Immortal Travel of Longevity

The atmosphere within the Mysterious Gate had shifted abruptly, a change that was impossible to miss.

Arrogant, domineering disciples grew increasingly common. They threw their weight around not just against outsiders but within the Mysterious Gate itself, flaunting the hierarchy of the major sects. Anyone hailing from a weaker lineage was treated with blatant disdain.

And such behavior seemed to carry tacit approval.

This was not difficult to understand; these were, after all, internal conflicts within the Mysterious Gate.

Of course, it was also possible that someone was applying outside pressure.

'The Demon Gate?'

Chen Changsheng pondered the idea, feeling this was the greater possibility.

On one hand, it would aggravate the internal conflicts of the Mysterious Gate; on the other, it would ruin their reputation.

'Maybe the Literary Dao Lineage even had a hand in it.'

He did not mean to belittle the Literary Dao Lineage. On the contrary, the method was highly effective—a true testament to the great dao being rooted in simplicity.

'I wonder what state the Mysterious Gate will end up in.'

Chen Changsheng figured it would not be long before there was quite a show to watch.

Naturally, this had little to do with him, and he had no desire to get involved.

...

Speaking of the physical body of the Heavenly Dao...

Chen Changsheng thought he might be able to glean a few clues from Zhao Yuqing.

Zhao Yuqing had tended that rice paddy exceptionally well; the Spirit Rice grew more fragrant with each passing year.

He sat by the edge of the field, glanced at Chen Changsheng, and asked, "What are you doing here?"

"Asking about a few things."

Chen Changsheng sat down and brought up the matter of the Heavenly Dao.

Zhao Yuqing frowned slightly upon hearing this. "Why would the Heavenly Dao have a physical body?"

"I know the Heavenly Dao has no physical body," Chen Changsheng said. "But what about before it became the Heavenly Dao?"

Zhao Yuqing raised an eyebrow at this. He pondered for a moment before replying.

"Don't you think you might be looking in the wrong direction?"

"What do you mean?"

"It is like asking whether the chicken or the egg came first."

Chen Changsheng paused for a moment at Zhao Yuqing's words.

But as he recalled what Taotie had told him, he felt certain that the Heavenly Dao had appeared later. In ancient times, this world should have been a land of chaos and disorder.

Yet, Zhao Yuqing's words also held a certain logic.

What if the Heavenly Dao had existed since the very birth of the world?

If that were true, the idea of it having a physical body simply would not exist.

Zhao Yuqing said, "You should think more on your own affairs. I may have fought the Heavenly Dao, but I truly do not know much about it."

Chen Changsheng let out a helpless sigh, then said, "I have absolutely no leads right now."

"I thought you had come to see me about Jiu Fengchun."

"Him..."

Chen Changsheng said, "I heard a few rumors on my way here."

"An immortal island in the southern reaches of the Cultivation World was supposedly washed in blood overnight. Not a single corpse was left behind."

"His doing?"

"This Chen suspects it was him."

"Then it likely was."

Zhao Yuqing sighed and said, "His appetite is growing larger and larger."

Chen Changsheng said, "This Chen did warn you."

Zhao Yuqing said, "Jiu Fengchun has great potential. He is not inherently bad; he is merely being influenced by his bloodline."

Chen Changsheng fell silent for a moment before saying, "But he is steadily losing control."

"There will always be a process."

"Is it a process, or the ending?"

Zhao Yuqing said, "I still have high hopes for him."

Chen Changsheng frowned slightly, yet said, "Are you not afraid that he will eventually start eating people?"

"He will not."

Zhao Yuqing said, "I understand him."

"You are that certain?"

"He was taught by me, Zhao Yuqing!"

Seeing his brimming confidence, Chen Changsheng did not argue the point any further.

Since Chen Changsheng still needed to search for clues, he could only bid a hasty farewell.

...

Chen Changsheng once again arrived at Tianji Mountain.

Chen Daoqiu was rather surprised to see him.

Who knew how many years had passed since their last parting.

"Mountain Lord!"

Chen Changsheng raised a hand and said, "There is no need for such a title."

"I came here to ask about a few things."

Chen Daoqiu paused in surprise before inviting him into the Main Hall.

When speaking of the Heavenly Dao, Chen Daoqiu truly did not know much. After some thought, he suggested, "Why doesn't Mister Chen speak with Xiao Dongxu? His insights are far greater than those of an old fellow like me."

This served as a reminder to Chen Changsheng.

Speaking of which, Xiao Dongxu was indeed a rare genius.

His comprehension was excellent, and he was incredibly diligent. His abilities were already rivaling those of the older generation's mighty figures.

Even back during the conundrum with the ancient characters, it had been Xiao Dongxu who assisted him.

Now, however, Xiao Dongxu was no longer staying at Tianji Mountain.

He had gone to the Literary Dao Lineage to serve as a Guest Elder.

"A Guest Elder?"

"Yes."

Chen Daoqiu explained, "He thinks highly of the Literary Dao Lineage, so he went ahead to secure a seat for himself."

Chen Changsheng said, "The Literary Dao Lineage does indeed have a chance."

After parting ways with Chen Daoqiu, Chen Changsheng made his way to the daoist grounds of the Literary Dao Lineage.

Unlike the Immortal Sects, the Literary Dao did not garrison itself atop Immortal Mountains. It existed in the world much in the same way as Daoism and Buddhism.

Wherever a literary temple stood, the Literary Dao could be found.

Currently, Xiao Dongxu was staying at a place called the Purple Bamboo Grove. This was the residence of Kong Ru, a sacred land yearned for by scholars across the realm.

"Mister Xiao! A cultivator from Tianji Mountain is outside. I have never seen him before."

"You have never seen him?"

Xiao Dongxu instructed his attendant to invite the guest inside.

Upon seeing the visitor, he hurriedly cupped his hands and respectfully called out, "Mister Chen."

Chen Changsheng said, "You are too polite."

After Chen Changsheng briefly explained his purpose, Xiao Dongxu's interest was piqued.

"The physical body of the Heavenly Dao? The physical body of the Heavenly Dao?"

This was something he had never considered before.

Xiao Dongxu had always been especially interested in such novel matters.

"But then again, what made Mister Chen think of the Heavenly Dao's physical body?"

"Does heaven itself possess a physical body?"

Xiao Dongxu muttered, falling deep into thought.

Chen Changsheng explained, "It was merely a passing thought."

"This is an interesting matter indeed."

Xiao Dongxu lowered his head and said, "Indeed. Why has no one ever questioned whether the Heavenly Dao possesses a physical body? If the Heavenly Dao was formed at a later date, it must have been man-made. If a divine sense transformed into the Heavenly Dao, where did the remaining physical body go?"

Chen Changsheng asked, "Any ideas?"

Xiao Dongxu looked up and said, "None at the moment. But if I think it over, I will certainly be able to find a few leads. I need to go back and check."

Chen Changsheng said, "There is no rush, take your time. This Chen is currently devoid of any leads as well."

"Why are you searching for the body of the Heavenly Dao, Mister?"

"Are you not curious?"

Hearing this, Xiao Dongxu could not help but laugh. He nodded and said, "I am incredibly curious."

His thirst for knowledge had reached its peak at this moment.

Chen Changsheng said, "This Chen will search the world and see if any clues present themselves. Three years from now, I will come find you again to compare notes."

"Excellent!"

Xiao Dongxu readily agreed.

He had never pondered such an interesting matter.

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