Longevity: Starting from Refining Gu

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Dan Yunzi already knew that Chen Qing belonged to the Jiguang Sect, so he wasn't surprised at all. In fact, before Chen Qing put on the bronze ghost mask, Dan Yunzi himself wore a silver ghost mask.

The sight made Chen Qing exclaim, "Is there anyone in the world not in Jiguang?"

However, according to Chen Qing's estimation, Dan Yunzi was likely just participating in a small gathering, casually joining in.

Upon arriving at the gathering, after the usual greetings,

since there wasn't much to inquire about recently, Chen Qing said, "Now, you can start chatting."

"Oh, by the way, I estimate that the laurel tree should be blooming."

"It's likely that the Nine Profound Temple will hold a ceremony."

Upon saying this, Chen Qing stopped and sat quietly, waiting for the others to start chatting.

When Xu Yaofeng heard these words, his face lit up with joy. Senior Taichu seldom spoke, but when he did, it was always of great importance!

He needed to complete the ritual under the laurel, so the Light Gu could ascend to King Grade. He had been waiting a long time for this opportunity.

However, to receive an invitation now, he would need to find a way within Jiguang Sect.

Performing the ritual under the laurel was more challenging than obtaining an invitation. Without offering ten spirit Gu as a price, the opportunity would slip away.

Luckily, he had fought in the Death Realm for a long time, so it wasn't impossible to gather the spirit Gu.

When the gathering ended, Chen Qing didn't bother to give Xu Yaofeng too much advice. Xu Yaofeng was quite capable on his own and didn't require much oversight.

Taking off the bronze ghost mask, that day, it was first a court meeting in Wen Country, then teaching disciples, and finally the gathering. The day was fully scheduled.

Luckily, such days happened only twice a month, so Chen Qing didn't find it too overwhelming.

After a month of travel, Chen Qing and Dan Yunzi first arrived at the Nine Profound Temple. At this time, Chen Qing was using the appearance of Dan Fengzi.

The two Daoist Lords naturally received different treatment from others.

Even though the ceremony hadn't officially started, they could enter the Nine Profound Temple to rest temporarily.

Under the bright moonlight, dozens of ships from other factions rested on the sea, awaiting the day of the ceremony.

Of those nearby ships, most belonged to the top forces like Nanli and the Jiguang Sect. Among them were ships from the Nanli Eleven Kings.

Additionally, there were several ships from the Jiguang Sect. Chen Qing, sitting on a Flying Shuttle, saw many familiar faces. The King of Qi with Chen Dan and Yu Xu'er were visiting Xu Yaofeng's ship.

Meanwhile, the Prince of the Flame King was shouting, "This is forming a faction!"

"Prince Wen's intent to overpower the other kings is clear!"

The Water Country's ships were isolated from the rest, as everyone seemed to look down on Water Country.

Facing the imminent disappearance of a nation, there was no lasting merit to continue their imperial lineage; the country was on the brink of ruin.

The royal family of Water Country deliberated, "Prince Wen is merely at the Ghost Face Realm and dares to think he can dominate the other kings, placing himself above them?"

Watching these disputes, Chen Qing suddenly wondered if Water Country's downfall might be unreliable.

If, when Wen Country and Water Country went to war, other Nanli nations intervened for a share of the land, it would be awkward.

The Demon Suppressing True Monarch strongly disliked internal strife.

If this matter was mishandled, it might reduce his standing with the Demon Suppressing True Monarch.

While pondering, they arrived at the Water Sky Gate. Just after Dan Yunzi descended, a stunning woman approached, "Martial Uncle Dan Yunzi, Martial Uncle Dan Fengzi, I have been waiting long. Master is in the temple, waiting. Please follow me!"

The two followed the beautiful woman through the Water Sky Gate and felt a sudden change around them. The ocean receded into the distance as their bodies ascended straight into the sky.

Passing through nine layers of clouds, Chen Qing landed again, standing before a white jade gate.

Looking up, it was the Nine Profound Temple.

On the left, it was written: "Mortal world drifting, several Seas of Suffering, it's time to turn back, to the place of ultimate bliss."

On the right, it read: "The ethereal road unclear, myriad tribulations, face them head-on, ascend early to Nine Profounds."

Above the main gate, four grand characters declared: "True Wonder of Freedom."

Chen Qing glanced, inwardly musing at the grandeur, wondering if the end of the celestial path was indeed the Nine Profounds.

This Nine Profound True Monarch certainly had grand aspirations.

However, thinking about it, apart from the inhuman gods, it was indeed True Monarchs who reigned supreme under Heaven.

These inscriptions at the gate indeed held some truth.

Stepping inside, ascending the jade steps, the surroundings were filled with Mystic Gate Realm women cultivators, holding flowers, sprinkling them upon both, "Welcome Daoist Lords!"

Chen Qing glanced at Dan Yunzi and, emulating his composed manner, strode forward steadily.

Reaching the end of the short jade staircase, Chen Qing gazed around. Stars turned above, and in the distance, the moon soared—truly a wondrous sight.

The Nine Profound Temple wasn't on the ground but atop a grand star in the sky, bearing a striking resemblance to the Sword Travel Palace.

The difference was, it was slightly smaller than the Sword Travel Palace.

Everywhere were jade-like flowers, akin to crystalline ice, shimmering with a faint glow under the moonlight and starlight.

Proceeding further, he saw an enormous laurel tree, roughly an acre in girth, with sprawling roots anchoring this grand star.

Surveying this star's expanse, it seemed similar in size to a country on the mortal plane—spanning thousands of miles across, it was a massive star.

Guided by the Mystic Gate Realm women cultivators, Chen Qing and Dan Yunzi reached the main hall of the Nine Profound Temple. On the seat of honor sat a beautiful woman clad in a Nine-Colored Flying Flower Skirt, a Winged Flying Phoenix Hairpin atop her head.

"Junior Brother Dan Yunzi, Dan Fengzi... no, that's not right, Junior Brother Prince Wen has arrived early."

Chen Qing glanced at Dan Yunzi, who smiled, "Illusion arts, the Nine Profound Temple excels in them. Third Junior Brother's illusions naturally can't fool Senior Sister Xuan Yan's eyes."

Not being pretentious, Chen Qing cupped his hands, "It's my first time meeting Senior Sister, and I am taken by your grace."

Lord Xuan Yan kindly smiled, "I thought, with Junior Brother Dan Fengzi's strength, how could he cut the laurel? But it turns out Junior Brother Prince Wen is here."

"With you two here, at last, we can cut down two branches of the laurel."

"Junior Brother Prince Wen, though young, has quite a sweet tongue. Alas, I am too old to compare to those young and vibrant girls."

Dan Yunzi was straightforward, "Senior Sister Xuan Yan, I have come to discuss some important matters with you."

Xuan Yan remarked, "You are still the same hasty person after all these years."

"Once you return, I'm definitely writing a letter to Uncle Haoran to polish your temper further!"

Dan Yunzi was about to speak when Xuan Yan interrupted, "Alright, alright, I know Junior Brother Prince Wen is now a busy man, not only commanding the Death Realm but also managing state affairs."

"The matter has already been settled by Uncle and Master. The Nine Profound Temple provides materials, you two provide the labor, chopping down four branches of the laurel."

"The Nine Profound Temple will choose two branches first, and then you can take the remaining two. Is that agreeable?"

Dan Yunzi cupped his hands, "In that case, we must trouble Senior Sister to lend us the Remnant Jade Axe!"

Xuan Yan replied, "That's not difficult. The ceremony won't begin for some days, so you should spend some time familiarizing yourselves with the Remnant Jade Axe, so it's handy when needed."

Dan Yunzi cupped his hands, "Then thank you, Senior Sister Xuan Yan."

"In that case, after our tiring journey, we'll rest first today."

At this moment, Xuan Yan said, "Though it would be proper to let you rest first as a gesture of hospitality, there's something I must tell Junior Brother Prince Wen now."

Chen Qing cupped his hands, "I am at your instruction, Senior Sister."

Xuan Yan stated, "That Water Country needs to be eliminated. However, the matter of its elimination might face some difficulty."

"If you can swiftly eliminate the country and eradicate the royal family, I won't intervene."

"But should there be any slip, don't blame me for intervening myself."

Hearing Xuan Yan's words, Chen Qing found numerous doubts rising within.

Wasn't the Nine Profound Temple the backing of Water Country?

Why now did the Nine Profound Temple seem keen to distance itself?

"Please elaborate, Senior Sister."

Xuan Yan instructed, "Not a single member of the Water Country royal family can remain."

"Moreover, what you see in the Water Country capital mustn't be known to the world—make sure it's done cleanly!"

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