Chapter 1357: Chapter 65: Prolonging Life with the Jade Statue and Transferring Fate (Part 2)
Sect Leader Qiao arrived at the spiritual statue, lit an incense stick, inserted it into the furnace, and after a moment, bowed respectfully and said, "True Master, next month the junior will lead the sect to Mianxing Mountain for a decisive battle with Xuanyue. After this battle, it will be determined who is the rightful heir of the Da Mi Ancestor."
The eyes of the statue suddenly came alive, emitting a radiant light, followed by a grand sound from within, "Go forth with peace of mind; as long as I am at the mountain gate, there will be no concern."
Despite the assurance, Sect Leader Qiao’s brow revealed a trace of worry, sensing that although Master Zheng’s words seemed unchanged, his presence felt significantly weaker than before.
This True Master has lived for over three thousand years, and logically, his lifespan should have ended. However, due to lack of successors in the Zhongtai Sect, once he is gone, the sect faces imminent risk of being annexed. Thus, two hundred years ago, the statue was secretly created, connected to the underground spirit vein for nurturing, to delay the inevitable. Yet this act could only postpone fate for two to three hundred years, a mere moment for cultivators.
Sect Leader Qiao bowed respectfully and asked, "Senior Master, may I boldly inquire if you..."
Master Zheng, perceiving the thoughts in his heart, replied, "I can sustain for at least another twenty years. This small realm created by the Ancestor is shielded from outsiders; rest assured."
Sect Leader Qiao’s face remained troubled. He hesitated briefly, then suddenly bowed deeply, saying, "I earnestly implore, can the senior master remain for another hundred years?"
The greatest concern for Zhongtai currently is the absence of any disciple capable of cultivating the Tuan Gang Secret Records to the Nascent Soul Third Realm. The highest cultivation within the sect is held by him and Elder Yan. Although Du Shixun is strong, he practices techniques not native to the sect.
Even if they triumph over Xuanyue, no one can achieve the Cave Heaven Realm in the short term, leaving them unable to resist the southern three sects once Master Zheng departs.
Another uncertain factor is the Python Clan that occupies the North Sea. The Demon Tribe lurks at the door, always ready to strike.
With such internal and external threats, it is only because the situation has become untenable that he reluctantly desires a death match with Xuanyue at this time.
Master Zheng paused momentarily, then a deep sigh was heard, "It’s not that I’m unwilling; extending life by hundreds of years is already challenging. Currently, I can intimidate the three sects with my presence, but the longer this drags on, the more likely flaws will appear. Over two hundred years is the limit; beyond that, it’s futile."
Sect Leader Qiao exclaimed passionately, "But as long as the True Master remains within the sect, who would dare act presumptuously?"
Master Zheng remained silent.
Sect Leader Qiao trembled in voice, saying, "Is there really no way?"
After contemplating something for a while, Master Zheng responded slowly, "There is one method."
Sect Leader Qiao stepped closer eagerly, saying, "Please speak, Senior Master. I shall strive with all my might if I can accomplish it."
Master Zheng replied, "If you can defeat Xuanyue this time, it would indicate heaven has not abandoned our Zhongtai. You could use the sect’s Supreme Treasure, the White Elephant Tripod, to reallocate fortune onto me, thus achieving your wish. However, such actions would be akin to borrowing against the future; unforeseen calamity may befall Zhongtai, so think carefully."
Sect Leader Qiao was momentarily stunned and pondered deeply before lifting his head resolutely, saying, "Without the senior master overseeing the mountain gate, Zhongtai would struggle to stand in East Victory. Thus, the fate of my sect is intertwined with yours, good and bad alike; if this method is truly feasible, the junior is willing to attempt it."
He no longer considers future consequences, focusing only on overcoming the immediate crisis, after which he may contemplate other matters.
Master Zheng’s voice was void of emotion as he stated, "Since you’ve made up your mind, proceed. But remember, if the upcoming duel fails, all efforts will be for naught."
Sect Leader Qiao has exhausted himself preparing for this battle, nearly depleting Zhongtai’s reserves. He said solemnly, "Zhongtai is determined to fight with no retreat, as long as True Master He does not interfere, there is no concern."
Master Zheng replied, "That you need not worry about. He Su is of an age similar to mine, and considering his lifespan, it should also be nearing its end. In recent years, despite observing his atmosphere from Cloud Temple, it remains strong and unyielding. I suspect he also uses life-extending methods, unlikely to fare much better than myself now."
Sect Leader Qiao felt somewhat relieved and was about to leave but recalled something and couldn’t help asking, "Does the Dragon Pillar indeed hold the Daoist Books transcribed by the Da Mi Ancestor?"
This was briefly mentioned by the former sect leader before his passing. However, Sect Leader Qiao is unaware of the specific reasons. Recently, due to conflicts with Xuanyue, both sects faced the same predicament, so he couldn’t yield regardless of whether it existed.
With the battle against Xuanyue imminent, possibly his last visit, he wished to know.
Master Zheng replied, "This is not mere speculation. When the Da Mi Ancestor had yet to attain the Dao, he traveled to the Dragon Pillar specifically, accompanied by two attendant children. One later became Zhongtai’s Golden Bell True Master and the other was Xuanyue Sect’s Master Cheng Kuang."
Sect Leader Qiao nodded repeatedly, saying, "So that is how it is."
He lamented inwardly, regretting that the two sects’ Dragon Pillars had only recently had weakened seals, allowing them opportunities. Previously, despite wishing to investigate, there was no way forward.
Now that he had received confirmation, he set aside his thoughts entirely, focusing solely on the life-and-death struggle against Xuanyue, formally saluting Master Zheng’s statue before turning to depart.
Long after he had left, Bai Xi, lying at the entrance, suddenly spoke, "Zheng Weixing, what you said earlier was clearly nonsense."
Master Zheng spoke calmly, "Without such words, he would lose his morale and be unable to contend against Xuanyue."
Bai Xi sneered, "But if you live an extra hundred years, won’t I have to keep guarding the portal for you for another hundred years?"
Master Zheng then said faintly, "I advise you to wait a while longer; rushing out isn’t a good idea."
Bai Xi asked suspiciously, "Why?"
Master Zheng replied, "Back when I asked someone to use the Stargazing Book to examine your fate, it was calculated that you would serve two masters in your lifetime. Even if I release you, and you encounter your second master, you’d still be someone’s mount, unable to escape the yoke’s constraints, likely finding it less pleasant than here."
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...(To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)
