"Master of Passage."
Zhang Yao responded politely.
Previously, he was troubled about how to make a legitimate contact with the Passing Arhat and Ancestor Heze to discuss important matters without arousing the suspicion of the high echelons of the Mani Temple.
This would have been easy in the past, but now, given his status and strength, it's not so simple.
But who could have anticipated a turn of events? The appearance of the Celestial Palace Jade Talisman made all obstacles vanish.
No matter how powerful the Mani Temple's methods were, they wouldn't surpass those of the Three Celestial Palaces. Even those Great Arhats couldn't possibly eavesdrop on their secret conversations.
Recalling the past, when Ancestor Heze took the opportunity during a dharma conference to personally visit the Mani Temple and converse with the Passing Arhat, it was likely all a mix of truth and lies aimed to mislead those with ulterior motives.
"Old monk."
Ancestor Heze's voice carried a hint of sarcasm:
"You've waited many years for this day, haven't you?"
"But you certainly are patient, and your vision is impressive; you spotted this Fellow Daoist Qingxu at a glance back then."
Master of Passage responded calmly:
"Fellow Daoist Qingxu belongs to the Five Elements Celestial Master Lineage, with a promising future and limitless possibilities. It doesn't require much vision to see that."
He often responded a beat slower, as there was a delay when using the Celestial Palace Jade Talisman for communication.
The three were in the same nation, at most separated by tens of thousands of miles, so the delay was short, almost negligible.
The further the transmission distance, the more the delay multiplied. If one was in the Southwest and the other in the Celestial Continent, a question and answer could take several hours, useful only for transferring crucial messages and intel.
Even so, this method surpassed all exotic techniques, offering unparalleled long-distance communication.
"Oh, really?"
Ancestor Heze chuckled, clearly not believing him:
"Though the Celestial Master lineage is formidable, the cultivation journey is fraught with hurdles, yet you have courage."
Entering the Celestial Master School is extremely challenging, and growing within it is even harder.
If not, numerous individuals from the Nine Mansions of the Celestial Continent would have entered the Celestial Master's path over the centuries, and the 'Mirror Lake Dragon King' wouldn't be the only one to ascend the 'Nine Heavens Golden Scroll.'
The fact that the Passing Arhat dared to gamble on Zhang Yao, betting on his smooth growth and at least Golden Core Limit level of power, shows remarkable bravery.
"Alright, let's discuss the main matter."
The Passing Arhat, unwilling to dwell on the previous topic, said:
"Now that Fellow Daoist Qingxu has finally reached the peak Golden Core stage, it is a tremendous achievement."
"There are only a few years left until the ground-shift, according to our prior plans..."
He elaborated on the initial plans in more detail, especially regarding the distinct roles and arrangements for the three, which were of paramount importance.
Zhang Yao listened carefully, particularly to the emergency scenarios and countermeasures, as these required special attention.
The Passing Arhat was planning a grand scheme to change the very heavens!
Even for the current Zhang Yao, it was fraught with danger and exceptionally challenging, with a single misstep leading to death in Mani. He couldn't afford not to care.
But, of course, with high risks came high rewards. Zhang Yao had already received half of the payment in advance, and on successful completion, an immensely powerful Ancient Spiritual Treasure awaited him.
Then, after half an hour:
This crucial secret meeting came to a temporary close.
"Farewell, Daoist."
The Passing Arhat severed the communication channel, and Ancestor Heze also took his leave.
"Time is pressing."
After watching Ancestor Heze's escape light disappear into the distance, Zhang Yao withdrew his gaze, his eyes appearing slightly contemplative.
He turned and sat cross-legged in the Sealed Demon Hall once more, as usual dissipating the Muddy Qi, quietly waiting for the right time.
......
Six years passed in the blink of an eye.
Zhang Yao, stationed at the Changle Mountain Demon Cave, made further cultivation advancements while slightly lessening the suspicion of the Mani Temple's higher-ups.
Until one day, he proactively contacted the high echelons of the Mani Temple, requesting the dispatch of a Golden Body Arhat to replace him, but did not receive an immediate response.
The reason was simple:
The Taiyin Tide Festival, held once every 296 years in the Liangyue River of the Jing Kingdom, was about to commence, with less than three months remaining.
The Taiyin Tide Festival was a grand event in the Cultivation Realm of nearby nations, and the Mani Temple undoubtedly had to send participants, with quite a substantial number, leading to some internal coordination issues.
Even monks striving for the Six Roots Pure faced competition, let alone with all the benefits the Taiyin Grand Assembly offered.
With the festival's approach, more than half of the over ten Golden Core Cultivators stationed at the Demon Cave in Mani sought temporary resignation, further complicating coordination.
"Amitabha."
Finally, a few days later, an old acquaintance of Zhang Yao came to take his place.
"Master Zhenhui?"
Zhang Yao gazed at the young monk before him, slightly surprised:
"Why are you here to replace me at the Changle Mountain Demon Cave? Shouldn't you be making your way to the Jing Kingdom?"
Monk Zhenhui was the greatest prodigy in the Mani Temple in centuries. He achieved the Golden Body Arhat realm in mere decades, a feat that astonished even Zhang Yao.
Moreover, as the direct disciple of the Passing Arhat, given his master's prestige in the Mani Temple, it was unthinkable that he would be assigned the arduous task of the Demon Cave.
"Alas..."
Monk Zhenhui sighed, his expression somewhat troubled, but he did not explain further.
Yet, with Zhang Yao's wisdom and experience, a glance at Monk Zhenhui's demeanor was sufficient for him to surmise most of the truth.
"So, many in the Mani Temple have become quite dissatisfied with the Passing Arhat already."
Zhang Yao understood.
The Great Awakening Hall is renowned as the foremost hall of enlightenment within the Mani Temple, the sole path advancing to the Great Arhat realm.
The Passing Arhat, having presided over the Great Awakening Hall for so many years without resolving his inner barriers and breaking into the Upper Realm, offended too many people, blocking too many paths.
This internal struggle probably led to a concentrated outbreak of conflicts, implicating Monk Zhenhui and costing him the opportunity to participate in the festival in the Jing Kingdom.
"What a senseless disaster."
Zhang Yao, realizing he couldn't effectively comfort him, adhered to formalities by swiftly finalizing the handover, transforming into a rainbow light to leave hastily.
Days later.
"Greetings, Ancestor."
Within the Qingxu Palace, over a dozen Golden Core Cultivators gathered, an atmosphere of cordiality prevailing.
The Southwest Land had become unified, readying themselves for the Taiyin Tide Festival, naturally requiring collective action.
Moreover, it pertained to their interests, with each hoping to align themselves with Zhang Yao, prompting them to arrive at Qingxu Palace early to wait.
"At ease, everyone."
Zhang Yao gestured and promptly spoke:
"The Taiyin Tide Festival is nearly upon us, and as part of the Southwest Land, we mustn't miss this opportunity."
"Although the festival will attract Golden Core Cultivators from nearby nations, it could also provide a chance for hidden Evil Path and Demon Cultivators to cause havoc, slaughtering and hunting cultivators."
"Therefore, we cannot all leave; we must leave some behind to guard against potential strikes."
Upon hearing this:
The Golden Core Cultivators' expressions subtly changed, and they fell silent.
Zhang Yao's message was evident: someone must stay behind. Yet, no one was willing to be the one missing out on this chance.
"Ancestor."
Ultimately, Du Guyan broke the silence and inquired proactively:
"How many should remain, according to Ancestor's view?"
Zhang Yao waved his hand, stating:
"Not many need to stay. One Golden Core Cultivator from each of Da Li, Dayu, Da Mo, and Dachang staying would suffice."
Upon hearing this, relief washed over the Golden Core Cultivators, but internally, they exchanged glances, each wearing different expressions.
Who would end up being the unlucky one?
"Fellow Daoist,"
Nether Abyss Ancestor initiated:
"I'll sit out of the festival and remain to guard Mo Yuan."
"Alright, that's appreciated."
Zhang Yao nodded in agreement with the request.
Though the Taiyin Tide Festival presents an exceptional opportunity, the Mo Yuan's significance demands the presence of strong guardianship.
In the current Southwest Land, the region was sparse in powerful entities. Despite having numerous Golden Core Cultivators, only Zhang Yao and Nether Abyss Ancestor commanded significant strength.
"Is there anyone else volunteering?"
Zhang Yao's gaze swept over the many Golden Core Cultivators:
"Those responsible for guarding shouldn't worry about missing out."
"All harvests from this Taiyin Tide Festival will include shares for those guarding, along with an additional compensation."