Chapter 1339: Chapter 56: Spirit Born from Stone Faces Tribulation, Eagle Wings Ferry Travelers Across the Pass (Part 2)
Upon closer inspection, he discovered that there were streaks of Spirit Light emanating from the stone. Zhang Yan noticed something unusual and floated towards that spot. After landing, he examined it carefully and smiled at the few people who had landed behind him, saying, "Have the three fellow Daoists noticed anything?"
Song Chuyuan’s eyes emitted a ray of brilliance. After a while, he declared, "This stone is transformed from ancient wood over millions of years and contains a stone core within. In just over ten years, it can break out of its shell, and if luck favors it, it can transform by absorbing the local human aura."
The Limping Daoist shook his head and said, "Wood transformed into stone spirits is rare in this world. It may seem like less than ten years, but I dare say it won’t emerge from its shell without encountering disaster!"
As soon as his voice dropped, the stone seemed to move twice, emitting a whimpering sound, with water stains akin to wet tears flowing out from the stone’s crevices.
The group showed no surprise, realizing that the spirit within the stone was affected by the words, lamenting its own misfortune.
Zhao Yang couldn’t help but speak, "Sect Leader, as we’re passing through this place, isn’t it fate? Why not assist it?"
Zhang Yan pondered for a moment, then took out a Transformation Elixir, flicked it into Zhao Yang’s hand, and smiled, saying, "This elixir can help it transform, but if you help it, you must shoulder its future karma."
Zhao Yang was indifferent and casually turned the elixir into a wisp of Clear Qi, using his mana to infuse it into the stone.
Zhang Boyant remained silent, allowing his disciple to proceed.
After a moment, the large stone suddenly began to tremble, then cracks appeared on its surface, and a ray of brilliance burst forth. A white-clad girl with almond eyes and delicate features stepped out, gracefully bowing to Zhao Yang, timidly saying, "I am Qiao Ying, grateful for the Immortal Master’s transformation. I wish to serve and repay this kindness."
Zhao Yang gave her a once-over with a smile, "My master happens to need someone to serve him; you shall be the one."
Zhang Boyant snorted, saying coldly, "As a teacher, I need no attendants."
Zhao Yang smiled, "Since Master won’t take you in, you’ll have to follow me, the disciple instead."
The white-clad girl fearfully said, "I dare not."
She glanced at Zhang Boyant with some apprehension, lowered her head, and stood behind Zhao Yang compliant.
At that moment, a farmer carrying a load passed by. Seeing the group gathered around the stone, he hesitated for a moment, then cautiously approached and said, "Are the Immortal Masters interested in this stone?"
Zhao Yang glanced at him, "What if we are? What if we aren’t?"
The farmer drew back his neck and hesitatingly said, "It’s nothing, really. It’s just that the stone steps at the Dao Palace on the mountain need repair, and I remembered there was this unclaimed stone at the village entrance... I was thinking of taking it."
The white-clad girl raised her sleeve to cover her lips, letting out a low gasp.
If Zhang Yan and the group had been a step later, she would have encountered disaster. But even though she had shed her shell, she couldn’t easily abandon the stone, her former abode.
Zhao Yang understood the underlying principle and having intervened, decided to be benevolent to the end, waving his hand and saying, "I’ve taken a liking to this stone; find another one."
The farmer dared not argue, quickly saying, "Since the Immortal Masters favor it, take it away, take it away."
He cautiously eyed the group, flattering them, "Would the Immortal Masters like to stop by the village for some tea? The water comes from the Dao Palace’s well and is only reserved for visiting Immortal Masters; villagers dare not drink it frivolously."
Zhao Yang laughed heartily, "Who are you trying to fool? Village kids are urinating and throwing stones, how would we know?"
The farmer turned pale with shock, hastily kneeling down, looking distressed, "Sir, do not be fooled. There’s a caretaker for the well, and what I say is true, never daring to deceive."
Zhao Yang was merely speaking offhandedly, seeing the farmer’s body trembling, realized he couldn’t withstand the fright, and refrained from teasing him further, "No need for tea or water, just call the steward from the Dao Palace."
The farmer quickly rose, almost as if fleeing, hurriedly going off.
About a quarter-hour later, a Xuan Guang descended from the mountain, bringing a middle-aged Daoist. This person’s Daoist robe was splendid, hair and beard carefully groomed, pitch-black as if dyed, not a strand out of place. Upon seeing the group’s bearing, similar to the elders of their sect, especially the young Daoist among them, whose aura was deep as the sea, he realized they were not ordinary figures. He hurried forward a few steps, respectfully saying, "This humble servant Liu Xian of Dan Mountain Daoist Palace, may I ask where you esteemed Daoists hail from and what your instructions are?"
Zhao Yang stepped forward and replied, "My companions and I are to attend the Dragon Pillar Meeting and, passing through here, came to request a pass."
The Daoist Palaces of Chu Kingdom are established under Zhongtai, so this Taoist, being a disciple within this sect, made no secret of his intentions.
The Daoist, upon hearing this, grew even more respectful, "Ah, so you True Masters are attending the Dragon Pillar Ceremony. Our humble Daoist Palace has several well-trained spirit birds to provide escort to Da Yang City without the need for a pass, but such maintenance costs are quite high..."
Zhang Yan smiled lightly, waved his sleeve, tossing over a Jade Bottle. The Daoist skillfully caught it, opened the stopper for a sniff, and couldn’t help but rejoice. He carefully stowed it in his robe before pulling out a bamboo whistle, blowing it several times. Soon, five black-winged big eagles appeared in the distant sky, circled above, and landed, lining up before the group.
These large eagles stood taller than a person, their plumes like ink, hooked beaks like hooks, imposing and extraordinarily grand.
Zhao Yang liked what he saw, stepped forward, grabbing a neck, and the big eagle did not resist, meekly lowering its head. He leapt up, straddling it to sit.
Zhang Yan glanced at the eagle twice then suddenly smiled, reaching out to tap it, transforming the big eagle into a wooden token that flew into his sleeve.
The Daoist seeing this was taken aback.
Zhang Boyant, Song Chuyuan, and the Limping Daoist each cast spells with a finger, and their respective eagles transformed into wooden tokens in hand.
Zhao Yang was surprised, "Sect Leader, Master, what’s this?"
Zhang Yan smiled, "It’s merely a small technique to drive the essence. This wooden token is the pass; Zhao Yang, since your Daoist cultivation is lacking, it’s best to ride the eagle."
With that, a radiant brilliance enveloped his body, lifting him skyward in an instant, slicing through the air. Behind him, the three Nascent Soul cultivators each released tunneling light, following suit.
...
...(To be continued. If you liked this work, feel free to cast recommendation or monthly votes on Qidian (qidian.com). Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com for reading.)
