Chapter 158 The Way of the Celestial Masters

Having attained the Xuanguang Realm, this tiger-lord hesitated no longer; it rose from the stone platform and uprooted a jade-blue herb growing beside it.

Then, it swallowed it whole. In no time at all, its body underwent a strange transformation.

Its originally sleek black and white fur became even smoother, and its massive body began to slowly shrink.

Its eyes, which had been as wide as copper bells, saw their vertical pupils begin to gradually round out.

Soon, its appearance changed drastically; its entire body transformed into a human form, though it was somewhat short, resembling a child of six or seven years old.

It wore two cute buns on its head and was dressed in a black and white robe; with thick eyebrows and large eyes, it was quite handsome.

If one looked closely, one would discover that this appearance was actually three parts similar to Jiang Chen.

It, or rather, he.

He walked out of the Immortal Cave, and although he now looked like a young boy, he walked with the stride of a dragon and a tiger.

The small animals outside opened their eyes wide, watching the young child walk out of their mountain king's Immortal Cave; their limited intelligence caused their brains to momentarily freeze.

...

In the East Jiangnan Circuit, Rao Prefecture, lies a land of spiritual beauty with layers of green mountains; amidst the towering peaks, atop the highest mountain.

Stands a magnificent and imposing complex of palaces, arranged in an orderly fashion.

This is the ancestral home of Taoism, the location of the Way of the Celestial Masters on Mount Longhu.

At this moment, when Zhang Huaiyi and Zhang Gaoxian were being supported and brought to the mountain gate by a few Imperial Agents.

The Disciple guarding the gate stared blankly, "J-Junior Martial Uncle? Senior Brother?"

The Disciple stood stunned for two breaths before turning and running toward the main hall in front.

"It's bad! Senior Brother and Junior Martial Uncle are back! It's bad, it's bad, Senior Brother and Junior Martial Uncle are back!"

"What are you shouting about? What's bad about them coming back?"

At this moment, a middle-aged Taoist walked out and scolded the Disciple.

The Disciple paused for a moment to compose himself before saying in one breath: "Senior Brother and Junior Martial Uncle are back, but they were carried back by others!"

"Carried back, just... what?"

That Taoist was Zhang Huaiyi's Senior Brother, and also the fifth Disciple of the Way of the Celestial Masters' sect leader Zhang Ciyu, Zhang Xuanhua.

"Sixth Brother!"

Zhang Xuanhua had no time to say anything else and hurriedly ran toward the mountain gate.

Soon, he saw Zhang Huaiyi at the mountain gate, who could barely walk, being supported by others, with half-white hair and a face full of weariness.

"Sixth Brother! What happened to you? Who did this!"

Zhang Xuanhua saw at a glance that Zhang Huaiyi had lost all his cultivation, and even his Dharma Seal had been destroyed.

Zhang Gaoxian's situation was no better than Zhang Huaiyi's; he had also lost all his cultivation, and his Dharma Seal was destroyed.

"Could it be you!" Zhang Xuanhua's gaze shot toward the two Imperial Agents like sharp arrows, and as he opened his large hand, True Qi condensed within it.

The two Imperial Agents had not yet reacted when they felt the scent of death rushing toward them; their expressions changed drastically in an instant.

"Senior Brother!"

At the critical moment, Zhang Huaiyi suddenly called out to stop him, causing Zhang Xuanhua to pause.

He continued, "It has nothing to do with these two; they are the ones who brought Gaoxian and me back."

Zhang Huaiyi gave a bitter smile, waved his hand, and sat down on the bluestone steps.

"In the past, Revered Master often spoke of clarifying one's heart and acting with non-action. I failed to understand the principle, but now that my cultivation is destroyed, I finally understand Revered Master's state of mind. It is just a pity, too late, too late!"

Zhang Huaiyi did not directly answer Zhang Xuanhua's question; the meaning was clear: he did not intend to pursue the opponent any further.

But others did not think so.

As soon as Zhang Gaoxian saw Zhang Xuanhua, he burst into tears and wailed:

"Junior Martial Uncle, you must uphold justice for your nephew! That Jiang Chen is too bullying; relying on his cultivation, he doesn't put the Way of the Celestial Masters in his eyes, which is one thing, but he even dared to speak rudely and destroyed both my and Sixth Junior Martial Uncle's cultivation. You must uphold justice for us!"

Zhang Xuanhua's expression was agitated, his gaze sorrowful: "Who is this Jiang Chen? To act so viciously and ruthlessly, not regarding the Way of the Celestial Masters? I will definitely grind his bones to dust!"

The Imperial Agent who led the way said respectfully: "Daoist Priest Zhang, Daoist Priest Jiang Chen is the newly accepted young Disciple of the Maoshan Sect's Grand Master Sima Chengzhen. This time, he represented Maoshan in traveling to Chang'an to attend His Majesty's Mid-Autumn Feast, and later went to the Henan Circuit to pray for rain, where he came into conflict with the two Daoist priests, thus causing this tragedy."

"His Majesty once said that he truly did not wish to see the two Daoist priests in such a situation. The Maoshan Disciple is arrogant, but since this is an internal matter of the Daoist sect, he really cannot interfere. He specifically ordered us to ensure the two Daoist priests were returned safe and sound."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Huaiyi cast a meaningful look at the two Imperial Agents.

And Zhang Xuanhua's originally furious mood instantly cooled down, as if a basin of cold water had been poured over him.

"Since you have traveled from afar, why not have a simple meal here before you leave?"

"Many thanks for your kindness, Daoist Priest, but that is unnecessary. We are in a hurry to return to the capital to report to His Majesty. Since the people have been delivered, we shall take our leave. Farewell."

After speaking, the two Imperial Agents cupped their hands and turned to leave.

Zhang Xuanhua did not stop them and waited for the two Imperial Agents to leave.

Only then did he help Zhang Huaiyi up from the ground.

"Sixth Brother, rest assured, no matter if it was Jiang Chen or someone else who hurt you, the Way of the Celestial Masters will never swallow this insult just like that! Let's go, we are going to see Revered Master."

"Senior Brother, I have already let it go. In that situation at the time, I can only blame my inferior skills."

As they spoke, the two walked further and further away, leaving Zhang Gaoxian alone, leaning against the stone steps, dumbfounded.

"Junior Martial Uncle, what about me? Don't forget me!"

...

The two walked slowly; at this moment, many direct Disciples of the Way of the Celestial Masters were in seclusion, cultivating.

Before long, the two arrived outside the Hall of the Celestial Revered Masters.

The doors of the Hall of the Celestial Revered Masters were tightly closed. As soon as they reached the entrance, they both bowed down in unison.

"Disciple Zhang Xuanhua."

"Disciple Zhang Huaiyi."

"Paying respects to Revered Master."

Before Zhang Xuanhua could explain their purpose, an old voice came from inside the Hall of the Celestial Revered Masters.

"I already know about the matter. Return for now. In these next few days, help Huaiyi sort out his meridians. I will open the altar and bestow the Dharma Seal upon him another day."

"But Revered Master, that villain who hurt Junior Brother..."

"Do not worry; I have already planned for this. Let your Senior Brother handle this matter first."

But Zhang Xuanhua was still a bit worried and said, "Revered Master, what if that Maoshan Immortal Master is dissatisfied? I am afraid that..."

"When I come out of seclusion, there will naturally be an explanation."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xuanhua was first stunned, and then a heart full of joy and disbelief surged within him.

The meaning in these words could not be more obvious.

"Revered Master, you, you are about to reach the Primordial Spirit Realm?!"

"A miss is as good as a mile; it is not yet complete, so I dare not say too much. You may go now."

Zhang Huaiyi was also overjoyed, but the words he wanted to say were blocked by the few words from his Senior Brother and Revered Master. He hesitated for a long time, finally sighed inwardly, and left with his Senior Brother.