Xuanjian Xianzu

Chapter 1384: Imperial Guard
He gave Shao Hui his orders, and estimating that things were settled here, he finally stood up, glanced around, and pondered:

'But on the Dangjiang side, he's been assigned a post outside the capital, so I can no longer communicate with him using Taiyin. One identity isn't enough; I'll have to find another powerful one.'

This was not difficult. The river flowed freely in his palm. Once inside the Mirror World, Lu Jiangxian could mold whatever he wanted. However, he still kept a watchful eye on things.

'You can't just act on your own ideas. This guy will soon be in contact with those monks, and his horizons will broaden day by day. These kinds of unfounded actions will inevitably sow the seeds of trouble sooner or later!'

In an instant, he had already chosen a target, raised his hand, and gold slowly emerged from his palm, reflecting the various scenes of the cave.

'Xuan Tu' has the nature of metal.

What he was simulating was the "Xuan Tu" metal element beneath the reef!
In an instant, a brand new body appeared, sitting cross-legged in front of the point of light, starting his cultivation from scratch, and operating the [White Xiang Peak Primordial Sovereign Manifestation Secret Technique] that he possessed!
Lu Jiangxian had been studying this supreme inheritance of Xuan Tu for some time. Now, he was fully activating it, and the cultivation level of the body in front of him was rapidly improving, from Qi Refining to Foundation Establishment, and from Foundation Establishment to Purple Mansion.

Suddenly, a vast and boundless aura rose up, as if an endless cycle of reincarnation had been awakened, ruling over all living beings. The supreme ruler above the gods had awakened, and under the influence of his supreme authority, the person before him had transformed into a terrifying being clad in divine robes!
This person had a pair of sword-like eyebrows, and his appearance was extremely sharp and majestic. The radiance of the earth and various mysterious runes flowed on his robes, and his long hair danced in the wind. At this moment, he slowly opened his eyes, and there was a calm look in them.

Even the illusion of the world reflected in the mirror seemed incredibly real at this moment!
Standing opposite him, Lu Jiangxian also became quite interested. She glanced at the unfamiliar face and couldn't help but nod.
'It seems to have borrowed the aura of that metal element, and is somewhat like the owner of that metal element…'

This was harmless. Lu Jiangxian slowly closed his eyes, but in an instant, the light in his eyes brightened, as if he had come to life. He took a step, and immediately palaces rose up behind him, with the immortal throne standing majestically.

The moment He sat down, people were already bowing and entering the temple.

"Greetings to [Emperor Xuanxuan Xuan Shen Yuanjun] and [Chief of All Xuan Departments]!"

As Dangjiang was led in by the envoy, he felt that the world was filled with dazzling light and ethereal mist. The towering palace reflected golden light, and there was a faint trace of thunder moving between the beams, as if it were an infinite and deep sky, which aroused fear in his heart.

"thump."

Without a second thought, he immediately knelt down, his heart filled with even greater fear. He could only vaguely see a person sitting on the main seat, which was bathed in golden light, and behind him, a screen with multiple layers of colorful light that made his eyes burn and sting, making it difficult to see clearly.

'He must be a very important figure who holds the reins of a palace!'

This level of person is above Zhengao and only below the Prefect. He would be terrified even in the presence of Zhengao, let alone this one. So he pressed his head firmly against the ground and listened to the person beside him say:
"Reporting to the Master, the person has been brought here."

Those above were enveloped in endless light, making it impossible for him to see anything. Dangjiang could only wait silently, listening to those around him recite his resume—his humble origins as something about the lower realm of Dangjiang Creek Water Palace and his false status as a celestial official in the Mysterious Pavilion—it was all so lowly that it was shameful. It took a while before he heard the key point:

"...Those who diligently cultivate will be appointed as the Guardian of the Mysterious and Profound Land...and enfeoffed in the Boundless Wonderful Land of Great Crow..."

His heart began to pound again. Lu Jiangxian above him stared at him, calculating and deep in thought, the light in his hand rapidly gathering, and a glimmer of light had already emerged.

Symbolic seed.

This item is the key to the plan, and also the key to leading those from the lower realm into the world through the Name Stone!

He had specially reserved this one for today's arrangement. Now, as he pinched it open with three fingers, a clear light gathered, absorbing the imagery of the two golden spots, and transformed into a blue lotus.

'There is one more thing, which is also coming in handy.'

Then, golden rays converged and transformed into a murderous golden-red in his palm, churning and tumbling like living things, filled with malevolent golden energy.

This thing is none other than what Li Xuanfeng left behind back then.

'He slaughtered all the sorcerers on the river, standing at the pinnacle of the North-South conflict, possessing two immortal foundations, and within that sorcerer's artifact, catalyzing a top-tier destiny…'

Back then, relying on his connection with the Great Desire Path, Tai Xi came south, intending to refine Li Xuanfeng with the [Void Demon Subduing Bowl]. However, he was interrupted by the True Person Zi Pei, and his efforts were in vain. The surging immortal fortune that the [Void Demon Subduing Bowl] had refined in Li Xuanfeng should have dissipated with his death, but Lu Jiangxian preserved it with supreme means.

'If someone obtains it and diligently cultivates, mastering the Maha step by step should not be a problem. With my current abilities... I could also easily connect with Jindi and make him a terrifying incarnation.'

But he hesitated to move, a complex feeling stirring within him.

'He refused to be reborn in his lifetime, and now this golden light has borrowed his essence and inherited his destiny. If it were to be made into a golden statue, it would be a disservice to him.'

Having reached this level, it was merely a matter of a thought. Lu Jiangxian could not only focus on her own convenience. Instead, with a flick of her finger, the terrifying incense stored in the mirror body was consumed like the ebb and flow of the sea, all gathering together and condensing into one!

"Now that I have obtained the Divine Elixir Dao of the Lingbao Daoist lineage, which is wondrous and vast, even if I waste more incense offerings to become a divine general or guardian deity, I will not be associated with the Golden Land."

All the light converged and condensed into a single image, swaying down with the blue lotus and landing before the celestial official. The supreme being, high above, said nothing, but simply flicked his finger, and a point of golden light entered Dangjiang's mind.

In an instant, the names and various uses of the objects before him flashed through his mind. Dangjiang was momentarily lost in thought, then slowly stood up, his eyes already bursting with boundless joy.

Lu Jiangxian stared at him:
'This guy is shameless and brazen. If we don't intimidate him, he'll definitely act like a bully and won't necessarily do anything.'

After all, the other party had been in this world for so many years, and he understood the nature of this river-drifting creature quite well; it shared the same origin as the violet lotus… So, with a slight thought, the official above finally spoke, coldly saying:
"If the wondrous land cannot be pacified, I will personally go and punish the offender."

This simple statement, however, was like a thunderclap, leaving the celestial official's mind blank and filled with boundless fear. When he knelt down with a thud, he found himself covered in cold sweat and already outside the main hall.

He was breathing heavily, and looked up in alarm, only to find the Thunder Messenger who had brought him looking down at him coldly:
"Get up, fellow Daoist. You've really kept us very busy."

Dangjiang was taken aback, slowly lowered his head, and suddenly realized what was going on.

'No wonder he's been so impolite all this way… This envoy has been so cold-faced, he didn't even give his name. So my affairs have fallen into their hands; who knows, it might be their problem that's ruined!'

There's no need to overthink it. There must be officials in heaven specifically in charge of isolating the mortal world. Liu Xianguan's claim of disturbing the four directions is just a guess. He's caused so much trouble for the officials and messengers in this palace. It would be strange if he gave me a friendly look!

Only then did he belatedly realize what the sins Liu Xianguan meant. His initial joy at possessing the two treasures faded, and he gradually became worried about his future.

Even if the person in front of him had a cold expression, he didn't dare to put on airs and quickly stood up, saying:

"I don't know which side you are an envoy from, sir... I have the will to redeem myself, but I don't know your specific duties..."

The immortal general gave him a cold glance and said:
"I am Jiang Xiu. I am not qualified to be an envoy, but I am only responsible for a minor inspection. As for you... if it weren't for Zhengao and Fellow Daoist Liu's protection, you wouldn't be going down today... to make amends? You are only atoning for your sins, where is the merit!"

'Fellow Daoist Liu? I underestimated Lord Liu!'

Dangjiang has learned his lesson. He immediately swallowed his pride and feigned deep remorse. The celestial official escorted him outside, his expression softening slightly as he calmly said:

"You can make the arrangements yourself. Dealing with some of the monks on earth is fine, but if the news from heaven leaks out, our company will make sure you are completely destroyed."

So he flicked his sleeve and chased him out. Dangjiang was both surprised and frightened. He slunk away with his head down and followed the way back. He had only walked a dozen steps when he realized what was going on.

'Judging from his words, Lord Liu's position must be quite high. So, only Lord Liu's words are truly effective…'

He then regretted not asking more questions, and at the same time, his mind began to race:
'He said there must be an opportunity, and that's the way it is... My treasure can suppress all cultivators, why would I worry about them leaking the news?'

So he cheered himself up and hurried back. Soon he arrived at his own courtyard, preparing to pack his valuables to go to that wondrous land. He didn't even spare the two strongmen, stuffing them all into his sleeves. Suddenly, his eyes lit up.

'Oh, and we can also ask Lord Shao Hui!'

Li Ximing sat in the pavilion for a while, watching the white sparrow fly in from outside and land in Shao Hui's hand. The fairy listened intently, looking slightly regretful, and said:
"pity…"

Upon hearing those two words, Li Ximing understood immediately. The karmic consequences of Taiyin were immense, and even as he asked the question, he himself felt uneasy.

Even if the heavens grant permission, this cultivator can only be kept in their own secret realm... and must never reveal even a trace of themselves...

Having received a negative answer, he felt relieved, quickly rose, bowed, and sighed:

"I will keep this in mind!"

Before Shao Hui could say anything more, his expression turned strange. He glanced to the side and saw a commotion in the pavilion, as if someone had entered. He could hear their voices even though he couldn't see them. He laughed and said:
"My lord! It's been a long time!"

Li Ximing followed her gaze and saw a magnificent figure coming up below. He was dressed in a feathered divine robe, with a golden silk belt around his waist, a jade pendant hanging on one side and a precious lotus on the other. He wore boots and armor, and was truly radiant and majestic!

But Shao Hui had already raised her head, glanced at him from head to toe with a look that was both strange and cold, and said:

"Fellow Daoist's presence is an honor to my humble abode."

These words immediately deflated the celestial official, and an awkward smile appeared on his face. He had worked under Shao Hui for so many years, and of course he was still afraid of her. Even though he had been promoted today, he was still intimidated by her aura. He quickly stepped forward and said with a smile:

"My lord, you are too kind. It is thanks to your guidance over the years that I have finally made it. I just received my position and came here to thank you immediately!"

Upon hearing this, Li Ximing understood.

'It's that celestial official from back then... from that little pavilion on the horizon... he seems to have been promoted!'

He couldn't see through the other person's clothes or gauge their strength, but he noticed that the token at their waist was very similar to his own, so he temporarily withdrew his gaze.

"Humph…"

Shao Hui then turned her head, half-smiling and half-annoying, and said:

"I don't know what official position you've been granted or what imperial decree you've received, but you're so proud of yourself that you've come to my poor, desolate little place to boast about your achievements."

Dangjiang, rarely beaming with pride, immediately cast aside his worries, laughed heartily, and said:
"Thanks to the divine light, I obtained the title of Mysterious Guardian, and was sealed in the [Great Crow Boundless Wonderful Land]. I also obtained two treasures. Now that I am about to leave, I have come to bid farewell to you, sir!"

Shao Hui rarely raised his eyes, and praised:
"You're lucky."

These words sounded perfectly fine to the two men, but to Li Ximing, they were like a landslide and a tsunami. He maintained a polite smile on his face, but inwardly, thunder roared:

'【Great Crow Boundless Wonderful Land】?'

'This sounds like a Buddhist or Taoist temple, but why is it guarded by a celestial official?'

He was shocked, but when he looked down, he saw the light flowing around him, sometimes bright and sometimes dim. He realized he should leave, but he couldn't suppress his curiosity and lingered a little longer, holding the teacup as if it were some extraordinary treasure.

"Ha ha!"

Dangjiang became even more smug. He walked to the table and sat down, finally taking a serious look. The psychological pressure he had just felt was considerable. The smile on his face faded, and he looked somewhat guilty. He said:

"I originally wanted to ask Liu Xianguan, but after leaving the mansion, I learned that he had already gone elsewhere. I don't know anyone else here, so I still have questions for you, sir..."

He took down the small blue lotus, which was no bigger than a chicken egg. It was made of jade and had golden patterns on it. He placed it neatly in his palm, and it was covered with a bluish light.

He sighed:
"I heard from the officials in the manor that this treasure is called the 'Supreme Blue-and-White Dharma Seal,' which is part of the 'Great Crow Boundless Wonderful Land,' and also the source of its power, capable of manifesting all forms..."

"And inside the lotus, there is a lotus seed, which is used to communicate with that wondrous land..."

So he carefully lifted the treasure up, and then took another item from his waist, which was a small scroll painting, no bigger than the palm of his hand, which depicted raging black and gold fire, like a killing prison.

"This is the [Slaying the Mysterious Crows Treasure Map]. They didn't say much, only that they lent it to me to suppress the various Buddhist sects and eliminate the evil ones..."

A look of worry crossed his face. Clearly, after the initial excitement came a sense of unease and fear regarding the unknown nature of the position. He said:

"This means... that the wondrous land still wants me to engage in magical battles? Wouldn't that put my life in danger!"

Shao Hui knew the general outline but not the details. He had already formed a vague judgment, and twirled the teacup in his hand, saying:
"Fellow Daoist Li..."

Li Ximing suddenly snapped out of his daze, quickly got up, and made as if to take his leave. Dang Jiangke, however, realized what was happening and stared intently at the person in front of him, his heart pounding.

'Oh, right… he's also in the mortal world, and he's accompanied by someone I've heard is a future big shot in Mingyang. It's such a rare opportunity to meet him; if I don't get some help from him, wouldn't it be a waste?'

He quickly stood up, stopped Li Ximing with his hand, and said seriously:

"Fellow Daoist Li! We will be working together in the future... I will be going out to guard a region, which will involve the lower realms, and I will inevitably have places to ask for advice and rely on... Please give me your guidance..."

Li Ximing certainly wanted to chat with him for ages, but he couldn't help but feel his own radiance fading, and knew he wouldn't be able to stay long. He looked troubled and said:
"But... this means going down to the mortal realm..."

Dang Jiang was taken aback, but immediately smiled. He was no longer the same person he used to be; he was now a figure with celestial status. He immediately picked up his own token and said:
"Fellow Daoist, please leave your spiritual seal here. Although it's not as convenient as in heaven, whenever we pray and perform rituals, we can communicate with the supreme heaven and earth, and we can exchange words, emulating the story of Chi Buzi..."

Li Ximing was stunned, his eyes gleaming with wild joy. He immediately glanced at Shao Hui beside him, his heart pounding like thunder.
'There's such a method?'