Chapter 7

As he stood there, staring at the imminent death before his eyes, a familiar scorching sensation reappeared in the critical moment. A blood-colored rune suddenly shot out from his head, colliding head-on with Tang Susu's palm strike.

*Boom!* A deafening sound echoed, and the gale winds scattered the surrounding weeds, uprooting them and sending them flying. Niu Youdao was shaken back, rolling several somersaults before finally stopping at the foot of the hill.

The howling wind gradually subsided, and the flying weeds fell to the ground.

"Transmission Amulet!" Luo Yuangong and Su Po said in unison, exchanging glances, then looking at Tang Susu, who was now standing there in a daze.

Tang Susu's face darkened, and she no longer had the intention to attack.

The Transmission Amulet was a secret technique of the Shangqing Sect, which only inner disciples could cultivate. However, not everyone could master it; only those with considerable expertise in array formations and the like had a chance. Additionally, few people would cultivate this technique because it was of little benefit to oneself. It was purely a technique that consumed one's own cultivation to benefit others, and the process of cultivation itself required a significant amount of cultivation, making it a losing proposition.

Currently, only Dongguo Haoran in the Shangqing Sect knew this technique, even the elders like Luo Yuangong did not. This also indicated that Dongguo Haoran's expertise in array formations was indeed remarkable.

Seeing that Niu Youdao was protected by the Shangqing Sect's 'Transmission Amulet,' it was clear that he was Dongguo Haoran's disciple. If Dongguo Haoran had not been in a clear state of mind, he would not have been able to perform such a complex technique.

Niu Youdao shook his head, which was still dazed from the impact, and slowly got up. He patted his chest to steady his breath, then looked around at the complex expressions of those staring at him. He felt an impulse to lash out, especially to scold Tang Susu harshly.

However, considering the old woman's formidable strength, he knew that any provocation would result in a fatal attack. A wise man does not seek a fight he cannot win, so he had to endure it and find a way to get through this. After some thought, he said nothing, walked back to Dongguo Haoran's body, pulled the tattered curtain back over it, and lifted the stretcher, dragging it away.

What does this mean? Everyone was stunned.

When they realized he was leaving, Su Po stepped forward to block Niu Youdao and asked, "Where are you going?"

Niu Youdao replied, "I'm sorry for the disturbance. I must have come to the wrong place." He then dragged the stretcher around Su Po and continued through the weeds and thorns.

The group sensed a childishness in his actions, understanding that he was still a young boy.

Su Po glanced at Tang Susu, nodded, and gestured for her to apologize.

Tang Susu turned her head away, her expression cold and indifferent, showing no intention of apologizing.

Su Po, feeling helpless, stepped forward again to block Niu Youdao and sighed, "It was a misunderstanding. You haven't come to the wrong place."

"I have. I need to take my master home," Niu Youdao insisted, dragging the stretcher around him again.

His stubbornness evoked a sense of sorrow in the onlookers. Tang Yi, who stood nearby with a heavenly appearance, felt a pang of sympathy but remained silent, knowing that the decision was not hers to make.

Su Po reached out and pressed his hand on Niu Youdao's shoulder, preventing him from moving. He spoke gently, "Yes, this is the Shangqing Sect. Come with us!" He then took the stretcher from Niu Youdao's shoulders.

Niu Youdao, wearing a tattered cotton jacket and shoes with exposed toes, reeked of fish. He had a bamboo tube hanging from his waist and a woodcutter's knife, looking dirty and unkempt. He raised his head to look at the sky, showing no interest in anyone.

Is he unaware of how ugly he looks? Su Po felt a mix of amusement and frustration, waved his hand, and two disciples came forward to grab Niu Youdao's arms.

"What are you doing?" Niu Youdao looked around, shouting in alarm.

The two disciples ignored him and carried him away into the forest.

Su Po then called two more disciples to carry Dongguo Haoran's body away.

After dismissing the other disciples, only the three elders remained. Luo Yuangong then said to Tang Susu, "Sister, you went too far just now."

Tang Susu replied coldly, "This boy is clearly lying and might be a spy sent by someone."

Luo Yuangong countered, "How do you explain the Transmission Amulet?"

Tang Susu argued, "Does his speech sound like that of a villager from the mountains?"

Luo Yuangong replied, "We can investigate that later. You shouldn't have rushed to attack without listening to his explanation. Are you afraid he will become the Shangqing Sect's leader?"

Tang Susu avoided his gaze and said coolly, "Second Master, you're overthinking it. Dongguo Haoran has many disciples. The position of leader would never fall to him."

Luo Yuangong shook his head lightly, "Dongguo led his disciples out, and only a body returned. The situation is likely similar to Tang Mu's. If there were any survivors, Dongguo wouldn't have used the Transmission Amulet on an outsider. He must have had no other choice. I don't believe you don't see this."

Tang Susu pointed towards the Shangqing Sect and said solemnly, "If that's true, according to the rules, are you planning to let this unknown boy lead the Shangqing Sect?"

Luo Yuangong sternly replied, "You shouldn't have done that. Do you think the other disciples are fools? Can't they see your intentions? Why did Tang Mu summon all the inner disciples as witnesses on his deathbed? To prevent anyone from altering his will. What will everyone think of your actions? Can you bear the charge of murdering the leader? Even if someone else becomes the leader, without a proper name and authority, how can they command respect? Are you trying to sow the seeds of internal strife in the Shangqing Sect? Foolish!"

Tang Susu's face was tense, and she was speechless...

In the hot springs of the mountain, Niu Youdao soaked comfortably, his eyes half-closed, reflecting on the recent days. It felt like a dream, from the mysterious tomb to this world, and now here. The future was uncertain, and he didn't know what lay ahead.

After bathing, he emerged from the valley, freshly washed and dressed in a gray robe of the Shangqing Sect, his long hair tied back in a ponytail.

He had never had such long hair before and didn't know how to style it.

Outside the valley, three sword-carrying disciples waited for him. Niu Youdao had already met them. The leader, a fair and graceful man named Song Yanqing, had a haughty expression. The other two, Chen Guishuo and Xu Yitian, seemed to fawn over Song Yanqing, calling him "Master" affectionately.

These three were sent by the Shangqing Sect to look after Niu Youdao.

When they saw Niu Youdao come out, they were surprised and couldn't help but look him over.

Clothes make the man, and Niu Youdao's physical appearance was decent. With the inner qualities of a Daoist, the dirty village boy now had a touch of elegance and freedom.

Approaching the three, Niu Youdao tugged at his new clothes and asked, "Can you inform the leader? I want to see him!"

This was not the first time he had requested to see the leader, as he had yet to complete the task given by Dongguo Haoran.

Song Yanqing's eyes flashed with disdain, "Do you think you can see the leader just because you want to? Follow us quietly."

"Let's go!" Chen Guishuo and Xu Yitian pushed Niu Youdao from behind.

Niu Youdao, pushed off balance, didn't know what he had done to offend them. They had been unfriendly from the start.

Flanked by the three, they walked to the foot of a steep cliff and climbed the winding stone steps. Halfway up, Niu Youdao was captivated by the grand buildings on the opposite cliff. From the surrounding structures, it was clear that this was the heart of the Shangqing Sect.

At the top, they entered a quiet, ancient courtyard. At the edge of the cliff, an ancient peach tree with gnarled roots and branches bloomed with pink flowers, like a cloud of mist. The wind scattered the petals, creating a beautiful scene. Niu Youdao was amazed and exclaimed, "Can peach blossoms bloom in this season?"

Chen Guishuo chuckled, "Never seen it before? This peach tree has been growing for over a thousand years. It was once a spirit, but the founding ancestor of the sect severed its wisdom root, making it ordinary. In the past, it would bloom and wither, but after the wisdom root was severed, it has remained in bloom for centuries, regardless of the season. It's a wonder of the Shangqing Sect."

Niu Youdao was amazed, but Song Yanqing snorted, "Why waste words on him?"

Chen Guishuo looked embarrassed and fell silent.

At the courtyard gate, Niu Youdao looked up and saw three powerful characters engraved on the lintel: Peach Blossom Spring!

Song Yanqing stopped at the gate and gestured inside, "This is Master Dongguo's place of cultivation. You will stay here. Do not wander without permission, or you will be punished. Understand?"

Niu Youdao frowned, "My master asked me to see the leader before he died..."

"Get in!" Xu Yitian grabbed his collar and almost threw him inside, then closed the door.

Niu Youdao, almost falling, steadied himself and was furious. He rushed to the door and pulled it open, shouting, "What do you mean, treating me like a prisoner?"

Song Yanqing turned and sneered, "Don't cause trouble. If you accidentally fall off the cliff, no one will cry for you." His words were a clear threat, and he slowly approached.

"The weather is nice!" Niu Youdao looked up at the sky and slammed the door shut.

Behind the door, his eyes glinted with a murderous intent. In his past life, he was known as "Dao Ye," a name that commanded respect in the underworld.

"Ha! You're quite sensible..." The three laughed from outside the door.

Niu Youdao took a deep breath, quickly suppressing his anger, and calmed himself. He forced himself to appreciate the surroundings, ignoring the taunts outside. He strolled through the courtyard, admiring the ancient and elegant architecture, finding it a peaceful and serene place that calmed his mind.

In the center of the courtyard stood a towering tree, surrounded by a stone platform. On the platform was a sword stand, and on the stand lay a long sword.

Niu Youdao walked over, grasped the hilt, and gently drew the sword. The cold light slowly emerged from the scabbard. He swung the sword casually, then held it horizontally, looking at his reflection in the blade, murmuring, "The mountains are high, the roads are long, and the pits are deep. The three-foot sword remains in the Peach Blossom Spring!"

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