Chapter 404: Grand Teleportation Talisman |
Lin Yu leisurely began explaining the purpose of these items, as if he were arranging the radishes and cabbages in his own backyard.
"That Void Stone Powder, Boundary Origin Sand, and Soul-Nurturing Wood Pith are meant to extend your teacher's life. Later on, help me integrate them into the Xuantian Ring's formation core."
"Those three bottles of Meridian Protection Pills are of decent quality. You're at the early Foundation Establishment stage, and your meridians still need nurturing. Keep them for your own cultivation."
"That stack of talismans and that body-soft armor are all life-saving tools. Remember, when the critical moment comes, don't be stingy. Your life is more important than anything. If the talismans run out, we'll figure out how to draw more; if the magical implement breaks, we'll figure out how to repair it. But if you're gone, then everything is gone."
"As for that ten thousand mid-grade spirit stones... spend them as you see fit. Buy materials when you need to, and handle personal favors when you have to. Don't hold back."
Lin Yu cleared his throat twice, his tone reverting to that lazy, disdainful familiarity.
"Hurry up and sort everything by category and store it properly, then hide it well! Don't show off here. Do I need to teach you the principle of not flaunting your wealth?"
"Yes, disciple understands."
Su Ming nodded heavily, carefully transferring the items from the black ring into his own Xuantian Ring.
Now, he could truly set off with peace of mind.
On the fourth day, Su Ming finished inventorying all the supplies and replenished the first batch of Soul-Nurturing materials for Lin Yu. Afterward, he sat in his cave dwelling, quietly meditating and regulating his breathing.
His mind was calmer than ever before.
Foundation Establishment was complete. His Dao foundation was stable. His backing was secured. His supplies were ample.
The path to immortality finally seemed to have a solid foothold beneath his feet.
On the fifth day, early morning.
The morning light streamed in through the skylight of Gazing Star Cliff, filling the cave dwelling with brightness.
Su Ming opened his eyes. A glint of sharpness flickered briefly in his pupils before his gaze returned to that profound, still-as-an-ancient-well demeanor.
He stood up and changed into the purple Daoist robe representing his status as a True Disciple of Formation Peak. The robe was woven from Star Silkworm Thread, embroidered with intricate formation lines of Seven Stars and Flowing Clouds in silver thread, which shimmered with a faint, ethereal luster under the morning light.
He straightened his appearance before the Water Mirror, confirming there were no breaches of etiquette, then pushed open the stone door and made his way toward the Star Pivot Hall on the main peak.
This trip, he was going to pay respects to his Master, Xuanheng.
First, to formally report that he had accepted the mission to go down the mountain and mediate disputes. As a True Disciple leaving the sect on a long journey, it was only proper to inform his Master.
Second, and most importantly, he wanted to seek his Master's guidance on the matters regarding the "Border Defense True Seal" he carried. This seal was tied to the northern border's great formation, and he still felt like he was treading on thin ice, not daring to be the least bit careless.
Along the way, as he passed through the peaks, any disciples from other peaks who caught sight of his purple robe would stop at a distance, bowing respectfully.
"Greetings, Senior Brother Su!"
Su Ming returned each greeting with a nod, his expression calm, but inwardly, he couldn't help but feel a sense of emotion.
Such was the status of a True Disciple. Wherever the purple robe went, it was a symbol of identity.
Soon, the Star Pivot Hall, that magnificent hall seemingly merging with the starry sky, came into view.
There were no guards at the hall's entrance.
Su Ming took a deep breath and stepped inside.
Within the great hall, it was vast and silent. The dome was not a physical ceiling but a deep starry expanse, with countless stars slowly rotating within it, emanating an aura of vastness and desolation.
Xuanheng Zhenren sat cross-legged on a cushion at the center of the hall, his eyes half-closed, his presence distant and profound, as if he had fully merged with the entire hall and this starry sky.
Su Ming did not dare to disturb him. He simply stood silently three zhang inside the hall, hands at his sides, waiting.
He did not know how long it took. It felt like an instant, yet also like an entire shichen.
The lashes of Xuanheng Zhenren, long like a butterfly's wings, fluttered slightly as he slowly opened his eyes.
What kind of eyes were those?
Deep, indifferent, as if they held within them the birth and death of an entire galaxy. When his gaze fell upon Su Ming, Su Ming felt that every inch of his soul, his spiritual energy, and even his physical body was completely exposed, leaving no secrets.
Su Ming's heart tightened. He immediately stepped forward and performed a grand, respectful bow.
"Disciple Su Ming pays respects to Master."
"Sit."
Xuanheng's voice was, as always, cool and devoid of any emotion.
Su Ming followed the instruction and sat down on the cushion below his Master, his back ramrod straight.
He did not wait for his Master to question him. Instead, he took the initiative, placing himself in the humblest posture possible.
"Reporting to Master, the day before yesterday, this disciple accepted the mediation mission down the mountain from the Administration Hall. I am to depart in ten days, heading to the Great Xing nation. I have come specifically to inform Master of this."
Xuanheng's face showed no expression at all. He simply gave a faint "Mm."
"Elder Qingquan has already informed me. He will lead the team, and you will accompany him. That works."
Su Ming's heart tightened again.
So Elder Qingquan had already reported it in advance. He could feel that ever since becoming a True Disciple, an invisible net had been cast over his every move. The attention from the sect's upper echelons was far greater than he had imagined.
This was both a form of protection and a shackle.
"You were born in Great Xing. This trip down the mountain is a fitting time to settle your mortal karmic debts." Xuanheng's gaze seemed to pierce through Su Ming's physical form, seeing into the deepest obsession of his heart. "Your teacher will not stop you."
A faint warmth stirred in Su Ming's heart, and he bowed again. "Thank you for your understanding, Master."
He steadied himself and stated the second purpose of his visit.
"Master, since I received this 'Border Defense True Seal,' I have been constantly on edge. I wanted to seek your guidance: now that I carry this seal, will there be any consequences when I go down the mountain?"
Xuanheng's gaze fell upon Su Ming's chest.
There, the Border Defense True Seal lay dormant within his flesh and blood, beating in sync with his heart.
"There will be no issues in ordinary circumstances," Xuanheng said slowly. "This seal is the central hub of the seventy-nine border defense great formations of the northern frontier, sharing the same origin as the sect's mountain-protecting formation. As long as you remain within ten thousand li of the sect's great formation's influence, it will remain merely an insignia."
His tone shifted, remaining level, yet Su Ming could detect a note of gravity.
"But if you travel too far from the sect, beyond ten thousand li... this seal will lose its connection to the sect's great formation. At that time, if something happens to you out there, I may not be able to arrive in time."
Xuanheng paused, looking at Su Ming's slightly changed expression.
Then, he slowly withdrew an ancient jade talisman from the wide, star-patterned sleeve of his robe.
The talisman was carved from an unknown type of jade, a dark gold in color, its surface covered in profound, complex spatial patterns. It felt cool to the touch and emitted a disquieting spatial fluctuation.
"This is a 'Grand Teleportation Talisman.'"
Xuanheng offered the jade talisman to Su Ming.
"This talisman is connected to the core formation eye of the sect's mountain-protecting formation. No matter where you are, as long as you crush it, you can instantly teleport back within the coverage area of the sect's great formation. The closer you are, the more accurate the positioning."
Su Ming's hands trembled as he received the jade talisman.
He knew its value. This was not just a talisman—it was a life! A life that could overturn the course of fate in a desperate situation!
"If you encounter a situation of certain death..."
Xuanheng paused, his voice becoming very soft, as if it might dissipate in the starlight at any moment.
"Do not hesitate. Use it immediately."