553: Chapter 553 Countermeasures

Hearing this voice, the tense string in Mysterious Clarity Master's heart loosened slightly, but his expression remained solemn. He bowed slightly, his tone carrying immense respect and reverence as he spoke softly:

"Master."

Clearing his somewhat dry throat, he suppressed the apprehension in his heart and directly stated the contents of the secret message:

"A top-secret edict has come from the Heavenly Dragon Dynasty. The Seal on the Ascension Realm passage is loosening and will fully open within three to five months. The Imperial Dynasty has ordered all State Preceptors of subordinate kingdoms to immediately rush to the Imperial Capital for a meeting to verify the list of Ascension Cultivators; there must be no error. At that time... Master's Soul Transformation Cultivation will likely no longer be hidden. The Qintian Division will surely investigate to the end."

On the other end of the sound transmission talisman, there was an instant, brief silence, as if even the air had stagnated at this moment, with no sound coming through.

Mysterious Clarity Master held the sound transmission talisman, his heart lifting in suspense.

After a moment, Situ Jun's voice rang out again, still calm and ripple-less, as if he were discussing today's weather with ease, without a hint of worry:

"Concealment is useless; we shall simply make it public. Now that the Ascension Realm passage is about to open and the pulling force of the Heavenly Dao is growing stronger by the day, continued deliberate concealment is meaningless. Even if I were to intentionally underreport now, on the day the passage opens, the power of the Heavenly Dao will descend upon me, and my Cultivation Realm will still be exposed to the world without reservation. Rather than being passively exposed and becoming a target for the Heavenly Dragon Dynasty's criticism—consequently implicating you and the Tianqi Dynasty—it is better to take the initiative and go public."

Mysterious Clarity Master was stunned, having never expected Situ Jun to be so indifferent. He immediately spoke urgently, his tone full of anxiety:

"Master, the Heavenly Dragon Dynasty has always been strict. If they use this to hold Tianqi accountable, blaming this old Taoist for poor supervision, how should I respond? Moreover, Tianqi's national strength is weak; it simply cannot withstand the Imperial Dynasty's punishment!"

From the sound transmission talisman came Situ Jun's low hum of contemplation, as if he were thinking for a moment. Before long, he spoke again with a firm tone:

"Before the Ascension Realm opens, I will head to the Heavenly Dragon Dynasty in advance to resolve this matter personally."

"Master already has a foolproof solution?"

Mysterious Clarity Master was stunned again, the sound transmission talisman nearly slipping from his fingers, his eyes filled with unbelievable shock.

"Mhm."

Situ Jun gave a soft hum of affirmation. His voice was steady and powerful, coming through the spiritual light of the sound transmission talisman with a power that could calm one's heart, instantly smoothing over the agitation in Mysterious Clarity Master's soul:

"My Cultivation will be made public sooner or later. Rather than letting you suffer the Imperial Dynasty's punishment or letting the Tianqi Dynasty be suppressed, it is better for me to take the initiative to visit, speak openly with the Qintian Division, and resolve this matter properly. This way, the Imperial Dynasty won't make things difficult for you or the entire Tianqi because of me. Before stepping into the Ascension Realm, I will settle this trouble completely, leaving no loose ends. As for you, continue to preside over Tianqi, guard the northern border, and protect my wife, children, and elders for me."

Complex and difficult-to-describe emotions instantly surged in Mysterious Clarity Master's heart: there was gratitude, admiration, relief, and an even more indescribable sense of bitterness and guilt.

This Master of his usually acted with a powerful and overbearing hand, being decisive in killing, yet he had never mistreated anyone who followed him.

He clearly knew that making his Cultivation public would surely bring trouble upon himself. Facing the difficulties from the Heavenly Dragon Dynasty, even as a Soul Transformation Cultivator, he would be plagued by trouble. Yet he still insisted on going personally to take all the blame on his own shoulders, never considering letting his subordinate take the heat, nor thinking of sacrificing the Tianqi Dynasty.

This sense of responsibility and sentiment was something that he, Mysterious Clarity Master, could not match even a fraction of in his entire life.

"Master is profoundly righteous and cares for Tianqi. This old Taoist... this old Taoist is ashamed; I have failed your trust."

Mysterious Clarity Master's voice grew heavy, carrying an unmistakable wave of emotion. His Dao Heart, stable for a thousand years, actually rippled at this moment, and his eyes grew slightly warm.

"There is no need for that."

Situ Jun spoke plainly, his tone peaceful:

"By presiding over Tianqi for me, guarding the northern border, and protecting these ten thousand miles of territory and state, you give me the greatest return. As for other trivial matters and troubles, just leave them to me to handle."

Pausing for a moment, his tone deepened as he instructed again:

"This matter is settled then. Pack your belongings immediately and set off for the Heavenly Dragon Dynasty for the meeting. If you encounter any difficulties in the Imperial Capital, send word to me at any time; do not try to shoulder it alone."

"Yes, this old Taoist obeys! I will certainly fulfill the mission!"

Mysterious Clarity Master responded solemnly, his heart filled with a mixture of feelings, yet incredibly firm.

As his voice fell, the faint blue light of the sound transmission talisman slowly dimmed, finally returning to total silence.

Holding the still-warm talisman, Mysterious Clarity Master remained sitting cross-legged on the cushion. He sat quietly for a long, long time before the ripples in his heart gradually settled.

At this time, outside the Forbidden Ground, the spring scenery was at its peak.

Warm sunlight spilled down. Outside the palace, flowers were in full bloom, their brilliant purples and reds opening passionately. Weeping willows stood tall, their soft branches swaying gently with the wind, filling the eyes with lush greenery.

In the distance, the Spiritual Lake shimmered. Spiritual Qi surged across the water's surface, which was clear to the bottom. A few egrets stretched their pure white wings, gracefully skimming over the water, their long legs lightly tapping the surface and stirring up circles of fine ripples that slowly spread, breaking the lake's tranquility.

Mysterious Clarity Master slowly stood up, raising his hand to lightly smooth the creases on his Daoist robe, his gaze becoming firm and steady once more.

There was no time to lose. He had one more vital task that he had to do immediately—meet with the Ruler Li Xuan, inform him of this matter, and make the necessary arrangements for the court.

...

Mysterious Clarity Master left the quiet room in the back mountain and went straight back to the State Preceptor's Manor.

He specifically changed into a brand-new dark blue Bagua Daoist robe, its hem embroidered with dark gold cloud patterns, looking solemn and grave. He combed his graying hair and beard until they were perfectly neat and meticulous. Then, he took out a whisk with silk as white as snow and an ancient, warm mutton-fat jade pendant that had been passed down for many years, hanging them together at his waist.

A moment later, when he finished tidying up, he looked tall and straight with a lean, refined face. His eyes were bright and piercing, and he was surrounded by Immortal Qi. His temperament was transcendent and extraordinary, looking exactly like a hidden expert who had lived in seclusion for many years with profound Cultivation, showing no trace of his previous worry and gloom.

With everything in order, Mysterious Clarity Master stepped out of the State Preceptor's Manor and walked slowly toward the Palace Discussion Hall through the warm spring sunlight.

Inside the Imperial Palace's Discussion Hall.

The Lord of Tianqi, Li Xuan, was currently discussing state affairs such as spring plowing, agriculture, and border defense with several trusted civil and military officials. On the wide Dragon Desk, memorials were piled as high as a mountain, almost obscuring his vision.

The atmosphere in the hall was solemn, with everyone discussing matters in low voices, a scene of busy activity.

Hearing the shrill yet respectful report of the eunuch outside the hall, learning that State Preceptor Xuan Qingzi requested an audience, Li Xuan's heart stirred. He immediately put down the vermilion brush in his hand and, without bothering to tidy his dragon robe, hurriedly called out an order:

"Quickly, invite the State Preceptor into the hall!"

Mysterious Clarity Master walked with steady steps into the great hall. Arriving before the Dragon Desk, he performed a Taoist bow and spoke peacefully:

"This old Taoist greets the Ruler."

Li Xuan hurriedly stood up, walked quickly down from the Dragon Throne, and personally stepped forward to support his arm. His expression was respectful to the point of humility, without any of a ruler's airs:

"State Preceptor, there is no need for such ceremony. You are a vital pillar of the state; you must not perform such a grand salute. Please, take the seat of honor!"

Having said that, he waved his hand, signaling the several ministers in the hall to temporarily withdraw.

Seeing this, the ministers knew that the State Preceptor's visit must be to discuss top-secret matters. They immediately bowed and withdrew one after another. The attendants in the hall also all left, and soon only the ruler and his minister remained.