Chapter 19: Acquiring the Spiritual Treasure, Setting Out for Wuzhuang

When Redcloud felt the weight of that gaze upon him, his heart tightened, as if all his cultivation and fortune had been laid bare. He understood this was a test, silently recalling the answer he had prepared in advance. After a brief moment of reflection, he spoke:

"The scriptures that reveal the laws of the Great Dao and the mysteries of the universe, the spiritual treasures that can suppress the fate of heaven and earth, and the insights that point directly to the realm of the Hunyuan Golden Immortal—all are difficult to choose between. But since these scriptures, treasures, and insights cannot all be obtained, I can only forsake the scriptures and insights, and choose the spiritual treasure."

Seeing that the other did not respond to his answer, Redcloud could not fathom his thoughts. With a slight stir in his heart, he continued:

"Moreover, after listening to the preaching in the Purple Cloud Palace, I heard that venerable one mention ‘opportunity.’ In deducing the fortunes of my fellow Daoists, I found that most were granted spiritual treasures or spiritual materials. After careful consideration, I think they will be of great use, so I intended to let my own treasure weather a tribulation, transforming it into a supreme innate spiritual treasure. Besides, the scriptures and insights are still far beyond my current reach; if my cultivation were near enough, perhaps I could verify a thing or two. But as my realm still falls short, it is better to seek immediate benefit—not for anything else, but for survival."

When Redcloud finished, both the great dragon and the Daoist exchanged a glance, their eyes betraying a hint of surprise.

They, of course, knew the true purpose behind Hongjun’s teachings in the Purple Cloud Palace, and were well aware of that venerable one’s methods. Yet it was unexpected that a mere Da Luo, not even at the threshold of sainthood, could perceive the underlying intent.

"Since this is your choice, I have no right to interfere," the Daoist said, raising his brow. Stretching out his hand, he produced a small, ancient, three-legged, two-eared cauldron. With a gentle toss, he sent it forcefully into Redcloud’s Auspicious Cloud.

Redcloud, who had been bowing respectfully, suddenly felt a buzzing in his spiritual consciousness. An unprecedented sense of oppression descended upon him. Focusing his mind and gazing into his Auspicious Cloud, he saw that his Da Luo Auspicious Cloud was being compressed, shrinking by nearly a third.

Startled, he tried to activate his Da Luo cultivation, but found the cauldron utterly immovable.

"Do not waste your strength. This cauldron has followed me since before the dawn of creation, at the very beginning of chaos. How could you so easily control it? To wield this treasure requires refinement of your own laws. Now, in this boundless wilderness, fate is like a chess game. If you make but a single misstep, you may lose everything. I give you this treasure—use it well, and do not sully its name."

Redcloud, filled with questions, could not restrain himself and called out without regard for etiquette:

"May I ask your name, venerable one, so that I may honor your esteemed position?"

"Such formalities are unnecessary. This vast wilderness can scarcely contain me. As for my name..." The voice paused, then sighed with a deep melancholy.

"Long have I stood alone in chaos, distinguishing clear and turbid, heaven and earth. Through the Dragon-Han calamity, I kept my Hunyuan form. I am... the Founder of Heaven and Earth."

At these words, Redcloud trembled, waves of shock crashing through his heart. Though he had never heard this name since his transformation, it had appeared in his dreams.

"That one is always enigmatic. Pay him no mind," the great dragon said, watching as the Daoist’s form vanished beyond the wilderness. Without further ado, the dragon plucked a scale from his body, flicked it to Redcloud, and, with a gesture, cast Redcloud far away.

"That cauldron has many wondrous uses. Comprehend them yourself. I have nothing else to give you but this. Do not perish too soon, lest the world lose its luster."

...

Had he already left Buzhou Mountain?

Redcloud felt the world whirl around him, and when he came to himself, he found he was once more at the boundary he had first crossed into Buzhou Mountain, a heaviness settling in his heart.

This was not a simple method of shattering the void. He could plainly sense that the other had merely waved a hand, sending him back to the moment he first reached the mountain’s edge, then adjusted time itself to bring him back to the present.

What divine skill!

He probed his surroundings and, finding no one had noticed him, brought out the Concealing Spiritual Veil, merging himself into its essence and stealthily vanished in a chosen direction.

This visit had granted him much; now, he needed only to find a safe, quiet place to assess his gains.

...

In the Eastern Continent, immortal mountains wreathed in mist, blessed lands and hidden paradises abound. At the very center of this land stood such a paradise.

This was none other than the cave abode of the famous Da Luo Golden Immortal, Zhenyuanzi—Mount Longevity’s Five Immortals Monastery.

Redcloud journeyed there through space, taking but sixty years to arrive.

...

Upon entering the territory of Mount Longevity, he summoned the Concealing Spiritual Veil, weaving his way through layer upon layer of defensive arrays, finally reaching the immortal realm within.

On the cloud-shrouded peak, the Five Immortals Monastery stood in harmonious order, an integrated part of the mountain’s essence.

As he drew closer, his pace slowed. When he appeared at the monastery’s gate, Zhenyuanzi was already waiting, smiling warmly.

"Redcloud, my friend, you’ve come nearly twenty thousand years earlier than we agreed."

"The matter is urgent, so I must seek your aid. Please grant me a place to retreat in seclusion!"

Redcloud knew this was not the time for explanations. Throughout his journey, he had felt as if an unseen gaze was fixed upon him, compelling him not to rest.

If it were a fleeting sensation, it might have been an illusion. But if it persisted, it must surely be real!

Moreover, his Da Luo Auspicious Cloud had already been compressed by the cauldron to barely two or three tenths its original size.

If he did not address the issue soon, who could know what consequences might follow?

At these words, Zhenyuanzi was greatly alarmed. The arrays of Mount Longevity flared to life, shrouding the mountain in impenetrable defense.

He led Redcloud into the heart of the monastery, opening door after door with a thought, leading him deep within.

"This is the core of my Five Immortals Monastery. You may enter seclusion here."

Seeing Redcloud about to speak, Zhenyuanzi’s face grew stern. He gave him no chance to reply, turning and vanishing outside.

"Rest assured, my friend. I will see you safely through this ordeal."

Once outside the chamber, Zhenyuanzi appeared at the monastery gate in an instant. Attempting to divine what trouble Redcloud had encountered, he found his efforts yielded nothing.

Silently, he gathered his five vital energies and manifested his three flowers. Above his head, in his Auspicious Cloud, an ethereal book appeared. He raised it reverently, adding its power to the great array guarding Mount Longevity.