He paused for a moment, then continued:

"Today, I've come to the city mainly to discuss two matters with you, Daoist brother. The White Sun Sect, which has been dormant for a long time, may be planning a major move."

"The catastrophe that occurred a decade ago was due to an internal conflict within the Meridian Sword Sect. The Daoist Kou Qiuyue and the sect leader Yan Xin, two great divine techniques clashed."

"The White Sun Sect Leader is suspected to have been involved, along with the Celestial Water General's Mansion, making it a four-way power struggle."

"In the end, Kou Qiuyue died, his body fell into the Nu Yun River, and was collected and reviewed by the Dragon Court Daoist Official, verified without error."

"Yan Xin suffered severe injuries, has been in seclusion since then, and the Meridian Sword Sect's prestige has plummeted, losing the overwhelming influence it once had over an entire prefecture."

"The General's Mansion watched from the sidelines, while the White Sun Sect... Was deeply involved. Kou Qiuyue fell into the turbid tide and became an evil demon, with traces of manipulation by that sect leader behind the scenes."

"Unfortunately, he couldn't restrain himself, appeared and joined the fray, only to be severely injured by Yan Xin's sword strike."

Chongxu Zi listened attentively, his expression grave. Ten years ago, he had just become the Daoist Official of Yuanyang Temple, witnessing firsthand the fierce confrontation of the two great divine techniques, the sword light crossing hundreds of miles, almost like thunder roaring.

"After the sect leader disappeared, the White Sun Sect also vanished from sight, but when I took a trip around Fulong Mountain, I occasionally found traces of believers cultivating the 'Three Yang Tribulation,' and they frequently communicated with Yihai Prefecture. I didn't want to startle the snake, so I didn't intercept."

Qiu Changtian's frank confession caused Chongxu Zi's expression to soften slightly, sitting as a Daoist Official of the Dragon Court was naturally a position of honor.

But without outstanding achievements or exceptional abilities, one's career would eventually reach its peak.

Once the term ends, without breakthrough, one could only retire and return home, to live as a wealthy man.

Among the prefectures in Celestial Water, Yihai Prefecture is already the first.

Chongxu Zi's situation is much better compared to those unlucky to be assigned to barren lands as Daoist Officials.

Since becoming a Daoist Official, who doesn't wish to advance further?

The Prefecture City has spirit veins laid out, creating Grotto Heaven Blessed Lands, with cultivation efficiency far surpassing that of the County City.

The latter can only receive a portion of spiritual essence each month through the decrees issued by the Dragon Court.

Compared to a cultivator in the Prefecture City, rolling around in the Grotto Heaven and enjoying the Jade Liquid Pool, the difference is vast.

"The news of the White Sun Sect's secret activities is quite valuable. When reported to the Dragon Court, there should be a reward."

Glancing at Qiu Changtian, Chongxu Zi laughed:

"It seems you are considerate, knowing to inform us."

But Qiu Changtian replied:

"Master Xuanji of Zhi Xin Temple got the news even earlier than you, Daoist brother. His predecessor, Master Qingxuan, died inexplicably, greatly angering the Dragon Court.

To earn merit, Master Xuanji went to great lengths, offering various treasures, letting the Observatory Tower divine the secrets of heaven."

Holding his duster tightly, Chongxu Zi exclaims:

"Is this true?"

Qiu Changtian nodded:

"He just doesn't know that the remnants of the White Sun Sect hiding in Yihai Prefecture are not merely the Left and Right Protectors, but the sect leader, who was fundamentally injured by Yan Xin's sword."

Chongxu Zi was startled, retreating two steps:

"Consider this matter as if I haven't heard about it."

Feigning surprise, Qiu Changtian asked:

"Daoist brother, don't you want to achieve great merit? If you have the spirit veins from the Prefecture City nourishing your Divine Soul and then spend some time cultivating in the Jade Liquid Pool, breaking through the Ghost Immortal opportunity would be near at hand!"

Chongxu Zi shook his head repeatedly:

"I would rather retire! Only a madman would involve himself in this mess. The White Sun Sect, which has a three-thousand-year lineage, was labeled as a supreme traitor by the Dragon Court, yet has never been eradicated.

As a County Daoist Official, receiving Eight Cauldron Spiritual Mechanisms monthly, is it worth dealing with this affair?"

Master Xuanji is still young, with hopes of being transferred to the Prefecture City or even becoming a Capital City Daoist Official.

But Chongxu Zi's previous failure to break through wasted three Rebirth Grand Pills, and his spirit has since waned.

With a decaying body, it is difficult to become a Ghost Immortal, and living a second life through the Corpse Dissolving Technique seems unlikely.

"I've delivered the message; how you decide is up to you, Daoist brother."

Qiu Changtian smiled faintly; as a Feng Shui Daoist, he never proactively gave advice.

"What's the second matter?"

Chongxu Zi, not carried away by the overwhelming achievement of capturing the White Sun Sect leader, treasures the official way, valuing clarity and self-preservation.

Even if letting Master Xuanji advance to become the Prefecture City Daoist Official, so what? 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

The deeper you meddle in the chess game of those in power, the easier it is to be overturned by a great wave.

"I'd like to ask Daoist brother to find me a good talent."

Qiu Changtian spoke softly.

"You..."

Chongxu Zi was initially stunned, then earnestly gazed at Qiu Changtian, who was regarded as a Plague Deity:

"You have a premonition?"

Qiu Changtian nodded:

"I've endured for ten years, unable to dissolve the backlash of fate. My days are numbered. Before the end, I want to take a disciple, introduce him to the Observatory Tower, passing on all my lifelong learning."

A tinge of sadness welled up in Chongxu Zi's heart. After all, he shared a bond with this wretched friend, and now, seeing the other's end near, it inevitably made him feel sad.

"Alright, Yuanyang Temple controls half the Daoist Schools, finding a suitable apprentice for you is not difficult. We've known each other for some time; if you need anything else, just ask."

Qiu Changtian seemingly indifferent to all, sighed towards the sky:

"Before life and death, there's no attachment, except... Daoist brother, I just want to see the Magical Artifact suppressing the formation eye of your Yuanyang Temple, the Nine Yang Talisman Sword, and best to touch it..."

The sympathy Chongxu Zi had just managed to muster vanished instantly, coldly spitting out a single word:

"Scram!"

This scoundrel actually covets his sect's treasured artifact!

"We can negotiate, Daoist brother. I can set up a Nine Dragons Returning Heaven Feng Shui Grand Array for you, extending your life by three years! If that's not feasible, how about the Red Powder Soul-Devouring Array? Transforming into countless beauties, allowing you to indulge day and night?"

Qiu Changtian continued to plead.