Chapter 326 : True Venerable Status

Chapter 326: True Venerable Status

Moon-in-Water Dwelling.

Outside the cave residence, whose scenery was tranquil and refined, four figures stood waiting.

The person at the front possessed a slender figure and wore a water-green dress. She was none other than the true disciple of the Mirror Moon Sect, Shu You.

Behind her stood three cultivators—one man and two women. All three had sharp light concealed within their eyes and bore extraordinary bearing. The one with the lowest cultivation was at least at the Mid-Stage of Foundation Establishment.

The female cultivator in a moon-white plain dress standing closest to Shu You possessed the highest cultivation among them, having reached the peak of Foundation Establishment, only a single step away from entering the ranks of the Golden Core.

Yet although these prodigies, well-renowned within the Mirror Moon Sect, appeared calm on the surface, the slight tightening of their lips revealed the tension within their hearts.

At that moment, a streak of escaping light descended from the horizon, revealing the figure of Chen Beiwu.

“Shu You welcomes the Lord back to the residence.”

Shu You took a deep breath, stepped forward two paces, and bowed gracefully.

“No need for such formalities.”

Chen Beiwu’s gaze shifted slightly as he looked toward the three behind her.

Seeing this, Shu You immediately rose and introduced them: “Lord, these three are Gu Chun, Wang Hao, and Bai Zhi. In recent years, they have earned considerable renown within the sect. They have long admired you and are willing to follow you in opening a lineage and lay down their lives for the sect.”

“I have brought them here today to await your instruction.”

As her words fell, the three bowed in unison. “We pay respects to the Dao Child.”

“You may rise.” Chen Beiwu spoke calmly.

Hearing this, the heavy stone in Shu You’s heart finally fell, and an irrepressible smile appeared on her face.

During the fourteen years that the Lord had been in seclusion, she had not remained idle. She had already roughly constructed the overall framework of the Beast Taming lineage. Only the key lineage master had been missing.

Now that she had obtained the Lord’s approval, she was naturally overjoyed.

Gu Chun, Wang Hao, and Bai Zhi also rose, their gazes burning with eagerness as they looked at Chen Beiwu.

“Since you have earned Junior Sister Shu’s recognition, then follow me inside.”

With a thought, Chen Beiwu opened the cave residence’s restrictions and stepped inside.

“Light Orange,” “Dark Blue,” “Light Orange,” “Black Clouds Overhead.”

After sitting down in order and drinking tea, Chen Beiwu looked with interest at the fate surrounding Shu You and the other three.

Among the four, Wang Hao’s fate was the most ordinary. His hopes of achieving the position of Golden Core True Person were slim.

Gu Chun and Bai Zhi possessed rather good fate. If they could obtain the Golden Palace Pill and a Core Formation secret technique, their chances of advancing to Golden Core True Person in the future would be seven or eight out of ten.

Shu You’s fate, however, was the most outrageous. Fourteen years had passed, yet the scarlet-and-black fate surrounding her had not diminished. Instead, it had grown denser, even faintly showing signs of “Black Clouds Overhead.”

If Shu You had not followed his advice and had casually left the sect, she likely would have died suddenly within two days.

“Serve me well in the future. I will not mistreat my own people.”

Seeing through the tension of the three, and after some casual conversation and examination, Chen Beiwu gave them his promise.

“We pay respects to the Lineage Master.”

Gu Chun, Wang Hao, and Bai Zhi all revealed expressions of delight.

As their cultivation steadily increased, they understood more and more clearly how difficult it was to break through to Golden Core within a great sect like the Mirror Moon Sect without backing or support.

Talent?

The Mirror Moon Sect lacked nothing in talent.

Inheritance, resources, cultivation methods, guidance, and backing—these were the true keys determining how far a cultivator could go.

And the Dao Child Chen Zi’ang was undoubtedly the strongest backing they could currently access—especially now that the lineage master had successfully attained the position of True Person.

Chen Beiwu nodded slightly. While speaking with Shu You and the others about the progress of establishing the lineage, he simultaneously sank his mind into Nine-Breath Chaos.

“Buzz!”

In the depths of the Chaos World, a wisp of ineffable purple qi—neither cloud nor霞, beyond words—drifted slowly.

The Crimson Fortune Dragon phantom that had appeared when he accepted the fortune intertwined with another crimson dragon phantom, chasing the purple qi and occasionally letting out dragon roars.

‘It is actually True Venerable Purple Qi!’

Chen Beiwu’s mind stirred as he activated the Nine-Breath Chaos Divine Ability.

An indistinct intuition told him that this strand of purple qi did not originate from being appointed the next sect master of the Mirror Moon Sect, nor from the Beast Taming lineage. Instead, it came from the favor and recognition of the Heavenly-One Northern Abyss Myriad-Aspect Dao Record.

‘A Primordial Dao Artifact is indeed extraordinary.’

Chen Beiwu suppressed the agitation in his heart.

With merely a single recognition and transmission of teachings, he had been able to seize a strand of purple qi through Nine-Breath Chaos.

If it happened several more times, would he not soar directly into the heavens?

The only regret Chen Beiwu felt was that this strand of purple qi could not transform into an opportunity trigger, nor could it be augmented onto Iron Egg through the art of fate-gathering.

If it could, Iron Egg’s dual evolution combining 【Nether-Karma Blazing Dragon】 and 【Illuminating Sovereign】 would be even more secure.

However, this was not entirely a bad thing. With this strand of purple qi suppressing his status and feeding back into his fate, the stronger his comprehension became, the greater his confidence would be in breaking through to Nascent Soul and Divine Transformation in the future.

At this thought, Chen Beiwu’s divine sense extended toward an extremely peculiar fate behind the Crimson Fortune Dragon.

This mass of fate was interwoven with scarlet, gray, white, green, blue, orange, red, and many other hues. It appeared exceptionally dazzling, yet also seemed not fully formed—merely countless strands of fate gathering and brewing together.

Chen Beiwu carefully sensed it with his divine ability and discovered that this mass of fate originated from the sect’s newly established Beast Taming lineage.

However, as he had been in seclusion for many years and had not formally opened the lineage nor accepted disciples, the fate of the Beast Taming lineage was still in the process of gathering and gestating.

By the time Chen Beiwu, multitasking with divided focus, finished confirming the changes in his own fate, the discussion concerning the upper ranks of the Beast Taming lineage had also concluded. Only Shu You remained within the cave residence.

“Senior Sister Shu succeeded?” Chen Beiwu raised a brow, deliberately teasing.

He had not forgotten that back then, Senior Sister Shu had been quite infatuated with Gu Chun.

“Junior Sister Gu belongs to the Lord. How would this servant dare lay a hand on her?”

Shu You shook her head and stepped forward to pour tea for Chen Beiwu.

She liked beautiful women, but she understood priorities and would not lose her head over beauty.

The reason she had recruited Gu Chun was simply that Gu Chun possessed good aptitude, was at the Mid-Stage of Foundation Establishment, and was a Second-Tier Mid-Grade Alchemist beneficial to the Beast Taming lineage. Among the Southern Wastes sequence disciples, she was considered a respectable prodigy.

At that moment, Shu You’s beautiful eyes shifted slightly as she spoke softly, “Lord, have you ever heard of secret methods of fate?”

Chen Beiwu set down his teacup and looked toward Shu You, a trace of imperceptible surprise flashing through his eyes.

Was this coincidence—or a probe?

Logically speaking, not even the Patriarch had perceived the secrets upon him. There was no way Senior Sister Shu, merely a Foundation Establishment cultivator, could glimpse even a trace of it.

“Of course I know.”

Chen Beiwu smiled calmly. “The sect’s ancient records state that those whose fate flourishes are favored by Heaven and Earth. Their comprehension is extraordinary. On the path of cultivation, many perilous bottlenecks can be turned into safety. Opportunities arrive of their own accord, and breaking through realms is as simple as drinking water.”

“But the Dao of fate is vague and elusive, difficult to grasp. Even great titans of the cultivation world find it hard to perceive.

The so-called ‘Qi-Observing Art’ and ‘Fate-Altering Method’ and other secret methods of fate circulating in today’s cultivation world—eight or nine out of ten are empty rumors or tricks used to swindle and deceive.”

Seeing Chen Beiwu’s reaction, Shu You felt greatly reassured. A faint gleam flashed from the storage ring at her finger as she retrieved an ancient, unadorned jade slip and respectfully presented it with both hands.

“Years ago, by a stroke of fortune, this servant obtained a fragmentary secret method devoted to the Dao of fate from an ancient ruin. It is called 《Secret Record of Fate-Bearing Qi Absorption and Longevity》.”

“This method is profound and obscure, incomplete and fragmentary. This servant’s aptitude is dull. After years of contemplation, I have only grasped its superficial aspects.”

At this point, Shu You drew a deep breath, her expression serious. “In this servant’s hands, this method gathers dust like a pearl cast aside. Let alone avoiding calamities and attaining longevity or borrowing fate to achieve the Dao—even entering its gates is incomparably difficult. Only by presenting it to the Lord can it be put to proper use.”

Hearing this, Chen Beiwu solemnly accepted the jade slip.

No wonder Shu You had remained indoors within the sect, never stepping out, yet the fate upon her had worsened year by year.

So it was because she had made mistakes while cultivating a secret method of fate, inadvertently damaging her own fate.

It seemed this 《Secret Record of Fate-Bearing Qi Absorption and Longevity》 did possess some merits.

With that thought, Chen Beiwu closed his eyes. With a movement of divine sense, obscure and incomprehensible scriptures gradually surfaced within his Spirit Platform sea of consciousness.

Each word was precious, containing an ineffable Dao’s Rhythm.

Even with the comprehension enhanced by the Nine-Breath Chaos Divine Ability, the Yuanshi Golden Core, the augmentation of three meridians, and Tai Xuan Guarding the One, he still needed to calm his mind and carefully deliberate.

‘This method is indeed mysterious!’

‘Such a technique of borrowing fate to avoid calamities—let alone in the Southern Wastes—even within the Immortal Alliance, it would count as a supreme cultivation method.’

‘But compared to the Nine-Breath Chaos Divine Ability, it is unremarkable and not worth deep cultivation.’

Chen Beiwu opened his eyes and shook his head slightly.

Seeing this, Shu You’s heart sank.

Had she offered the wrong gift?

Even the Lord—an unparalleled prodigy bearing immense fate—could not comprehend 《Secret Record of Fate-Bearing Qi Absorption and Longevity》.

Would that not mean she could not help Senior Sister Jiang and thus could not repay past kindness?

“Senior Sister Shu has shown great thoughtfulness. Though this secret technique is incomplete, it involves the Dao of fate and has offered me some minor inspiration. Many thanks.”

As he spoke, Chen Beiwu flipped his palm and casually handed Shu You another jade slip. “Take this. It may benefit Senior Sister’s cultivation.”

His words were not mere politeness. Though 《Secret Record of Fate-Bearing Qi Absorption and Longevity》 was somewhat tasteless, it was not entirely useless. It recorded three formations for borrowing and stabilizing fate.

These three formations were ingenious in conception. Particularly the fate-borrowing formation—if arranged within the cave residence—might increase by one or two degrees the effectiveness of his divine ability in accumulating fate.

“To offer even a small measure of assistance to the Lord is this servant’s duty. It is unworthy of thanks.”

Shu You accepted the jade slip and probed it with her divine sense. Instantly, her red lips parted slightly, and her hands trembled as she gripped the jade slip.

A Core Formation secret method!

A fragmentary fate secret technique she herself could not even enter had been exchanged for a superior Core Formation secret method that pointed directly to the Golden Core Great Dao.

Shu You suddenly raised her head. The softness in her gaze toward Chen Beiwu was so tender it seemed as though water could drip from it.

“Keep it. It is only a Core Formation method. If you form your core sooner, you can serve me better in the future.” Chen Beiwu’s expression remained calm.

In the Southern Wastes, cultivators regarded Core Formation secret methods as treasures. In the Immortal Alliance, however, they were merely commonplace.

“This servant will certainly not fail the Lord’s expectations.”

At that moment, Shu You’s loyalty and sense of belonging toward Chen Beiwu directly reached its peak.

Following such a magnanimous Lord, why would the Great Dao not be attainable?

Were it not for fear of being despised by the Lord, she would have even wished to warm his bed that very night.

“By the way, has Senior Sister Wan’er successfully formed her core?” Chen Beiwu changed the subject.

“Fairy Yun Wan is still in seclusion.”

Shu You lowered her head to pour tea, suppressing her excitement while feeling conflicted within.

“If there is something on your mind, speak plainly.” Chen Beiwu glanced at her.

Shu You took a deep breath, her face troubled, yet remained silent.

“Speak.” Chen Beiwu’s tone did not change.

“It concerns Senior Sister Jiang.”

Shu You bit her lip lightly and said, “Senior Sister Jiang has defected. The sect has issued the highest-level pursuit order against her. Any sect disciple who encounters her must kill her.”

“Jiang Yuyan defected? What crime did she commit?” Chen Beiwu’s brows furrowed slightly.

Jiang Yuyan had some ties with Shu You and was also a renowned true disciple of the sect, of orthodox and upright background.

Logically speaking, the possibility of such a prodigy betraying the sect was extremely slim—unless it was a capital offense.

“Patricide of the Master!”

Shu You drew a deep breath, her tone complicated.

Chen Beiwu suddenly lifted his head, his eyes filled with surprise.

If he remembered correctly, Jiang Yuyan’s master was the Fourth Elder of the main lineage, the Hall Master of the Talisman Hall, a Golden Core Great Perfection major cultivator named Yu Zhaoli, honored among the Five Great Sects of the Earth Proliferation Territory as True Person Futu.

For Jiang Yuyan, a Foundation Establishment prodigy, to kill her master, defect, and slay Yu Zhaoli across realms—such an achievement was beyond merely formidable; it bordered on the inconceivable.

“I cannot settle this matter.” Chen Beiwu shook his head.

Killing one’s master was already a grave crime, and Jiang Yuyan had slain a main lineage elder.

Let alone the fact that he was merely a Dao Child—even if he were the sect master of the Mirror Moon Sect, he could not set such a precedent.

“This servant does not dare ask the Lord to settle this matter. I only ask that if the Lord encounters Senior Sister Jiang outside, and circumstances permit, you grant her a chance to defend herself.”

Shu You bowed deeply, presenting with both hands the Core Formation jade slip she had just received.

She knew how excessive this request was, yet she could not watch her former benefactor walk toward death.

Chen Beiwu’s expression remained calm, revealing not the slightest joy.

His eyes looked down at Shu You, kneeling on the ground, her body trembling slightly, while his fingers lightly tapped the tea table.

After a long time, the tapping ceased.

“Rise. The sect’s laws possess their own dignity.”

Hearing this, Shu You’s heart sank.

Yet Chen Beiwu’s next sentence made her lift her head in surprise.

“But I will investigate this matter. If Jiang Yuyan did not intentionally betray the sect nor harbor hostility toward it, I will assess the situation and mete out appropriate punishment. But if her heart has truly turned rebellious, then her death would not be regrettable. Do you understand?”

“This servant understands!” Shu You quickly responded.

“You may leave. After the Core Formation Ceremony, I will formally open the lineage and accept disciples.”

Watching Shu You’s figure disappear, Chen Beiwu exhaled a breath of turbid air.

Shu You was capable and decisive in her work, loyal and affectionate. She was a good subordinate. With her overseeing the Beast Taming lineage, Chen Beiwu could cultivate at ease without handling trivial affairs.

Compared to establishing the Beast Taming lineage, granting Jiang Yuyan a chance to explain herself was but a minor matter.

After all, unless driven to desperation, few Foundation Establishment cultivators would risk certain death to assassinate a Golden Core Great Perfection major cultivator. There must be hidden circumstances.

Yet regardless of the truth, to preserve the sect’s dignity, Jiang Yuyan would likely not escape death in the end.

With that thought, 《Heavenly-One Northern Abyss Myriad-Aspect Dao Record》 appeared in Chen Beiwu’s hand.

The Southern Wastes was too dangerous. Even Golden Core major cultivators could die at the hands of Foundation Establishment cultivators.

His cultivation was only at the Late-Stage of Golden Core. Though he could barely slay an early-stage Nascent Soul True Monarch, it was not yet time for arrogance.

“Buzz.”

The Spirit Beast Pouch trembled slightly as the figure of Golden Egg slowly emerged.

“???”

Looking at the jade slip before him, all three of Golden Egg’s heads tilted sideways, question marks filling his gaze.

“After tiring of studying 《Yuanshi Dongzhen Qinghua Mastery of Myriad Calamities and Myriad Spirits Immortal Art》, you can try this cultivation method. Illusion arts are your strong suit, after all.” Chen Beiwu smiled.

The Dao Record’s “Returning to Truth Chapter” and the sect’s secret primordial art 《Mirror-Origin Moonfruit Profound Illumination Heart Sutra》 could mutually verify each other. Perhaps they could push Golden Egg’s Mirror Flower, Water Moon to the Fourth Realm—“A fleeting moment turns the seas, a finger-snap shifts the mulberry fields”—causing his strength to surge dramatically.

After arranging matters for Golden Egg, Chen Beiwu took out 《Secret Record of Fate-Bearing Qi Absorption and Longevity》 and began attempting to set up the fate-borrowing formation.

If this formation proved effective, then the three strands of Golden Fate he had accumulated over fourteen years through divine ability might, before the Immortal Sect Exchange Conference began, merge and transform into a Crimson Fortune Dragon—assisting Iron Egg in completing a bloodline sublimation evolution.