Chapter 382: Talking with Lao Gu Tao
"Yes, I was referring to your aura. I’ve encountered numerous cultivators with their own unique auras, but yours stands apart. The aura you emit is exceptionally... otherworldly. It’s as if you exist in perfect harmony with nature, appearing indifferent to everything around you. Yet, there’s also an undercurrent of aggression, as if you’re poised to act swiftly and decisively at any given moment."
"If I didn’t know any better, I might have thought you possessed two distinct auras. Nevertheless, I can discern that it’s actually a singular unique aura, encompassing a fusion of various elements. I’ve never encountered or witnessed such an aura before." Lao Gu Tao continued to express his observations regarding Tang Yin’s aura, seemingly unaware of how much he was rambling on.
Tang Yin remained in place, wearing a pensive expression on his face. Despite Lao Gu Tao’s excessive chatter, Tang Yin was actively absorbing every word and deep in contemplation.
Tang Yin was aware of his distinct aura, but he lacked a comprehensive understanding of its origins and attributes. Lao Gu Tao’s insights provided Tang Yin with a better grasp of his unique aura, leading to a deeper understanding of himself, as his unique aura essentially mirrored his personality.
To his knowledge, his unique aura had essentially developed naturally over time. The more he engaged in combat, the more his power grew, and the more life experiences he accumulated, the more his aura seemed to evolve and refine itself.
"Your generosity is greatly appreciated, Fellow Cultivator Lao." Tang Yin replied with a sincere expression.
Lao Gu Tao immediately grasped that he had assisted Tang Yin in gaining a deeper understanding of his distinct aura.
"Haha! Cultivator Ma, you’re taking this too seriously. I would like to extend a formal invitation for you to join me at my palace for a cup of tea." Lao Gu Tao seized the opportunity and promptly invited Tang Yin to his residence.
Tang Yin found himself rather enticed by the situation. It was apparent that Lao Gu Tao had orchestrated this sequence of events deliberately. First, he piqued Tang Yin’s curiosity about his unique aura, and then he offered valuable insights about it, further fuelling Tang Yin’s intrigue. Finally, he extended an invitation to his palace, seemingly to discuss Tang Yin’s unique aura in more detail.
While Tang Yin was certainly tempted to accept Lao Gu Tao’s invitation, given his curiosity about his unique aura, he couldn’t overlook the fact that he was being pursued by a Law Domain Realm cultivator, if not more.
"I must apologize to Fellow Cultivator Lao, but I cannot accept your invitation." Tang Yin replied with a sense of regret.
For the time being, he decided to adhere to his initial plan. After all, there were numerous cultivators with keen insights. It was highly probable that he would encounter someone else who could offer him further insights into his unique aura.
However, his first priority was to safeguard his life in the present moment. To entertain hopes of learning more about his unique aura, he needed to ensure his survival. Once he grew stronger, he wouldn’t need to flee from a Law Domain Realm cultivator unless he found himself unexpectedly ambushed by a group of such formidable individuals.
In fact, given enough time, he could consider revisiting Lao Gu Tao to delve deeper into the understanding of his unique aura. Nevertheless, at the moment, gaining further insights into his unique aura was far from being his top priority.
"Is that the case? Well, should Fellow Cultivator Ma ever wish to pay a visit to this old man, the doors of my palace shall always remain open to you." Lao Gu Tao responded warmly. "However, I am obligated to abide by the regulations of the Crystalline Rain Region and conduct a brief inquiry. I trust Fellow Cultivator Ma understands."
"Of course, I have no objections." Tang Yin replied succinctly. With Lao Gu Tao’s invitation declined, he aimed to accelerate his entry into the Crystalline Rain Region as his pursuers were probably not far behind.
"Fellow Cultivator Ma, may I inquire about the organization you are affiliated with?" Lao Gu Tao posed his first question, he already had Tang Yin’s name and thus didn’t need to ask that question again.
"I am unaffiliated." Tang Yin replied briefly once more.
"Unaffiliated!?" Lao Gu Tao exclaimed in surprise and disbelief.
The majority of cultivators typically reached the Principle Step with the support and resources provided by an organization. Consequently, almost all Principle Step cultivators were usually affiliated with an organization.
Unaffiliated cultivators were abundant throughout the expansive Bright Yang Continent, but the vast majority of them remained at the Mortal Step and were relatively weak. Principle Step cultivators who were unaffiliated constituted only a small handful.
It was widely recognized that achieving Principle Step cultivation without the support and assistance of an organization was nearly impossible. Those who did manage to achieve this remarkable feat were either individuals who had encountered exceptional strokes of luck or had been cast out of their organizations after attaining the Principle Step.
Furthermore, even these formidable unaffiliated cultivators would often receive enticing offers from various organizations, beckoning them to join their ranks. Consequently, the number of potent unaffiliated cultivators in the Bright Yang Continent dwindled even further.
Encountering an unaffiliated Principle Step cultivator in the Bright Yang Continent was as uncommon as finding a phoenix’s feather. This was the cause of Lao Gu Tao’s unparalleled shock and disbelief.
Remaining unaffiliated also meant living in constant vigilance, always watching over one’s shoulder. After all, unaffiliated cultivators were vulnerable to ambushes, and their deaths often went unnoticed because they lacked the protection of an organization that could seek retribution on their behalf or serve as a deterrent to potential attackers.
Hence, unaffiliated cultivators faced only two possible outcomes. First, they might be enticed by sufficiently appealing benefits to join an organization. Second, they could meet their end due to very likely unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances.
"Are you seeking permanent residency in the Crystalline Rain Region, or is it temporary?" Lao Gu Tao didn’t rush into inviting Tang Yin to join the Divine Emperor Kingdom. He recognized that since Tang Yin had readily resisted his enticements and declined the invitation to his palace, he would likely also refuse an offer to join the Divine Emperor Kingdom.
"Just temporarily. I intend to remain for a few decades." Tang Yin responded. He was aware of Lao Gu Tao’s thoughts, especially considering the shock the old man had displayed upon learning of his unaffiliated status. However, Tang Yin chose to feign ignorance to afford the old man some face.
"Very well. I trust that Fellow Cultivator Ma understands the Crystalline Rain Region’s distinctive status as a Region under the jurisdiction of the Divine Emperor Kingdom. It’s crucial that we maintain order and prevent any disturbances." Lao Gu Tao remarked seemingly out of the blue.
Tang Yin understood that Lao Gu Tao’s words were essentially a warning, signalling that he would be subjected to a degree of scrutiny and surveillance while in the Crystalline Rain Region.
Of course, this warning implied that Tang Yin’s activities and abrupt actions would be closely monitored. However, if he were to enter seclusion or engage in similar practices, the surveillance wouldn’t extend that far.
After all, no cultivator would willingly permit external entities to pry into their techniques, possessions, cultivation progress, and other private matters. If word got out that there was no privacy in Regions under the jurisdiction of the Divine Emperor Kingdom, cultivators might avoid these Regions altogether.
Hence, while the Divine Emperor Kingdom maintained a level of surveillance over all cultivators within their special Regions, like the Crystalline Rain Region, they were careful not to overstep boundaries and infringe upon individuals’ privacy entirely.
"Don’t worry, Fellow Cultivator Lao. I understand." Tang Yin replied with a nod, acknowledging his understanding of the situation.
Tang Yin remained unperturbed by the surveillance. His plan was straightforward. He would enter seclusion, and once he had distanced himself from the watchful eyes of the Divine Emperor Kingdom, he would make his way into the Abyss Firmament.
"Fellow Cultivator Ma, please accept this token. It will serve as verification of your access to the Crystalline Rain Region. Once the token’s light dims, it signifies that your access has expired. You can return to me for a renewal or depart the Crystalline Rain Region, as you see fit." Lao Gu Tao explained. As he spoke, a vivid green light shimmered before condensing into a green token before Tang Yin. The latter promptly reached out his hand and grasped the green token.
The bright green token bore a distinctive insignia, which served as a clear representation of the Divine Emperor Kingdom. The insignia portrayed a crown, its regal contours glistening beneath a radiant, holy light that seemed to wash over its surface. This emblem served as an unmistakable symbol and a subtle reminder of the authority and influence of the Divine Emperor Kingdom within the Crystalline Rain Region.
