Chapter 433: The Heavenly Master Still Wants To Climb Higher

Even when completely frozen in place, one would not be completely devoid of consciousness; one’s spiritual senses would remain intact. Du Changsheng could see, hear, and even feel Hu Yun’s claws pressing on his face. However, to Hu Yun, this person was like a statue.

Ji Yuan stood up, walked around the table, and approached the frozen Du Changsheng and the terrified Wang Xiao. He then spoke to Du Changsheng.

“Don’t casually call me your master again, or I’ll freeze you and throw you into the Chunmu River to sober you up!”

Ji Yuan had met many people in his life, including many cultivators, whether human or ghost, god or demon, but he had never seen anyone as adept at climbing up the ladder as Du Changsheng. No, it was more accurate to say that he was able to come up with a ladder himself and climb up it.

1

Ji Yuan did indeed give him the “Minor Qi Guiding Art” technique, but aside from the fact that this technique was a basic method in the cultivation world, it was also an equivalent exchange for Ji Yuan, as he learned the technique for the incomplete Warrior Talisman. In terms of sects that had been established due to the “Minor Qi Guiding Art,” it would almost be more accurate to say that Du Changsheng was an apprentice of Yuhuai Mountain.

As Ji Yuan spoke, he glanced at Wang Xiao beside him, sighed, and added a sentence.

“I am not your grandmaster.”

Then Ji Yuan looked at Du Changsheng again.

“I’ll withdraw the edict now. Do you understand what I said earlier?”

Seeing that Du Changsheng could neither nod nor respond, Ji Yuan figured that someone who wasn’t stupid should be able to understand. With that thought in mind, Ji Yuan moved, and the immobilization technique on Du Changsheng dissipated.

“Bang!”

Du Changsheng stumbled, and due to the momentum from his previous attempt to kowtow, his head slammed onto the deck again.

“Ouch… sir, this really wasn’t my intention, I didn’t mean to kowtow like that…”

Du Changsheng offered one explanation and then dared not say more, afraid of saying something wrong. He subconsciously rubbed his forehead. The sound of his head hitting the planks of the small wooden boat on the water was loud, but it wasn’t painful at all. Plus he was someone who had tempered his body with spiritual energy for many years, so his forehead did not even turn red.

Bai Qi, standing to the side, looked at Du Changsheng with amusement.

“So you really do know Mr. Ji, and you must know some of his abilities. Why do you dare to pretend to be Mr. Ji’s apprentice, and even dare to acknowledge him to his face?”

Bai Qi found this simply unbelievable. A mediocre cultivator like Du Changsheng was no different from an ordinary person in front of him, let alone Mr. Ji.

Du Changsheng glanced at Ji Yuan cautiously and explained.

“Back then, I was struggling with no way to cultivate, and my end of days was drawing ever closer. It was Mr. Ji who bestowed upon me a righteous method, giving me hope… Therefore, I have always regarded Mr. Ji as my master in my heart…”

Ji Yuan smiled and shook his head, then said to Bai Qi.

“That is true. However, back then, I only thought that Master Du’s talismanic arts were somewhat interesting, so I asked to take a look in exchange for the ‘Minor Qi Guiding Art’ method. I never thought of taking him as a disciple.”

Bai Qi burst into laughter.

“This Master Du has good judgement. He recognized a high branch to climb on the social ladder and went straight for someone like Mr. Ji.”

Du Changsheng dared not speak carelessly. Meanwhile, Wang Xiao on the side was even more nervous. He used to think that his master Du Changsheng was already a very remarkable master, and his understanding of immortals was basically limited to those in temples, which he considered unattainable.

Du Changsheng still had some principles in this regard. He didn’t lie to his disciples, and he would never claim to be a god. He also knew that he was not skilled enough to be considered a true immortal, and perhaps even not at the level that could be called “immortal” in any respect.

But now, Wang Xiao had met Bai Qi and Ji Yuan. The former was the God of Chunmu River, who ruled over such a vast river and was a deserving deity. The latter, seeing how this River God treated him with respect and courtesy, must be a True Immortal.

Wang Xiao dared not look too closely at the powerful figures beside him, but he frequently glanced at a red fox right next to Du Changsheng. This fox could talk, so it must be a monster, but it looked harmless.

At this moment, Hu Yun was looking up at Du Changsheng. Seeing that he could squish his head again and his body temperature had returned to normal, he became even more curious about Ji Yuan’s immobilization technique. He jumped to the side of the boat to talk to his friend in the water.

“Qingqing, did you see that just now? Mr. Ji shouted ‘Freeze,’ and that guy stopped moving. He was stiff and had no pulse. Now he’s alive again.”

Ji Yuan almost choked at Hu Yun’s words. What did he mean by “now he’s alive again”? He hadn’t killed Du Changsheng just now.

“Blub, blub, pop…”

The big black carp kept blowing bubbles. Even the sound of the bubbles popping was much louder, as if to show its agreement with Hu Yun.

It was only then that Du Changsheng and Wang Xiao noticed the movement in the water. Glancing to the side, they saw a large old turtle, about half the size of a painted boat, floating on the surface of the water with its black back visible through the ripples. A similarly enormous black carp was swimming near the side of the boat.

Forget Wang Xiao, even Du Changsheng had never seen a real monster before. Both of them were a mix of fearful and excited, but they could only hold it in.

Ji Yuan found it amusing and softened his tone.

“Alright, everyone sit down, let’s go over the ins and outs of this matter.”

A moment later, the small table on the ship was moved to a more spacious spot next to the cabin door. Ji Yuan and Bai Qi sat down one after the other, while Du Changsheng and Wang Xiao sat down on either side, looking somewhat reserved.

“It’s good that Master Du understands the implications. This sect isn’t one you can just casually claim. There’s no need to be overly nervous right now. We are all righteous cultivators and won’t do anything to you. Tell me about your situation.”

“Yes, yes, yes!”

Du Changsheng nodded repeatedly, his posture like that of a student in a private school. He knew that although he was already in his seventies or eighties, the two people in front of him were the real centenarians.

2

Although they both looked middle-aged or younger, and the traces of time were invisible unless he looked closely, they must have lived for at least several hundred years, or even more.

“Since the late emperor passed away, the new emperor, though also curious about supernatural matters, lost interest after visiting us few Heavenly Masters remaining in the capital. Of course, while we could still enjoy wealth and honor in the capital, I, Du, having traveled the righteous path, knew that I should prioritize righteous cultivation. Even though I was somewhat reluctant to give up wealth and honor, I left the capital…”

After organizing his thoughts, Du Changsheng briefly recounted his story, though he unconsciously chose to say things that were advantageous for himself. For example, he said that he left the capital because he wanted to cultivate properly, but he had also been ridiculed by his fellow Heavenly Masters and couldn’t stay any longer.

“I was used to spending money lavishly in the capital, so I haven’t saved up much. Chunhui Prefecture is the most famous prefecture along the Chunmu River, and property here alone is quite expensive, so I’m a bit strapped for cash…”

At this point, Du Changsheng quickly offered an explanation.

“I don’t spend money extravagantly because I want to have fun. Sir and the Lord River God may not know the hardships of us independent cultivators. As the saying goes, ‘the poor study literature, the rich study martial arts,’ and we cultivators also have the saying: ‘wealth, methods, companions, and land.’ Reclusive masters live in blessed holy lands and cavern holy lands and are naturally carefree, but we have to worry about making a living…”

Ji Yuan nodded. He was aware of this. There were many “experts” in various places. Some were just going through the motions, but many of them had some real skills. Ji Yuan had encountered them a few times, such as the one on the beach in the country of Zuyue, and Du Changsheng and his deceased master. All of the above could be considered to be independent cultivators.

“Although I am relatively low-key, after handling some matters, I gained some fame in Chunhui Prefecture. Later, Li Jinlai came to me and told me about the Wei family’s divine fish statue, hoping to get his aid as well…”

Du Changsheng glanced at the large black carp by the side of the boat before continuing.

“I had heard about the giant fish in Chunmu River that saved people before. I knew that if this was true, it must be a virtuous aquatic creature. Of course, it wouldn’t harbor any intent to harm anyone. So I compromised and devised a method. I didn’t expect Li Jinlai to actually succeed. Later, the River God suddenly visited…”

Ji Yuan didn’t say anything after he had finished listening. He wasn’t thinking about the second half of Du Changsheng’s words about the big black carp, but rather about the first half of Du Changsheng’s story, and about the handful of Heavenly Masters in the capital.

Bai Qi simply drank his tea. He had no interest in such trivial matters. Meanwhile, Du Changsheng and Wang Xiao waited quietly.

After a long silence, Ji Yuan finally spoke.

“Since Master Du has accepted the title from the imperial family of Dazhen, you have already put your lot in with the country. The situation in Dazhen has been improving in recent years. When you realize that you and Dazhen now share mutual glory and prosperity, and your fates are linked, you will also be able to make progress in your cultivation.”

Du Changsheng forced a smile.

“That also means it’s a matter of mutual destruction…”

Previously, he had little hope for advancement, so when he had the chance to be granted the title of Heavenly Master, of course he wanted to compete for it. But now, the title of Celestial Master was meaningless, especially since Emperor Yuande had passed away.

“With its current momentum, if no extraordinary external influences interfere, Dazhen will experience at least another hundred years of national fortune. If you can embark on the path of immortal cultivation before your lifespan runs out, then you will naturally need to concentrate on cultivation and stabilize your practice. Once your cultivation is stable, you might as well wholeheartedly serve as the Heavenly Master of Dazhen.”

Du Changsheng frowned and pondered for a moment. His heart skipped a beat, and he looked up at Ji Yuan.

“Sir, do you mean that the dynasty of Dazhen’s national fortune can actually begin to rise again after two hundred years?”

Ji Yuan smiled but didn’t speak, while Bai Qi put down his teacup and said leisurely.

“Have you ever heard of the divination performed by Tianji Pavilion that predicted the coming of great prosperity for the land of Dazhen?”

Du Changsheng honestly shook his head.

“I have never heard of it; I don’t even know what Tianji Pavilion is.”

“Haha, this matter is no longer a secret among those who walk the divine path in Dazhen. As for Tianji Pavilion, it is a celestial abode renowned for its ability to peer into the secrets of heaven, located in an outdoor cavern holy land.”

Du Changsheng could only nod; it sounded incredibly impressive.

However, after this explanation, Du Changsheng had nothing more to say. He couldn’t get a word in edgewise with two experts around. Fortunately, Ji Yuan was considerate enough to allow some questions about cultivation and gave him a few pointers before sending him back.

This time, River God Bai Qi didn’t need to personally escort Du Changsheng back. Instead, another painted boat appeared nearby at some unknown time, carrying Du Changsheng and his disciple back. The boatman was naturally a transformed aquatic creature.

After Du Changsheng left, Bai Qi finally couldn’t help but blurt something out.

“That old fox!”

“Haha, only a cunning old fox like him can get by in the court and in this country. Who else would be willing to gamble their own cultivation on the fate of an entire dynasty?”

Upon seeing Du Changsheng, Ji Yuan recalled the fleet of ships he had encountered at sea before. That fleet was being guided by the national advisor of their respective country to search for Xianxia Island.

T/n: Basically, the man is an opportunistic leech

T/n: LOL. JY, who I believe is around 30-40 at the moment with all the time skips: why are you telling me I’m old???

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