If you don't give up, I'd like to be your adoptive father.

Chapter 1410 Master Song

The welcoming ceremony at Shouyang Mountain Xiaodongtian was very grand.

Even the celestial phenomena near Shouyang Mountain have changed.

Grand Tutor Yu went to Mangdang Mountain to find Liu Ji in the middle of the night. She talked a lot with Liu Laosan on the mountain, but most of it took place in the dream world she had created.

When she arrived at Shouyang Mountain, it was still dark, around three or four in the morning.

Moreover, it's still quite cold in late February.

The immortals of Shouyang Mountain joined forces to cast a spell, using their great supernatural power to change the world and summon the sun directly.

It was not an illusion, nor was it a localized time acceleration; it was a genuine premature appearance of a great sun over Shouyang Mountain.

The cold winds of late February have disappeared, replaced by a gentle breeze, and flowers are in full bloom on both sides.

Thirty-six pairs of children lined up, half of them boys and half girls.

The boy wore a Taoist robe that looked like it was cut from the azure sky, and the girl wore a dress that looked like it was woven from a rainbow.

Some of them held incense burners, some held jade ruyi scepters, some held high banners, and some held auspicious round fans. They all stood obediently in rows on both sides of the mountain path, respectfully facing the distinguished guests.

Master Yumen, accompanied by two ghost immortals dressed as Confucian scholars, personally greeted him at the foot of the mountain.

"Grand Tutor Yu, this is the head of my Zhengyang Palace, True Man Yumen."

The Divine Mace Guardian stood beside Grand Tutor Yu and introduced the three people who came to greet the guests, "The other two are the grandsons of the King of Guzhu, and also the two 'Grand Elders of Welcoming Guests' of Taiyi Sect, Elder Boyi and Elder Shuqi."

"I had long heard of your name when I was in Western Shu. It is an honor to see your true face today!"

Although he was more curious about Bo Yi and Shu Qi, the two "Taiyi Daoist etiquette officials," Grand Tutor Yu first greeted True Man Yumen before looking at the other two ghost immortals in surprise. "I didn't know that the two sages were also in Taiyi Daoist. What a pleasant surprise!"

Bo Yi remained calm and said, "My brother and I starved to death on Shouyang Mountain, so naturally we should bury our bodies there as well."

The spirit of the dead remains, listening to the immortals on the mountain preach, gradually gaining enlightenment, and then enters the grotto world.

We weren't skilled in Taoist magic, but we were quite familiar with worldly etiquette and customs, so we were appointed as officials in charge of rites.

Shu Qi looked at Grand Tutor Yu, his mouth moving as if he wanted to say something, but Boyi touched him almost imperceptibly.

Shuqi lowered his eyes and shut his mouth.

Grand Tutor Yu smiled and asked, "Do you two wise men have any words to instruct this junior?"

Shuqi looked up at her, then hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but stopped himself.

Just as Master Yumen was about to say a few words to smooth things over, Grand Tutor Yu added, "Back when the two sages were still alive, they dared to question King Wu's conquest of Zhou."

He openly rebuked King Wu, Ji Fa, without fear of the calamity of war.

Now that you've become a ghost immortal, why are you so timid and hesitant?

Shuqi couldn't bear it any longer and said, "I originally wanted to advise the Grand Tutor. As the Grand Tutor of the court, you should be a role model for all officials. How can you go astray?"
But then he thought about how it would be impolite for him to be a master of ceremonies now, questioning a distinguished guest at the gate, and he hesitated to speak.

Master Yumen's expression changed slightly, and his eyes showed more anxiety and anger: I called you over because you are polite and to keep the guests happy. Why did you bring up the most awkward topic?
Grand Tutor Yu smiled as before and said, "Between the Shang Dynasty of yesteryear and the Qin Dynasty of today, who was more virtuous and benevolent?"
Two wise men advised King Wu to observe the proper etiquette between ruler and subject.

"Would you today persuade those rebellious dragons and immortals supporting the Qin court to withdraw their troops and submit to the imperial court, or even to kneel before it and apologize?"

Shuqi asked, "Does the Grand Tutor want to hear the truth, or something more pleasant?"

"The truth is the best thing to hear," said Grand Tutor Yu.

Shu Qi said, "You descendants may have some misunderstanding. When the Shang Dynasty was destroyed, the people lived better lives than when Qin Shi Huang ruled the world."

Before Su Daji bewitched the emperor, the Shang Dynasty had almost no large-scale labor services.

Before the Grand Tutor reformed the corrupt system and implemented ten years of benevolent governance, even though I admired orthodoxy and loyalty to the emperor, I believed that the Qin Dynasty deserved to die. If the Qin Dynasty did not die, the people would perish.

Grand Tutor Yu nodded slightly. "The sage has changed the rigid and inflexible traditional Confucian ideas of the past and now puts the people first."

In that case, my actions after becoming a demon haven't harmed the people; on the contrary, they've benefited them!

"Now that the Grand Tutor has fallen into demonic possession, can he always control his demonic heart and thoughts?" Uncle Qi asked.

Grand Master Yu sighed, “Eight or nine out of ten great immortals of the Xuanmen sect in the world have a bad feeling towards me and are watching my every word and action at all times.”

I've only fallen into demonic possession; I haven't even wreaked havoc on the world yet, and they've already ruined my reputation.

Even the ancient sages who had long since withdrawn from the world had developed a prejudice against me.

It is conceivable that if I were to commit any immoral or violent act, thousands upon thousands of immortals would immediately rush over to eliminate the demon and protect the righteous path.

As long as I retain this understanding, my Dao heart is purer and more steadfast than that of a Great Luo Golden Immortal who has severed their three corpses.

Shuqi paused for a moment, then said, "With the Grand Tutor's status and position, if he were to fall into demonic possession but instead remain true to his original heart and not succumb to the demonic path, it might not be a good thing for the world."

With the Grand Tutor's example before us, countless righteous cultivators will likely take you as their role model.

They thought if the Grand Tutor was capable, they were capable too, but in the end, they all couldn't control themselves.

Grand Tutor Yu laughed heartily, “I am just the Grand Tutor of the Great Qin Dynasty, not the mother of the Xuanmen cultivators.”

Whether they become possessed by demons or fall into depravity, what does it matter to me?

Master Yumen hurriedly said, "This is the main gate! How can you chat with guests at the main gate?"

"Elders, let us first respectfully welcome Grand Tutor Yu into the main hall! Once we are inside, you may discuss matters at your leisure."

After saying this, he reached out and invited Grand Tutor Yu to climb the mountain.

Grand Tutor Yu gladly followed, but did not end his rambling conversation with the two sages.

"The two sages were already renowned figures during the Investiture of the Gods period, serving as moral exemplars for humanity. Now, hundreds of thousands of years later, have these two great sages written any books or established doctrines?"

The younger generation is eager to read and diligently study the wisdom and thoughts of the sages.

Shuqi shook his head and said, "I have written a few short poems and short essays, but I don't have a single book that is qualified to be submitted to the Grand Tutor for review."

Although we are revered as sages, we are actually just ordinary people who follow the teachings of sages, and we ourselves have no talent for educating and enlightening the masses.

"Ah, why be so modest, wise one? I must visit your study later, please do not refuse."

Just as Shu Qi was about to refuse, Grand Tutor Yu said again, "I have now fallen into demonic possession, and my demonic nature sometimes flares up. I rely entirely on reading the classics of sages to calm my demonic thoughts!"
"My two wise men, you wouldn't want me to completely lose control and wreak havoc on the world, would you?"

Shu Qi and Boyi's expressions were stiff.

The Jade Gate Immortal and the Divine Mace Protector standing to the side had distorted old faces.

When Grand Tutor Yu entered the cave accompanied by the three of them, an even grander ceremonial guard and welcoming party had already been prepared on the opposite bank.

Upon entering Shouyang Mountain Cave, one encounters a long, emerald-green river.

They are immortals who can float on the river, yet magnificent fairy boats still come to greet them.

The fairy boat crossed the great river and arrived at the dock called "Caiwei Ferry".

There were over two hundred immortals and over a thousand Taoists at the dock, but let alone any Grand Luo Golden Immortals, there wasn't even a single Golden Immortal among them. Almost all of them were True Persons who followed the "Celestial Masters Way," and there were fewer than ten Celestial Immortals and Mysterious Immortals combined.

"Greetings, Grand Tutor Yu of the Great Qin Dynasty!"

Even the immortals who had previously cursed "Old Demon Yu" were now respectful and courteous.

There was not a trace of arrogance or discontent on his face or in his eyes, only docility.

At the same time, he silently activated the "Heart-Cleansing Mantra" to enter a state of no thought and no intention, so as not to let the old demon Yu seize the flaws in his mind and spy on the "evil thoughts" in his heart, and also to avoid the "legendary" curse of respectful speech.

"Please rise, esteemed masters."

Grand Tutor Yu smiled slightly and bowed to them in the Daoist kowtow style. "I am truly flattered and humbled that all the immortals from Shouyang Mountain Grotto-Heaven have come! I hope I have not disturbed your meeting?"

The immortals froze, their hearts filled with alarm: Oh no, even Old Demon Yu knows!

Master Luo glanced at the Divine Mace Protector and said awkwardly, "There are priorities. The arrival of Grand Tutor Yu brings honor to the Shouyang Mountain Grotto, which is of utmost importance."

All the fellow Daoists were overjoyed and excited, eager to pay their respects to the Grand Tutor; how could they possibly be interested in holding a meeting?

Grand Master Yu said, "Alas, I originally came to visit the Jade Gate Immortal, and I never intended to disturb the immortals of the entire grotto heaven."

Your hospitality makes me feel indebted and quite uneasy.

Why don't you all go back to the meeting room and continue the discussion?

The immortals exchanged bewildered glances, unsure whether she was genuinely uncomfortable or making sarcastic remarks to embarrass them.

Seeing the awkward atmosphere, the Divine Mace Protector coughed lightly and said, "Grand Tutor Yu is going to Zhengyang Palace. All of you Real Persons do not need to accompany him."

"Grand Tutor, let's go. Zhengyang Palace is located at the fifth bend of the Wei River!"

Grand Tutor Yu reached into his sleeve and fumbled for a moment before taking out a piece of spirit jade. He handed it to True Man Luo, saying, "You gave me a peach, so I will repay you with a precious jade."

I am deeply grateful for the warm hospitality of the immortals today and would like to lend you all a hand.

This is a detailed explanation of the skills of the Dream-Eating Demon Ancestor. Take it and study it carefully; you're sure to gain a lot.

"Dream-Eating Demon Ancestor" Luo Zhenren stared blankly at her.

Grand Tutor Yu smiled and nodded, “You heard correctly and understood correctly. ‘Dream-Eating Demon Ancestor’ is the title of my Heavenly Demon Body.”

The immortals looked at each other in bewilderment.

Grand Tutor Yu flew past them, heading in the direction indicated by the Divine Mace Protector.

The great river within the small grotto of Shouyang Mountain is named "Wei River," borrowing the name of the Wei River below the mountain.

It takes the name of the Wei River, but possesses the spirit of the Yellow River, winding its way through the grotto. Each bend turns around a mountain, on which sits a palace.

Zhengyang Palace is at the fifth bend.

The buildings on the mountain are quite large, resembling a "cluster of palaces," but there are very few people.

After having a cup of tea in the main hall and exchanging a few polite words, Master Yumen invited Grand Tutor Yu to tour the scenic spots of Zhengyang Palace.

After completing the welcoming ceremony, Bo Yi and Shu Qi took their leave. Shen Jian Tai Bao also remained in the hall and did not follow them.

"The entire Shouyang Mountain Grotto Heaven has fewer than two thousand people, but the grotto heaven itself is quite large!"

After walking around, Grand Tutor Yu asked in confusion.

Master Yumen asked curiously, "Since the Grand Tutor is puzzled, it means he didn't know how many people were in the cave before."

Why did you make a rough estimate as soon as you came in?
Could it be that once demonic thoughts are unleashed, they immediately capture the inner demons of all the immortals in the grotto-heaven?

Grand Tutor Yu shook his head and said, "If no one overcomes the tribulation of inner demons, and if the Heavenly Dao does not bestow upon the Great Freedom Heavenly Demon power, my spell can only affect cultivators within their thoughts and field of vision."

Now that I am a guest, it is even less likely that I can use magic spells to probe the true nature of the cave.

The reason I estimated the number of people is because I have the authority over the grotto-heavens!

The blessed lands and grotto-heavens within the Divine Continent are all rooted in the mountains and rivers. Human powers still hold sway in the Middle Realm.

Those immortals who have witnessed the reign of the Human Emperor must have felt this particularly deeply.

Master Yumen seemed to be deep in thought.

"Actually, the number of disciples of my Taiyi Sect is not small. At least compared with other Taoist sects, it is not small."

However, only disciples of the Taiyi Sect reside within the cave.

Unlike other celestial realms, it does not accept wandering immortals who have ascended to the heavens or immortals from other sects.

The Heavenly Court is the "court" of the celestial realm, while the Middle Realm's blessed lands and grotto-heavens are the "cities" of the celestial realm.

Not all ascended immortals have the opportunity to serve in the Heavenly Court. Those who cannot register in the Heavenly Register find a grotto-heaven to settle down in.

Once they settled down, they would take on disciples, and then recruit celestial maidens and children to fill their celestial palaces, gradually developing into numerous Daoist palaces with a large population.

"Shouyang Mountain's small grotto-heaven is relatively pure, or rather, relatively secluded. If nothing unexpected happens, even if the disciples of this generation fail to become immortals, exhaust their lifespan, or encounter a calamity and are reincarnated into the next life, there will be a special guide to help them. Then they will re-enter the grotto-heaven palace and become disciples of the Taiyi Dao Sect."

If a master in this life fails to become an immortal, in the next life they might become a junior to their former disciple, or even become a disciple directly to their former student.

Master Yumen glanced at Grand Tutor Yu, steeled his resolve, and continued, "But sometimes accidents can happen."

Even the deep bond between master and disciple forged over millions of years has come to an end.

Having said that, Grand Tutor Yu stopped pretending to be ignorant and asked directly, "Is the True Man referring to Daoist Qingsong?"

Master Yumen smiled wryly and said, "He is not my disciple. Of course, in his previous life, Qingsong was not my disciple, but in his previous life, he was named Zhang Jing, and he was my junior disciple."

Eighty thousand years ago, when the Tian clan seized the Qi kingdom from the Jiang clan, he was already the "Grand Celestial Master Protector of Talismans" in the Lingxiao Palace of the Heavenly Court. His surname was "Song," and he was the fifth-generation descendant of Song Yiren, a close friend of Jiang Taigong.

In Heaven, Master Song was in charge of the 'Eight Manifestations of Immortal Transformation' on behalf of the Jade Emperor.

"No wonder his soul possesses a level of 'cultivation' far exceeding that of Daoist Qingsong. Celestial Master Song must be an extraordinary figure," Grand Tutor Yu suddenly realized.

The Precious Register Immortal Chapter is one of the nine great true teachings of the Taiyi Dao, which is common knowledge among the various Daoist sects in China.

Through this, she had determined that Wang Sangouzi was related to Taiyi Dao.

However, Wang Sangou's soul contained a large amount of immortal power that did not belong to Qingsong, which made her always have doubts.

Master Yumen nodded and said, "The 'Precious Record of Immortals,' one of the nine great true teachings of the Taiyi Sect, was actually created by Celestial Master Song. Celestial Master Song can be considered a grandmaster of the Celestial Masters Sect."

Grand Master Yu sighed, “Eighty thousand years ago, the Celestial Masters Sect had only just been established. The ‘Precious Records of Heaven’ compiled at that time, even today, eighty thousand years later, is still the most top-level and authoritative immortal manual in the art of talismans.”

If Master Song were alive today, wouldn't he be ranked among the 'Four Great Celestial Masters of the Lingxiao Palace'?

Master Yumen said, "Given his status and position in the Heavenly Court back then, he was actually considered one of the 'Four Great Celestial Masters'."

It is said that in this world, only Master Song has obtained the true "Secret Records of Taigong," making him a direct disciple of Jiang Taigong.

(End of this chapter)