Cultivating with Symbiosis Panel-Chapter 599 - 342: The Knife-Sharpening Old Lady
Li Ye remained seated without moving.
He glanced at the white fox, then continued to gaze at the jade tablet being refined in the firelight of the Treasure Lotus Lamp.
It was tumbling, quickly taking shape.
Yet his voice remained calm as it reached out: "I had long heard from a friend about the existence of Lotus Village within the Mountain and River Realm, a place where there is a firelight that can heal all wounds.
It’s just that I had never visited it before.
Now, it seems that you have directly come to find me, senior.
I see you are also part of the Earth Desire Fox Race.
Speaking of which, are you aware that the Earth Desire Cave Heaven has been demolished by me, Senior Brother Chen Mo, and Wei Qingye together, and the Fox Race has become a part of my Spirit Race?"
The white fox grinned: "I am naturally aware, and I have been informed by more than one person, so I have always been anticipating your arrival here, young friend.
Since that’s the case, there’s no need to be mysterious between us.
When I fled the Earth Desire Fox Race, I devoured a lotus seed that took thousands of years to refine and could possibly become a lamp core, and it has long been integrated into my flesh and blood, you..."
Before she could finish her words.
Li Ye raised his head, looking puzzled: "So what? Does senior hope that I will capture you, skin you alive, and plant you within the Demon-Suppressing Tree?
If that were truly the case, how would I be able to wield the Treasure Lotus Lamp?
Could it be that you are here specifically to amuse me?
Haha, that certainly is quite amusing, you’ve managed to make me laugh."
——Li Ye did this on purpose, because she started saying such things right from the beginning, honestly, if he truly wanted the lamp core in her bloodline, the elders of the Four Seasons Sect would have never allowed her to stay here.
Making it seem like he is some kind of villain.
At his current status and level of cultivation, he had gotten used to speaking frankly.
The white fox was slightly taken aback upon hearing these words.
Then she transformed herself.
Changing into an elderly woman with white hair, appearing kind-hearted.
With a gentle smile, she said: "This is indeed my fault; I apologize to you, young friend, but this matter needs to have a clear direction.
Once, Senior Miaodu said that when the Treasure Lotus Lamp truly emerges, I must come and pay respects to its master.
At that time, I was puzzled by her certainty, but now I understand.
It turns out that... we, or rather the vast majority of mystical treasures left in the world, are meant for you, otherwise with their abilities, it wouldn’t be very difficult for them to sweep this world of its treasures.
That’s why she was so sure there would be someone to claim the Treasure Lotus Lamp.
So I have waited for you, the one who can represent her decision regarding the existence of our Lotus Village."
Li Ye didn’t care much: "The elders trust us because we juniors are outstanding enough. I should have sought you out.
But since you have come.
Then what do you intend for your Treasure Lotus Village, to join the world or continue to seclude yourselves?"
To be honest.
The existence of Treasure Lotus Village within the Mountain and River Realm is a bit awkward, though many immortals originate from there, they have not truly integrated with the mortal world, which creates some distance.
In the Mountain and River Realm, the cultivation of these immortals relies on temple offerings, incense, and merit to advance, which represents the need for them to truly connect with the mortal world for it to work.
However, many immortals in Treasure Lotus Village rely on the power of the "Treasure Lotus Lamp" without integrating with the mortal world, which creates issues.
They cannot truly understand the toil of mortals without walking among the fields and streets.
If these immortals stay detached from the mortal world for too long, many elders believe it will lead to disaster——Blessed by True Man Miaodu, Treasure Lotus Village is left alone, or many would disapprove.
Moreover, occupying the territory of the Four Seasons Sect without adhering to its full jurisdiction was criticized by some elders.
Furthermore, the fact that the Earth Desire Fox Race managed to commit wrongful deeds here, leading Senior Sister Liu astray, likely involved the help of some immortals——the reasons are unknown, perhaps to curry favor with the elderly woman, or they had their own motives.
Yet evil was done.
Li Ye, having received True Man Miaodu’s favor, could not let her decisions be disparaged, so even if it means pushing the other side, he would bring Treasure Lotus Village, this "immortal utopia," under the governance of the Four Seasons Sect.
He hoped this senior was wise enough to avoid confrontation.
"Naturally, we choose to join the world." The white fox seemed well aware of this, narrowing her eyes: "I have been indecisive mainly because there has been no one to accept the Treasure Lotus Lamp.
Secondly, because they grew up under my watch.
But it worries me deeply that those once good children have turned bad, I have hesitated for a long time, yet have always lacked a reason.
Now that you are here, young friend, that reason has appeared.
So I trouble you to look after him, I will return shortly."
As she said this.
She carefully passed over a lamp almost identical to the Treasure Lotus Lamp, then turned around, with a gleaming curved blade in each hand.
Without another word.
She strode confidently back toward Treasure Lotus Village along the Hongqiao.
Her entire demeanor had completely transformed; whereas before she seemed like a compassionate elderly grandmother, now she was spirited and poised, like a general heading into battle.
Li Ye watched her departing figure, slightly surprised.
He hadn’t expected her to appear so elderly, yet still be able to make such a quick decision—originally, Li Ye thought it would require more debate, or even a fight.
