Chapter 3, A Fortuitous Reunion with an Old Friend

The Tai Su Cloud Boat approached the Meteor Star Temple, and a young cultivator dressed in a plain white Daoist robe floated up on the wind, cupping his hands in greeting and asking: "Is it the esteemed elder of the Tai Su Sect who has arrived? This junior, Guan Song, pays his respects."

At noon today, the group from the Upper Xuanzong has already arrived at the Meteorite Daoist Temple. This is quite a situation, as the two sects immediately clashed with palpable tension, their conversations laced with veiled insults and barbed remarks. While the higher-ups of both sects have yet to show any overt reactions, the disciples below are already itching for a fight, nearly coming to blows. Now, both groups have headed towards the duel platform, determined to settle the score.

It seems that the Meteorite Dojo has actually invited a master of the realm of refining methods, who embodies the unity of purity and turbidity, to serve as the welcoming host. It is unclear whether this is intended to showcase strength or if it is simply a display of great pomp.

Xu Zhuang did not feel it was impolite; rather, he was somewhat surprised that this favored daughter of heaven had indeed progressed so smoothly to the stage of high-grade Golden Core under the protection of the sect since childhood

Once again, several individuals felt that the remarks were reasonable, and immediately a lively discussion ensued among the crowd

Ah! I saw my senior brother and, in a moment of excitement, forgot to introduce her. Lin Ling said, "This is the true disciple of our sect, and also my cousin, Lin Shanchang."

Lin Ling's features are exquisite, with lively eyes and dressed in a long blue gown, barefoot, her feet surrounded by intertwining azure and white light, clearly reflecting her vivacious and active nature. Beside her is a young girl, not much older, whose appearance bears some resemblance to Lin Ling, yet she exudes a more elegant and refined beauty, with teeth like a gourd's horn and eyes resembling morning stars, radiating a gentle and pure light, embodying a sense of returning to simplicity.

Tai Su Xu Zhuang! At this moment, Guan Song was secretly astonished; this name was not known within the Tai Xuan Sect regarding the true disciples of Tai Su. This implies that the person before him was at least a newly appointed true disciple of Tai Su in recent years

Several disciples echoed as if this were the case

Upon seeing Xu Zhuang, Lin Ling exclaimed, "Senior Brother Xu, it truly is you! As soon as I arrived here, I heard about the true disciple representing the Tai Su Sect named Xu Zhuang. I was worried that we might share the same name!" She then smiled brightly and continued, "Although we were acquainted in the past, I always felt that Senior Brother Xu was extraordinary. I did not expect that upon our reunion, Senior Brother Xu has already achieved a high-grade Golden Elixir. I congratulate you, Senior Brother."

Among the three sects and six schools, the Yuxiao Sect and the Taisu Sect have always maintained a good relationship, with disciples from both sides frequently interacting and often addressing each other as brothers. In the past, Xu Zhuang traveled through the Divine Continent and got along very well with several disciples of the Yuxiao Sect, one of whom was Lin Ling.

Refining the two energies of purity and turbidity, the unification of the two energies is an important step after establishing a foundation in cultivation, and it serves as a threshold that distinguishes practitioners of the Way from those who study the scriptures. Similarly, among cultivators who have successfully refined their magical powers, there exists a significant disparity. In the Tai Su Sect, disciples who have cultivated formidable magical powers and established a solid foundation are qualified to be considered as candidates for the Golden Elixir, preparing for true transmission and cultivation.

"Senior Xu, you have been resting in this courtyard for the past few days. I still have the task of receiving guests, so I will take my leave now." Upon arriving at the location, Guan Song did not linger and promptly took his leave.

"There are such things as well." Xu Zhuang couldn't help but chuckle; this Junior Sister Lin truly still possessed that innocent and lively disposition. She even wanted to bring Lin Shanchang along with her to watch the commotion. However, Xu Zhuang was not a rigid person and did not mind accompanying her to see this farce

Upon hearing the name Lin Shanshang, Lin Ling immediately recalled this name that had gained fame across the divine land several years ago. She was reputed to be the pride of the Yuxiao Sect in this generation, rumored to have attained the upper-grade Golden Elixir in just thirty years of cultivation, ranking among the true disciples.

Another disciple shook his head disdainfully and said: "What do you understand? The Yunmeng Marsh spans tens of thousands of miles, rich in spiritual essence and abundant in resources. It is unknown how many people it has nurtured, how many seeds of cultivation it has produced, and how many talented individuals and precious treasures it has yielded, along with the resources for cultivation. Even the spiritual beasts that cultivate within the Yunmeng Marsh, it is impossible to count how many have reached a significant level. This true foundation cannot be compared to a mere small meteorite dojo and its library."

Oh? I wonder what the commotion is about? Xu Zhuang felt a stir in his heart. The Tai Xuan Sect does not restrict visitors from engaging in activities at the Falling Star Temple. By the afternoon, many disciples had already gone out in groups of three or two and have yet to return. Could this be related to the matter at hand?

Along the way, Guan Song engaged in lively conversation with Xu Zhuang, creating a rather harmonious atmosphere, clearly indicating that he was a person of considerable charm and social grace. The group soon arrived at the Meteorite Sanctuary, where they quickly flew to a vast and misty lake, beside which several exquisite small courtyards had already been constructed.

Guan Song felt a heavy heart; although the Tai Xuan Sect had just been established for ten years, the disciples within the sect had already followed the Grandmaster Tai Xuan in their cultivation for a long time

Xu Zhuang cast aside some distracting thoughts and reached out to invite the two to sit in the courtyard, but Lin Ling waved her hand and said, "Hey! We won't go in to sit down. We came to disturb you for two reasons: first, I wanted to see if it is really you, Brother Xu, who is here; second, we are on our way to check out a lively event, and I wonder if you might be interested, Brother Xu."

The practitioner of cultivation, tranquility, refining energy, establishing the foundation, and refining the method

Lin Ling quietly conveyed to him: "Senior Brother Xu, please do not take offense. This is my sister's first time leaving the sect, and she has always been this way with strangers."

Currently, the Grand Master Tai Xuan is establishing a dojo in the Xuan Huang Realm, officially setting up the lineage of the Dao. All of us, the brothers and sisters of this generation, are united in our efforts, each aiming for the attainment of the Superior Grade Golden Elixir, striving to promote and expand the Tai Xuan Sect. As of now, there are only two individuals within the sect who have achieved the Superior Grade Golden Elixir.

As dusk approaches, the evening clouds resemble rouge, adorning the horizon with a patch of purple and red.

I see that your cultivation has improved quite a bit, Junior Sister," Xu Zhuang said with a smile, then inquired about another quiet young lady, "May I ask who this young lady is?

Hmm? Xu Zhuang displayed a faint smile on his face, stood up, and greeted the escaping light with a loud voice: "Xu Zhuang is here, Junior Sister Lin, it has been a long time since we last met"

Although his thoughts were racing, Guan Song maintained a calm demeanor and smiled, saying: "I have often heard of the talents of the disciples of the Tai Su sect, and seeing them today, I realize that it is truly not an exaggeration. Senior Xu, please allow Yun Zhou to accompany me to my place of lodging."

Alright, you may cease your quarrels here; each of you should take some time to rest.

The disciples were excitedly surveying their temporary residence, and Li Changfeng took a deep breath of the misty air, exclaiming: "The spiritual energy here is no less than that of the spiritual islands in Yunmengze. To cultivate in this meteorite dojo, could it not truly rival the major spiritual caverns of the Divine Continent?"

As for the Tai Su Sect, renowned far and wide, it has six true disciples! Now, with the addition of one more, it truly lives up to its reputation as a great Daoist sect that has been imparting teachings for ten thousand years in the Xuanhuang Great World, with a profound and enduring legacy.

Without further ado, the three of them activated their escape light and headed towards the duel platform of the Meteor Star Temple

Senior Brother Xu should know the origins of the Tai Xuan Sect, right? Lin Ling said with a smile, "This time, the Tai Xuan Sect is holding the Golden Elixir Grand Ceremony, inviting the six sects of the Sanhe Tushu Sect and various practitioners to attend the ceremony. They even sent an invitation to the Shang Xuan Sect, but no one knows what the Shang Xuan Sect is thinking, as they actually came to fulfill this appointment.

It is rumored that among the three sects and six schools of the Divine Continent, the Tai Su Sect has the most stringent requirements for its true disciples, insisting that only those who achieve a top-grade Golden Elixir and have the potential for the Primordial Spirit can occupy this position

Xu Zhuang did not presume too much; he took a half step forward, clasped his hands in salute, and said: "I am Xu Zhuang, a true disciple of Tai Su. Esteemed Daoist friend, I greet you."

Reflecting on my travels across the world, having experienced numerous storms and faced life-and-death situations, it took me a full sixty years to finally achieve the Golden Elixir. This can already be considered an astonishing speed, yet in comparison to Lin Shanchang, I seem rather ordinary.

"So it is Lin Daoyou." Xu Zhuangchao cupped his hands in greeting, while Lin Shanshang simply smiled at him quietly

... ...

Xu Zhuang gestured for the strongman to drive the cloud boat, while saying: "Official Daoist friend, please."

Xu Zhuang merely smiled without speaking, fully aware of the impact that the magnificent celestial phenomenon of the Falling Star Temple had on them. It must have caused quite a shock to their hearts, likely leaving them both shaken and touching upon the longstanding pride of the Tai Su disciples, which is why they displayed such a childish demeanor

Xu Zhuang was meditating by the lake, contemplating the art of Taoism, when suddenly his expression changed. Two streaks of light entered his perception, flying into the area of Yanbo Lake. A voice, like the sound of silver bells, rang out: "Is Taoist Xu of the Tai Su Sect present? Lin Ling from the Yu Xiao Sect has come to pay a visit"