Master Daoist Dan sat cross-legged on the stone bed calmly with a mysterious smile on his face.
This book comes from：m.funovel.com。