The Birth Anniversary Ceremony is a solemn ritual of the Xuan Yin Sect. Apart from the Mage who presides over the ceremony and the disciples, only the most devout believers are eligible to participate. Of course, Yu Ci, an Outer Disciple of the Lichen Sect, could seek a place to observe the ceremony if he doesn't mind the trouble.

However, Yu Ci had no intention of causing trouble for himself, nor did he wish to join the bustling crowd. He didn't even enter the main hall but chose to stand before the row of "Xuan Yin Steles" on either side, appreciating the legends inscribed about the Xuan Yin Immortal's path to enlightenment.

The biographies of immortals under the heavens are often similar, and the tale of Xuan Yin was no exception. An enigmatic story intertwined with moral teachings, occasionally embellished with beautiful phrases, cultivated an aura of immortality without any unique features.

However, on the second stele from the west, a string of characters could catch the attention of the keen observer. It was essentially about the Xuan Yin Immortal encountering the "Rakshasa King" before her enlightenment, engaging in philosophical discussions, revealing certain ultimate truths, and then achieving sudden enlightenment.

What Yu Ci paid attention to were the three characters, "Rakshasa King."

In reality, it should be Rakshasa Ghost King.

Before coming to Cliff City, Yu Ci had done his homework, having an understanding of the various powers within the city. Among them, the Xuan Yin Sect and the Pure Water Sect were his main focus. In his view, the Pure Water Sect was very good at concealing its background. The Lichen Sect's intelligence had failed to uncover its profound heritage, treating it as an ordinary sect. In contrast, the Xuan Yin Sect made no attempt to hide its backing.

The Eastern Sea Rakshasa Sect, also known as one of the rulers within the Blood Prison Ghost Mansion, was founded by the avatar of the Rakshasa Ghost King. This Rakshasa Ghost King was one of the culprits who had fought fiercely in the Sky Rift Valley, disrupting the ecosystem and causing Demons to run rampant.

Although there was no evidence to suggest that the Rakshasa Ghost King had done this intentionally, the disaster had occurred, and naturally, she had made an enemy of the Lichen Sect.

To say that they were enemies might not be accurate. The Lichen Sect was somewhat wary of this foreign ruler. The Rakshasa Ghost King was known for her laziness, always seeking excitement, fickle and forgetful - at least on the surface. If the Lichen Sect were to openly seek retribution, marching all the way to the deepest part of the Blood Prison Ghost Mansion, and after a life-and-death battle, she might even ask in confusion:

What on earth are you doing here?

The thought of such a scene was terrifying...

This was how Li You had vividly described the Rakshasa Sect in past conversations. And this was the common understanding of the Rakshasa Ghost King's character in the Cultivation World.

What a strange character. With such a temperament, how did she manage to establish a vast foundation in both the Cultivation World and the Blood Prison Ghost Mansion? How did she earn such a fearsome reputation as the Rakshasa Ghost King?

Regardless of the circumstances, it was undeniable that the force behind the Xuan Yin Sect was the Rakshasa Sect. Due to the affairs of the Sky Rift Valley, it was difficult for the two sides to further communicate. Despite having established itself for ten years, the Xuan Yin Sect could only propagate among the common people, which was not unrelated to this background.

Yu Ci carefully searched for words related to the Rakshasa Ghost King on the stele, oblivious that his attire was quite conspicuous, attracting frequent glances from others. Soon, he caught the attention of those with keen interest. Finally, as he turned around to read the inscription for the second time, someone called out to him.

"Excuse me, friend."

Yu Ci turned around to find a middle-aged woman. She was no longer young, yet her face was amiable. Her graying hair was simply tied up and draped over the back of her head. She was dressed in a loose robe, the typical attire of an Immortal Teacher from the Xuan Yin Sect. Yu Ci had a deep impression of her, "So, it's Master Ming Lan."

The woman was indeed Ming Lan, the Immortal Teacher of the Xuan Yin Sect. Assuming they had never met before, Ming Lan glanced at Yu Ci's face and then at the birdcage he was holding, confirming that he was a stranger. She couldn't help but ask, "Have we met before, friend?"

Of course, Yu Ci wouldn't say, "I've seen you many times in the Divine Map." He simply smiled, "I've heard of Mage Ming's reputation. It's my good fortune to meet you today."

Without giving Ming Lan a chance to speculate, he introduced himself, "I am Yu Ci from the Lichen Sect."

For a moment, Ming Lan was slightly surprised, but she quickly smiled, "So, it's you, Friend Yu. Your sect just sent a message the other day, saying that you were handling the Cliff City matter. I didn't expect you to arrive so soon."

"Oh no, the matter is mainly handled by Elder Xie. I am merely assisting."

Yu Ci knew that Yu Zhou had already paved the way for him, so under such circumstances, places like the White Sun Mansion wouldn't dare to feign ignorance and act against him. However, his words were still watertight. After lightly brushing off the topic, he proactively switched to the Birth Anniversary Ceremony of Xuan Yin Immortal, praising the grandeur of the Ritual Assembly. Then, he changed the subject again:

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"Your sect has been established here for ten years and has flourished. How do you find Cliff City?"

Ming Lan looked at him as if trying to dig into his thoughts. Finally, she smiled, "Under your sect's governance, it is indeed peaceful and comfortable. However, compared to the vast world of cultivation, people like you, Friend Yu, may find it a bit narrow and restrictive. As for others, they might have a different perspective..."

Her answer was diplomatic, but who exactly were the "others" she was referring to?

Yu Ci also smiled, "Indeed, everyone is different. Speaking of which, I have met your sect's master once. I wonder what Master Red Yin thinks?"

"Presumably, the master would be willing to discuss this matter with the fellow Taoist. Why not wait until the Ritual Assembly is over, then have a detailed conversation with the master?"

"Being willing to discuss is good, but there is no rush, for we have all the time in the world."

Given Yu Ci's current status, it is reasonable for him to represent the Lichen Sect, and it is not inappropriate for Red Yin Immortal to welcome him. However, Yu Ci's visit to You Qiu Palace was more of a spontaneous decision, with a greater intent of testing the waters. From the information he had gathered about the Lichen Sect and what he had observed in the Sky Rift Valley, it seemed that the Thousands Spirits Sect, Xuan Yin Sect, and Pure Water Sect had some kind of tacit understanding against the White Sun Mansion—at least, this was the case at the level of Cliff City.

This was where he could make his move, and he didn't mind showing his hand a little.

As for Red Yin Immortal, they were bound to cross paths sooner or later, so there was no need to rush.

After nodding to Ming Lan, Yu Ci took his leave.

Watching Yu Ci's figure disappear through the palace gate, Ming Lan stood still for a while before heading towards the central courtyard. The closer she got to the central courtyard, the clearer the chanting became. The Primordial Qi vibrated like a physical entity, resembling the rising tide, washing over her in waves. Walking through it, feeling the devout thoughts of the believers, Ming Lan also closed her eyes and silently recited the scriptures in response.

Among the six God Lords of this realm, apart from Buddha, who is more of a symbol of nothingness, the other four all possess Immortal Bodies and wield Infinite Divine Power. This realm is vast, but as long as the believers are devout, the God Lords can resonate with them. If they are interested, they can use this as a basis to project their divine intentions. The distance of millions of miles can be covered in an instant.

From this perspective, the God Lords are omniscient and omnipotent.

After cultivating for more than a hundred years, Ming Lan has always been under the grace and majesty of the God Lords. Her devotion to the God Lords is flawless. For this, she is willing to give up further opportunities for cultivation and progress, allowing her youth to fade away, but there is a joy in her heart.

Seeing the pure intentions of the Ritual Assembly believers, she was also delighted. However, upon stepping into the central courtyard and seeing the figure leading the chanting on the Ritual Assembly Altar, she frowned. She did not stay in the central courtyard, but bypassed the crowd of worshippers and headed deeper into the palace.

After passing through two courtyards, the chanting was obscured by the high walls and bamboo screens, and was gradually inaudible. The place was rarely visited, and it became more tranquil. Ming Lan knew her way around and after making a few turns in the winding corridor, she saw two female servants of the sect standing quietly, guarding the door.

Seeing Ming Lan coming, the two women bowed in respect. Ming Lan still had a smile on her round face: "Is the master inside?"

"The master is resting inside."

The two women knew Ming Lan's status in the sect and did not dare to stop her. They quietly opened the door for her, and Ming Lan stepped in.

The room was divided into two by a bead curtain. Through the curtain, one could see the smoke swirling from the half-human-high Turtle Crane Stove. The entire room was filled with a warm fragrance, and as soon as one entered, they would feel a comforting warmth enveloping them, as if even their internal organs were permeated with the warm scent, making them feel extremely comfortable.

In the outer chamber, a fetching maiden dressed in green and sporting twin buns attended to the room. She was charming and adorable. Upon seeing Ming Lan, she performed a respectful bow, surprise etched on her face. Then, in a soft whisper, she said, "The master has just finished the 'Ritual of the Gods' and has retired to sleep."

Ming Lan nodded slightly, wordlessly. She lifted the beaded curtain and entered the inner chamber.

Incense smoke curled lazily from the beak of the crane-shaped burner. Beyond it, about a yard away, stood a magnificent bed, crafted from agarwood by skilled artisans from the Eastern Sea. The bed was adorned with intricate gold-leaf designs and surrounded by a carved gallery. Several layers of openwork carvings were spread out, creating small chambers within. Several maids either sat or stood, attending to the bed, which was the epitome of opulence.

Through the layers of gauzy curtains, a slender figure reclined on the bed, vague and indistinct. At the bedside, another maid was massaging her legs, easing her fatigue.

Observing all this, Ming Lan spoke softly, "Is the master well?"

The room fell silent for a while before the metallic voice of Red Yin Immortal emerged, "Ah, it's Mage Ming. Please, sit."

As her words faded, the maiden in green from the outer chamber brought an embroidered stool and placed it before the bed. Ming Lan thanked her and sat down, maintaining a respectful distance from the veiled Red Yin Immortal.

Without waiting for Red Yin Immortal to speak, Ming Lan began, "A new disciple from the Lichen Sect came by earlier..."

She recounted her conversation with Yu Ci, then added, "This Yu Ci, despite his young age, is quite extraordinary. He had a falling out with the White Sun Mansion during his time in Sky Rift Valley, and even though Tu Du personally pursued him, he managed to escape. Instead, Tu Du was lured into the Demon's territory and returned heavily injured. Yu Ci’s cunning and skills are indeed commendable. Now that he has become an Outer Disciple and has come to manage Cliff City affairs, he is bound to make a move..."

"The one in charge of Cliff City affairs is Old Daoist Yu Zhou; the one managing things nearby is that eccentric Xie Yan. What use is an Outer Disciple like him?"

Upon hearing Red Yin's response, Ming Lan's brow furrowed slightly. Before she could speak again, Red Yin's voice had already cooled, "Murong has settled the chaos, and the two God Lords have reached an understanding. The matter of Sky Rift Valley is resolved. When the ten-year term is up, I will return to the Eastern Sea to continue my cultivation. As for the trivial matters here, direct them to my successor. Do not disturb me anymore!"

Ming Lan was silent for a moment, then asked, "What about the matter we discussed earlier?"

"Which matter?"

Red Yin seemed to have forgotten her previous impatience. A laugh echoed from behind the curtain, "I will certainly bring it to a conclusion. I have been under your care for many years. Before I return to the Eastern Sea, I will leave him with a ruined home and a destroyed family as a token of my gratitude."

The drumbeats of suspense were growing louder, the grand spectacle was about to begin. Please show your support with upvotes and add this story to your collection.

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I have also posted the following more chapters [All free] on: https://www.readgates.com/article/74a39e