Eternal Life: I Can Control My Essence Qi-Chapter 275 - 203: Jade Divine Palace (Part 2)

"Fairy."

The Haihe Ancestor really didn't know what to say, so he changed the topic:

"Didn't you also invite a fellow cultivator? How strong is she?"

Upon hearing this, Fairy Xia Guang sighed and replied:

"Fellow Daoist Hai He, we're all Golden Core Cultivators here, so I won't hide the truth from you."

"My close friend is from the Jing Kingdom, endowed with a Demon Cultivation Bloodline, so her skills are certainly stronger than mine. But compared to Elder Qingxu, she might still fall short."

"If he harbors any ill intentions, even if we join forces, we might not be able to stop him..."

The Haihe Ancestor was silent for a moment before speaking slowly:

"Based on my past understanding of him, he shouldn't be that kind of person who covets a fellow Daoist's foundation and wealth."

"Moreover, our current situation is quite dire, and in such a precarious situation, the stronger he is, the better."

"After all, don't forget, the Three Evils Daoist and others also have extra Jade Orders. They're not fools; to ensure an absolute advantage, they would definitely hire external help."

"Our numbers are ultimately fewer than theirs. To reverse the decline, we probably have to rely on this Elder Qingxu."

Upon hearing his words, Fairy Xia Guang nodded slightly, relaxing significantly:

"Fellow Daoist Hai He, you're right."

"There are priorities to consider. Our current pressing task is to gain an advantage within the Jade Divine Palace..."

She hadn't finished speaking:

A tremendously powerful Divine Thought suddenly struck the Grand Array of the Luoxia Sect, igniting a sky full of dawn light.

"I, Da Li Qingxu, come to pay my respects!"

A resonant voice, along with the powerful Divine Thought, penetrated the array and entered the Luoxia Sect.

"He's here!"

The Haihe Ancestor stood up abruptly, showing a hint of joy while also breathing a sigh of relief:

"... He's finally here."

Fairy Xia Guang also got up, her expression slightly tense, but she maintained a calm demeanor and said:

"Fellow Daoist Hai He, let's go."

"Let's go welcome this Elder Qingxu."

"Mm."

The Haihe Ancestor responded, and immediately, along with Fairy Xia Guang, they rode the Escape Light, swiftly departing the Gorge to greet him outside the array.

Soon, the two of them saw Zhang Yao standing alone, with his hands behind his back, in the sky above the outskirts of the Luoxia Mountain Range.

"Qingxu!"

The Haihe Ancestor stepped forward, gave a slight bow, showing a smile and a bit of emotion:

"It's been many years."

"Indeed, it's been over seventy years."

Zhang Yao's expression also showed a hint of nostalgia as he looked him up and down.

The Haihe Ancestor's appearance was almost the same as Zhang Yao remembered, but his aura had deepened significantly, exuding the robust Magical Power Mechanism of the Golden Core Realm.

His smile remained as he exclaimed:

"After all these years, you've also achieved the Golden Core Realm, which truly fills me with joy."

He paused and then looked at Fairy Xia Guang, smiling as he said:

"Aren't you going to introduce us?"

The Haihe Ancestor quickly replied upon hearing this:

"Oh, this is the Golden Core Ancestor of the Luoxia Sect—Fairy Xia Guang."

"Since the Jade Transformation five years ago, Fairy Xia Guang has been my closest ally, and we have joined forces to resist the Celestial Demon Sect and others."

He added:

"Without Fairy Xia Guang's great support, I would have likely fallen into the hands of the Three Evils Daoist and others."

"Fellow Daoist Hai He exaggerates. It's also thanks to your help that I managed to escape from the Jade Divine Palace."

Fairy Xia Guang modestly replied, then performed a greeting polite as she said:

"I am Xia Guang, paying respects to Elder Qingxu."

"Fairy, you're too polite. Qingxu doesn't dare to accept. Please rise quickly."

Zhang Yao gestured politely with his hands, returned the courtesy, and then said:

"Regarding the Jade Divine Palace you mentioned, could it be the source of the Fengxi Mountain Copper?"

"Indeed."

The Haihe Ancestor nodded slightly, gesturing with his hand:

"This place isn't convenient for conversation. Let's go inside to talk."

Zhang Yao, naturally following the host's lead, readily agreed.

Soon, the three of them returned to the same Gorge, where they sat in a host-guest arrangement and were served fragrant Spirit Tea. Zhang Yao then revisited the previous topic:

"The Fengxi Mountain Copper mentioned in your letter, Fellow Daoist Hai He, truly has been on my mind."

Zhang Yao joked:

"You must know that I am determined to obtain the Fengxi Mountain Copper."

"If Fellow Daoist has any troubles, or if the Fuhai Sect encounters any difficulties, please share them. If I can solve them, I certainly won't refuse."

"And please truthfully tell me the source of the Fengxi Mountain Copper, so I don't make a wasted trip."

Upon hearing his words, Fairy Xia Guang and the Haihe Ancestor exchanged a glance, both secretly relieved.

From these words, it could be seen that this Elder Qingxu was still a person of rules, not a domineering cultivator. They needn't worry about inviting trouble into their midst.

Next, there was hope that the cooperation between both parties would proceed smoothly, allowing both to get what they needed, the best possible outcome.

"Here, I must first apologize to you, Qingxu..."

The Haihe Ancestor solemnly bowed, a trace of guilt in his expression:

"My previous actions contained some testing intent, and I hope you can forgive me."

"It's fine."

Zhang Yao waved his hand, saying:

"There's an old saying in the mortal realm, 'Knowing a man for his appearance, yet hard to know his heart.'"

"In those years, I was indeed hiding a lot due to circumstances, with secrets in my heart difficult to reveal. The ensuing big commotion was something I was forced into as well."

At this point, he paused, a hint of sincerity in his tone:

"But I hope you believe that our years of friendship were not false, and I'm not a cold-hearted person."

Upon hearing this, the faint, lingering thorn in the Haihe Ancestor's heart slowly dissipated, and he laughed heartily:

"Hearing you say that truly lifts my spirits."

Once they spoke openly, the previous sense of distance vanished, and they discussed their experiences over the years, with much to reflect on.

Fairy Xia Guang, meanwhile, listened quietly, until the two had spoken to their satisfaction, finally getting down to business.

"... Speaking of this so-called Jade Transformation, the truth is quite simple."

Lord Haihe took a sip of tea before continuing:

"In the central region of Dayu, there's a place called Feicui Lake, famous since ancient times. It produces a rare type of Spiritual Jade, a sought-after treasure for Immortal Families."

"Due to the unique geographical location of Feicui Lake, about two to three thousand years ago, the Golden Core Ancestors who ruled the Da Yu Cultivation Realm began the tradition of meeting on Feicui Lake to discuss matters and resolve conflicts."

Zhang Yao slightly nodded at this point.

Similar customs existed in Da Li as well. Conflicts between the Golden Core powers ruling a country's Cultivation Realm were common; they couldn't constantly resort to force.

Large-scale comprehensive wars like the Five Sects War break out only when conflicts become irreconcilable. Most of the time, negotiations are preferred when possible.

"These meetings occurred once every twenty years."

"The last meeting was five years ago, and unforeseen circumstances arose..."

The Haihe Ancestor, as he spoke, was tinged with recollection:

"I remember that day clearly; we traveled on the Luoxia Sect's Spiritual Flying Boat, cruising on Feicui Lake, discussing the ownership of a Spirit Stone Ore Vein."

"Unexpectedly, in an instant, massive waves surged over Feicui Lake, killing countless aquatic creatures."

"Upon our investigation, we discovered that a Jade Divine Palace had suddenly emerged from deep within Feicui Lake..."

"Jade Divine Palace?"

Hearing this, Zhang Yao couldn't help but frowned:

"With all due respect, this seems too coincidental!"

Having cultivated throughout his life, Zhang Yao was the least likely to believe in coincidences without cause.

Often, behind seemingly coincidental events lies a series of complex reasons and long-hidden secrets.

So hearing about the sudden emergence of the Jade Divine Palace, his instinct told him it wasn't a coincidence; there was undoubtedly some secret behind it.