Chapter 137: The Shangqing Great Dao Sovereign’s Chosen Champion for Battle

The young Daoist’s sword momentum shifted slightly, then swiftly retracted. That immortal sword seemed as though it had not been wielded in a long time—having suddenly been given the chance to be brandished, it grew exceedingly excited. The sound of its sword cry roared and surged to the heavens. Even as the sword momentum withdrew, lingering echoes of its ringing remained unceasing. When the young Daoist ceased swinging it, a surge of violent wrath surged forth, as though it would turn upon Qi Wuhuo, who gripped the sword, compelling him to continue wielding it.

Like a maddened, ferocious tiger.

Its might was fierce; its momentum, even fiercer.

Yet it sought to [use the sword to subdue its master].

However, the longsword was sentient. The moment its ferocious instincts erupted, it instantly perceived the current situation.

That sharp and savage sword cry, which had only just begun to rise, suddenly abated.

Cut off in an instant.

Like a tiger opening its maw to devour the mountaintop—only to transform, in the next breath, into a gentle kitten.

Utterly docile, with not a trace of temper, it obediently rested in Qi Wuhuo’s palm.

Qi Wuhuo lowered the fierce sword and cupped his hands with a solemn expression. He replied: “This humble Daoist is already under tutelage.”

The black-robed Daoist, even as he spoke the question, realized that it had been improper to do so. He had left a wisp of divine sense within these writings—not with the intention of taking on a disciple, but to select a free-spirited youth who walked his own path, someone to compete five hundred years hence with that Taishang cultivator whom Yuqing favored.

By prior agreement, the chosen one was not to be taken under sect tutelage.

Yet, having just witnessed this youth truly comprehend what he had imparted—and even advance a step beyond, incorporating insight and understanding of his own—he was moved by joy upon seeing such talent, and spoke those words out of habit and delight. It had not stemmed from any true intent to bring him formally into the sect.

At least—not at this time.

As for why he had spoken—

No other reason. Merely the habit of a tongue grown too familiar with the words.

At once, he raised his hand and lightly patted his forehead, a trace of self-mockery flashing across his face. With a chuckle, he said: “It’s simply this one’s habit.”

Whenever he encountered an interesting cultivator, he always had the urge to take them under his wing.

Though truth be told, in the future, he likely wouldn’t personally instruct the disciple. That responsibility would mostly be left to the Three Masters of Shangqing.

But still—he had to have one!

He gathered in his stray thoughts and spoke in a calm tone: “You need not be concerned. This seat is not one who would snatch another’s disciple.”

“What I asked just now—was merely a question.”

“There was no other intent.”

The black-robed Daoist draped his horsetail whisk across the crook of his arm. Gazing at the young Daoist before him, he sensed the sword qi still flowing within the void, and his heart was at last somewhat comforted. To be able to comprehend the sword art in a single day, and even take it a step further, such comprehension was not ordinary. To grasp the meaning of [Not the Dao, but Myself]—that alone counted as touching upon one of the true essences of the Shangqing lineage.

Not the refinement of worldly dust through Lingbao.

But the first realm of the Shangqing Path of Tribulation and Annihilation.

And to call him ‘Dao-Friend’ in the reply, while referring to himself as ‘Dao Sovereign’—surely the mark of someone unrestrained and proud to the core.

The black-robed Great Dao Sovereign turned these thoughts slowly over in his mind.

A young prodigy. More importantly, proud enough, wild enough, and yet graceful and composed.

And capable of grasping a truly fine sword-path.

Wielding this slaughtering sword, he could one day strike down all beneath heaven.

He ought to be the chosen one!

The Great Dao Sovereign looked at the youth before him, now mild and composed, having withdrawn the sharp edge he had shown when wielding the sword, and was deeply satisfied.

Perhaps it was precisely because [he could not yet take him as a disciple at this moment]—had he done so immediately, he might have shown interest for a time, then grown bored, and returned to lazily lounging about in the Shangqing Library Pavilion day after day. But since the youth was not yet admitted, the more he looked, the more pleasing he found him. The more he saw, the more delighted he became.

Hmph. As expected of someone chosen by this seat—how could he not possess extraordinary character?

Completely unlike that stiff, rigid fellow from Yuqing, and the one he picked!

Besides, since the youth understood the Supreme Scarlet Spirit Script and could refine Lingbao, he must certainly be of my Lingbao lineage. When the great battle five hundred years from now concludes—no matter whether he wins or loses—he shall be taken into the sect and receive the proper transmission of the orthodox Shangqing.

If he wins, he will be admitted on the grounds of victory. If he loses, then it will be said he needs proper guidance and will still be admitted.

Either way, it would be perfectly reasonable. Perfectly justified.

When that time comes, I’ll simply speak these reasons aloud.

Old Brother Taiqing will no doubt side with me.

As for that crusty old fellow Yuqing—even if he has words to say, they’ll be of no use.

The more the black-robed Daoist thought about it, the more cheerful he became, until he was completely at ease. Though he had never truly minded the outcome—if one could win, then why not win? Even if one didn’t care much, victory was always better than defeat.

Besides, even in defeat, one mustn’t lose too disgracefully. If they sent that little rascal from Ox Constellation up there—

She might very well pull out a piece of sesame cake on the spot and attempt to “bribe” that Taishang Xuanwei with it!

Would that method even work?!

Wouldn’t that just throw the entire face of the Lingbao lineage into the dirt?

Lingbao had once casually “glanced” at the future.

After all, the agreement merely stated that he could not look into who this Taishang Xuanwei would be—just taking a glance at Yun Qin’s future didn’t exactly count as a violation.

With but a single glimpse—not even a detailed one—he had only confirmed one thing: if Yun Qin’s name were written down, then five hundred years from now, she would truly stand atop Daluo Heaven, under the gazes of myriad celestial deities, the stars in their constellations, and the mountain and river spirits of all realms. Bright-eyed, lively as ever, she would stretch out a fair hand—And in her palm would lie a sesame cake. 

Smiling brightly, warm as spring, her eyes gleaming like stars, she would say with utmost sincerity:

“For you!”

At that moment, the Shangqing Lingbao Great Dao Sovereign was completely deflated. He could not bear to watch. With a single wave of his sleeve, he scattered that future possibility on the spot.

Far too embarrassing.

Had it only been in front of Old Brother Taishang, it wouldn’t have mattered. Face was nothing worth clinging to—there was no need for such attachments.

Action or Inaction—let all things pass like clouds before the heart.

What’s that? Yuqing will also be present?

Then losing face is absolutely unacceptable!

Which meant that little rascal Yun Qin must not be sent up there.

After some deliberation, this Dao Sovereign Wuhuo seemed just right.

Even if he could not rival that mysterious Taishang Xuanwei, at the very least, he wouldn’t lose too disgracefully. And now that he had revealed this level of swordsmanship, it would also let Yuqing know that this seat’s eye for talent was just as keen, no less than his own.

As the black-robed Daoist thought of that fellow from Yuqing, he gave a soft snort. The two had known each other since the very dawn of the epoch, but had never quite seen eye to eye. Outwardly, their interactions were always tranquil and courteous, appearing as if they held all things in equanimity, both action and inaction in harmony. But whenever it came to discussing the Dao, there would always be conflict.

That rare desire to best the other would only ever rise between them.

Still, neither found such feelings and experiences unpleasant.

In truth, if not for Yuqing provoking him, the Shangqing Great Dao Sovereign would still be idly reclining within the Scripture Library Pavilion, passing his days in leisure.

This young Daoist may be talented, but he truly could not be bothered to interfere. In this world, those born with gifts are as countless as the stars in the sky—how could one possibly keep track of them all? Must he personally guide each and every one?

However, ever since Yuqing’s wager was set in motion, the Shangqing Great Dao Sovereign had found it difficult to rest at ease. Mulling it over, of the young and talented ones whom he had yet to accept as disciples, there remained only that little girl and this Daoist Wuhuo. Yun Qin was, of course, out of the question, and so he could only settle on this little fellow. Moreover, since Qi Wuhuo had managed to comprehend the swordsmanship inscribed within the scroll, a faint notion finally arose in his heart—to come and take a look.

And indeed, it had borne fruit.

He had once considered choosing another. But now, it seemed this little one would suffice.

Clad in black robes, the Shangqing Great Dao Sovereign mused briefly, then his thoughts drifted toward the choice made by Yuqing Yuanshi Great Heavenly Venerable. Lowering his gaze slightly, he thought: since that Taishang Xuanwei has already drawn the favor of the Older Brother Taiqing, then setting aside innate talent, there must be something truly extraordinary in either his Dao heart or his insight.

Having already stepped into the ranks of the Xuanmen disciples, and even taken on the Dao title “Xuanwei”—

And to even take the initiative to undergo tribulation.

No wonder the Yuqing one favors him.

His gaze once more fell upon that young Daoist. Seeing Qi Wuhuo seemingly deep in thought, he gave a slight nod.

Little one, you must strive hard…

Do not let that so-called Taishang Xuanwei True Person surpass you.

A wisp of divine intent slowly dissipated into formlessness.

The Shangqing Great Dao Sovereign had made his decision.

Second Floor of the Shangqing Library Pavilion.

The man clad in battle robes had already been waiting quietly with his head lowered for quite some time. Still, he remained calm and composed, preserving his spirit and guarding his thoughts, without the slightest trace of impatience.

Suddenly, a flat voice sounded: “You are not standing guard in the Nine Heavens—what matter brings you to me now?”

The man slightly lifted his gaze. His features carried a rugged boldness, yet there was an indefinable air of dignity about him. He saw that upon the Taiji Diagram, the young Daoist who had been reclining moments ago was now seated upright at some unknown time, his expression indifferent, as if eternal and unchanging through the ages.

And so, with a solemn look tinged with a faint smile, he cupped his hands and said: “I came to inform Uncle Master: a few days ago, my master entered seclusion, and instructed this disciple to deliver this jade talisman to Uncle Master. He said the agreement had already been made several days ago, and he had chosen his candidate. Even if Uncle Master had yet to decide previously, now the choice must be settled as well. The name has been inscribed upon the jade talisman, and shall not be altered.”

The black-robed Daoist, dignified and refined, lifted his gaze and said indifferently: “Heh—‘yet to decide’?”

“When has this seat ever been undecided?”

“Your master is far too arrogant.”

The man only smiled and cupped his hands again, saying nothing more.

This remark, aside from that person, none could answer.

None dared answer.

With a sweep of the horsetail whisk in his hand, the black-robed Daoist rested it over his arm and said calmly: “Where is the jade talisman? Bring it forth.”

The man produced a jade talisman, presenting it with both hands. Without any discernible movement, it floated up into the air and then fell gently into the hands of the Shangqing Great Dao Sovereign. With a tap of his finger, the faint spiritual light shrouding the talisman dispersed, revealing its true form. There were two parts to the jade talisman. One portion emitted a gentle, crystalline radiance, carrying a spiritual resonance as if it contained the principles of all creation. Upon it, six characters had already been written in a steady, unshakable script.

Each stroke was solemn and precise—like heaven and earth themselves, bearing the enduring weight of the Dao.

It read—

[Taishang Xuanwei True Person]

Heh—written with the Yuqing Ancestral Qi True Seal, no less…

What a competitive spirit.

The Shangqing Great Dao Sovereign lowered his gaze slightly. With a stir of divine thought, he had already inscribed a name.

Unhurried and elegant, the brush moved in one continuous flow, free and effortless.

With a gentle sweep of his sleeve, the jade talisman was sent flying back.

The man received the talisman with both hands. Upon seeing the reverse side, he sensed an aura that faintly suggested the devouring of all things, the annihilation of the world—set against the vast, boundless qi that manifested all creation. The two forces stood in direct opposition, and yet neither prevailed over the other.

And then, written in the [Supreme Scarlet Chaos Spirit Script] was a title.

Matching the Yuqing Ancestral Qi True Talisman—equal in every respect.

Six characters as well:

[Dongxuan(Profound Clarity) Wuhuo Dao Sovereign]

Both jade talismans bore the unique auras of the two Great Heavenly Venerables, transformed into special seals, easily identifiable.

They could no longer be changed.

The man gave a faint smile and put away the talisman, then cupped his hands and said: “Then, Uncle Master, this register shall now be sealed. Though this was a jest between Uncle Master and Master, it ought still to be witnessed by the stars in the sky, the mountain and river deities, and the gods of the Thunder and Battle Divisions. Let all observe this grand occasion—watching the two esteemed successors favored by their Venerables do battle as a celebration.”

With that, he offered a respectful bow and withdrew, not disturbing the Qingyang Miaodao Heavenly Lord currently in the first floor of the Shangqing Library Pavilion.

He simply turned into a stream of flowing light and headed for the Hall of Illumination within the Heavenly Palace, seeking the celestial official responsible for managing the myriad affairs of Heaven Palace. The official hastily put aside his duties and came out to receive him, bowing from within the gates and repeatedly praising the Great True Lord, his expression deeply reverent. The man merely waved his hand, indicating that such courtesy was unnecessary.

He only instructed that, when scheduling future events such as the Celestial Court Assemblies and the Grand Banquet of Immortal Peaches, they must remember to leave one day vacant, five hundred years hence, to invite all gods and heavenly officials.

“Five hundred years later?”

The attendant of the Hall of Illumination consulted all manner of celestial records, yet still could not find any major event set for five hundred years from now that would call for the assembly of all the gods. Perplexed, he asked: “This humble one is dull-witted and truly cannot recall. May I ask, Great True Lord, what event will take place in the Daluo Heaven five hundred years from now?”

At this, the man in battle robes burst into loud laughter and tossed the jade talisman to the celestial official for safekeeping, saying only:

“What event?”

“Five hundred years hence, in the Daluo Heaven above the Thirty-Six Heavens—”

“Taishang Xuanwei True Person.”

“Dongxuan Wuhuo Dao Sovereign.”

“Shall battle!”

“To determine victory and defeat!”

“To decide who stands above and who falls below!”

And thus, the celestial officials and immortal attendants all turned pale with shock, speechless with awe.