The hill was not particularly high to begin with. A brief interruption, and in the span of a few words, they were not far from the summit. Looking up, Still Heart Temple was already within sight. Turning around the colossal rock ahead, a straight staircase of approximately one hundred steps lay before them, leading directly to the main entrance of Still Heart Temple.

At this moment, Jin Huan, a cultivator of the Golden Elixir with keen senses and a powerful consciousness, let out a soft gasp. He was the first to notice someone catching up from behind. Given his status, he would not turn around. Instead, it was Lu Yang who looked back and said, "It's that Taoist."

Except for Jin Huan, everyone else turned around. They saw the handsome Taoist from earlier, leisurely walking up the mountain path. However, with each step he took, it seemed as though he was being lifted by the clouds, as if his feet were not touching the ground. He floated along like a celestial being, giving the impression that he could ride the clouds away at any moment.

Lu Yang furrowed his brows, "It seems like a Godspeed Talisman, but he's using a bit of the mountain's cloud aura to lift his body and maintain this speed without exerting any effort. He must have a profound understanding of talismanic arts."

While they were talking, they had already reached the temple. Even if Lu Yang hadn't mentioned it, Jin Huan would have figured it out. He grunted in response, "There are many extraordinary individuals in the mountains. Let's not be impolite."

Yesterday, Jin Huan had already sent word to the people of the Taoist temple. At this moment, a Taoist dressed in a blue robe was waiting in front of the main entrance of the Daoist temple. He bowed and said, "Master Jin, please come in. The Temple Master has been waiting for a while."

This Welcoming Taoist had a wooden expression on his face, not as radiant as the Taoist behind him. But Jin Huan couldn't be picky. He left his accompanying warriors behind and entered with only Lu Yang and two young men.

As they were delayed at the entrance, the handsome Taoist also arrived, still in his leisurely manner, clearly intending to enter the temple. Seeing this, the accompanying warriors stepped aside in accordance with Jin Huan's instructions. The Taoist followed at a relaxed pace behind Jin Huan's group. He even nodded to a Taoist apprentice sweeping in front of the temple. The apprentice was taken aback, but quickly raised his hand in return.

All of this was seen by Jin Huan and the others, further confirming the Taoist's identity.

After entering the Taoist temple gate one after another, Jin Huan's group, led by the Welcoming Taoist, went right around the main hall, while the handsome Taoist turned left upon entering. His jade-colored robe flickered a few times between the stone steps at the corner of the building, and then he was out of sight. Jin Huan said to Lu Yang, "This man is not very old, but his cultivation is extremely profound, far surpassing Ah Chuan and Yan Qi. What's more admirable is his calm demeanor, which is truly enviable."

Although Jin Huan was praising him, there was more of an intent to inspire. Lu Yang bowed his head, keeping his emotions hidden. Looking at the expressions of the two young men beside him, it was clear that they had been drawn in. As for how much motivation they could muster, that remained to be seen.

While they were speaking, the Welcoming Taoist up ahead had long since moved on, looking back somewhat bewildered. Seeing this, Jin Huan merely smiled. "The dragon has nine sons, each different from the other. There's no need to fuss over every little detail... Let's go!"

Putting the matter behind them, they no longer brought it up. The group followed the Welcoming Taoist through halls and across bridges, quickly arriving at a garden to the side. Deep within the garden was a pavilion by a stream. Seated in the pavilion was an old Daoist, his hair and beard as white as snow, yet his face was ruddy and devoid of any signs of old age, and there was no one attending to him. Seeing Jin Huan and his party arrive, he stood up.

Jin Huan, abandoning his usual air of authority, stepped forward, raising his hand in salute and calling the Old Daoist "Brother Yu". The Old Daoist came out of the pavilion to greet him, calling him "Master Jin" in a much more familiar manner. Jin Huan didn't mind. Lu Yang followed behind, bowing deeply, his posture even lower. The Old Daoist nodded slightly, his gaze landing on the two young men behind them:

"Master Jin, are these the two children you mentioned?"

Jin Huan straightened his golden robe, smiling brightly, "Indeed, I hope Brother Yu can help me evaluate whether they have potential!"

Before he finished speaking, Jin Chuan and Kuang Yan Qi both knelt down, calling him "Yu Immortal Leader". The Old Daoist hummed in acknowledgment, gesturing for them to stand. The two young men stood up together, standing respectfully with their best manners on display for the Old Daoist.

"They can enter the mountain for cultivation. It is acceptable."

The Old Daoist's comment was brief and to the point. The two young men were slightly taken aback, but the Old Daoist paid them no more mind, leading Jin Huan into the pavilion. They sat down opposite each other, while Lu Yang could only wait outside the pavilion with the two young men.

As soon as Jin Huan sat down, he laughed, "If they could cultivate within the Sect's Mountain Gate for a year or two, it would already be a tremendous opportunity for these two boys. I won't be greedy... Now, show your gratitude!"

Before Jin Chuan and the other could step forward, the Old Daoist waved his hand, "Hold on, hold on. As an Old Daoist, I have been in the temple for so many years, and the only advantage is that I follow the rules of the Sect, without favoritism. The Sect's Mountain Gate has always been strict about passing on the teachings. Master Jin, if you want to send these two to the Sect's Mountain Gate for cultivation, we still need to see..."

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

At this point, he paused subtly in his speech. At the same time, Jin Huan also had a premonition, slightly shifting his gaze to see a handsome Taoist, who had previously appeared as elegant as a deity, strolling leisurely through the garden.

The other party also sensed their gaze but merely nodded in acknowledgment, stopping by a small stream in the garden. His posture, leaning against a pillar and watching the fish, was relaxed and at ease.

Seeing that Jin Huan and the others showed no surprise, the Old Daoist assumed that this person was from the White Sun Mansion, who behaved as freely in the temple as he would at home, clearly different from ordinary people. As a man of character himself, he couldn't help but silently praise, "How free-spirited". He was curious about the identity of this person, but as they were at a critical point in their conversation, it wasn't suitable to interrupt. Fortunately, his thoughts moved quickly, and after a brief pause, he continued:

"...It also depends on whether Master Jin's offerings to the Sect's Mountain Gate over the years have complied with the rules of the Sect's Mountain Gate. Though it may seem mundane, it is nonetheless fair."

Jin Huan had a clear understanding of the so-called "rules of the Sect's Mountain Gate". Observing the reaction of the Old Taoist Priest, he became more certain that the handsome Taoist had a deep connection with the Still Heart Temple and the Old Daoist. Perhaps, he was a new disciple taken in by the Old Taoist Priest in recent years?

Having made up his mind, he no longer paid attention to the others. He smiled, signaling the two young men outside the pavilion to approach. Jin Chuan and Kuang Yan Qi, both being intelligent, immediately unwrapped their parcels to reveal boxes made of stone and wood. They respectfully entered the pavilion, placed the boxes on the stone table inside, and then bowed and retreated.

Jin Huan personally opened the two boxes to reveal their contents. First, from the Stone Box: "Eleven stalks of Fish Dragon Grass. Although it's not much, it has accumulated over the past ten years and can be exchanged for several Cold Jade Cleansing Heart Pills. The remainder could perhaps allow one person to enter the mountain for cultivation?"

The Old Daoist smiled, "We calculated it last year, it's enough for entry."

Jin Huan then pointed to the item in the wooden box: "I heard that the Sect's Mountain Gate is looking for a 'Seven Radiance' gemstone. I've specifically asked someone to bring one from the East Sea. If we offer this, could it possibly secure entry for another person?"

"The Seven Radiance Gemstone is indeed a request made by Brother Wang of the Sect's Mountain Gate. It's worth two hundred and fifty-five 'merits'. Your household has the right of 'exclusive dealing', and entering the mountain for cultivation only requires a tenth of that, or two hundred and fifty merits. This too, is enough for entry."

Seeing these offerings, the Old Daoist did not make things difficult. He only laughed and said, "Master Jin has indeed prepared thoroughly, demonstrating a deep understanding of the Sect's Mountain Gate's merit system. You've gone to great lengths."

Jin Huan smiled slightly, relieved of a great worry. Just as he was about to speak again, he heard someone say:

"Excuse me, how many 'merits' are thirteen stalks of Fish Dragon Grass worth?"

This was not said by anyone around the pavilion. As people looked around in surprise, they saw the handsome Taoist, who had been leaning against a pillar watching the fish, had somehow come down from the bridge and was approaching the pavilion. Under the intense gaze of the crowd, he remained calm and composed, striding slowly and speaking loudly:

"I have thirteen stalks of Fish Dragon Grass. I wonder what they could be sold for?"

The morning sun shone through the gaps in the trees, casting a radiant glow on him.

When the handsome Taoist priest crossed the bridge and spoke these words, the garden suddenly entered a very awkward phase. Especially the Old Daoist and Jin Huan in the pavilion, who simultaneously turned their gaze to each other. Caught off guard, they were unable to hide their emotions.

Both of them saw utter astonishment in each other's eyes: "Isn't he one of yours?"

In this situation, the first to recover was Steward Lu, standing outside the pavilion. He bore a sense of shared disgrace with his master, and his square face had turned iron-blue: "You..."

The handsome Taoist who approached was indeed Yu Ci. He utilized the divine techniques he learned during his time in the Twin Immortal Sect, and with a small demonstration of his skills, he managed to enter the temple.

What he didn't expect was that Jin Huan and the Old Daoist could remain so composed, or perhaps their reactions were simply slow. He thought that passing the Taoist temple gate was already quite an achievement, and reaching the garden was his limit. He was prepared to be exposed and had already prepared his response.

However, the development of the situation exceeded his expectations. Both sides misunderstood his identity and, wanting to maintain their dignity, feigned ignorance. They let him listen from beginning to end without hiding anything. If things continued this way, it was not impossible for him to stay until the end of their discussion.

But this was not his intention.

His main purpose for coming was to trade the Fish Dragon Grass. He only sought a fair deal and had nothing to hide. Even if he used some tricks, they were all above board. If the previous situation continued, no matter his intentions, it would become a tangled mess and he would lose his straightforwardness.

Thinking deeper, after witnessing the eye-opening scene last night, regardless of what the people of White Sun Mansion thought, he didn't want to upset the white-haired Old Daoist in the pavilion.

Therefore, he decisively spoke up, revealing his identity. Then he faced the gazes of the five people inside and outside the pavilion, stepped forward with a slightly tense muscle at first, but after crossing the small bridge, he was completely in his element.

Yu Ci paid no heed to Lu Yang's shout, standing outside the pavilion, he looked straight at the Old Daoist's aged face, white as snow: "I am Yu Ci, a Wandering Cultivator from the mountains. I have thirteen stalks of Fish Dragon Grass in my possession. I seek to sell them but have no means to do so, so I followed Master Jin here to make a trade with Taoist Yu."

Only at this point did the two leaders in the pavilion truly understand. The Old Daoist was one thing, but Jin Huan's face flashed with a crimson glow. He slowly turned his gaze, golden light like a sword in his eyes, piercing straight into Yu Ci's face.

A jolt went through Yu Ci's crown, and suddenly he saw a blazing red sun in front of him in the pavilion, casting a vast bloody light that covered the sky and earth, crushing down on him. In that instant, his Divine Soul's perception came to a halt, and he completely lost his sense of space, only seeing that huge blood-red sunset growing larger, threatening to swallow him completely!

Blood spilled over a thousand mountains, tearing down the sky!

This was the "Supreme Solar Technique" of White Sun Mansion that had awed Sheer Cliff City for a century!

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