Chapter 837 - 54: Half-Immortal Zhao

Chapter 837: Chapter 54: Half-Immortal Zhao

Cyan Dragon City is the gateway to Divine Land, bridging the gap between the past and present. From seeking refuge from the epoch changes and developing step by step, Divine Land has now fully adapted to the new era and, leveraging its strength and unique geographical position, has gathered ample resources for development.

The vicinity of the southern port in Cyan Dragon City is bustling indeed. The fisheries in Divine Land are thriving, abundant in production, and one can venture out to sea. However, there is a rule: do not approach the Fog Zone on the sea, which is the boundary. Once entered, there is no return.

The port is lively and prosperous, permeated with the smell of fish. At a corner, a fortune-telling stall is set up with a hunched old man squinting his eyes, reclining with legs crossed, basking in the sunlight, enjoying a leisurely sunbath.

Suddenly, something blocks the sun, and the old man opens his eyes, "I’m resting today."

A woman’s cold voice speaks, "Why is the renowned Half-Immortal Zhao hiding here?"

The hunched old man sighs and sits up straight, "Big sister, I’ve hidden here, didn’t we agree that once the fortune-telling is done, we’d settle all past accounts?"

Bao Yu’er looks at Blind Zhao, "We agreed, but your prediction was inaccurate. I’ve been waiting for a long time, yet that person hasn’t appeared."

"Young Sect Master, though we’re familiar, don’t defame my profession." Blind Zhao rolls his eyes.

"Oh, so you’re saying he has appeared?" Bao Yu’er asks.

"I said, our deal is done. I’ve cast a reading to repay Jiuxiao Building’s debt. Don’t come looking for me for anything else, seeing how I’m barely holding on, I can’t handle any more turmoil. You young ones, as vibrant as the sun, should find those more capable." Blind Zhao says.

"I can pay the divination fee for another reading." Bao Yu’er says.

Blind Zhao hurriedly waves his hand, "No way, no way, even with money, you need life to spend it. Look at me, what’s left for me to enjoy?"

"My master said you were like this twenty years ago too." Bao Yu’er says, "A good person till the end, you know the difficulty of the seductive woman path and my current predicament, I don’t want to disappoint my mother."

Blind Zhao sighs. The intensity of inner conflict in Jiuxiao Sect ranks first among the sects in Divine Land, seemingly recalling his spirited days, "Little girl, all secret paths are alike; who is better than whom? Just finding joy amidst the struggles."

"But there are always some who sail smoothly and move forward without hindrance. If you won’t cast a reading for me, could you point the way? I’ll make sure drinks are free at Jiuxiao Building afterward." Bao Yu’er says.

"Do I seem like that kind of person?" Blind Zhao rolls his eyes.

"Of course not, but since you’re willing to guide me, why not be a good person to the end and show me the right path?" Bao Yu’er says softly.

Blind Zhao suddenly sits up straight and sighs emotionally, "Ah, I’m just a softie, but don’t go back on the conditions you promised!"

"Naturally, I’m a woman of my word." Bao Yu’er covers her mouth and smiles gently, seemingly having expected this.

"Cultivators rely on Spiritual Ability and Spirit Stones early on, which are external elements that can accelerate power enhancement. However, in the new era, long-term progress depends on Wish Power. The greater the Wish Power, the steadier the progress. The seductive woman path isn’t bad; it can accumulate Wish Power personally and extract Wish Power from others. Those with a strong foundation in Wish Power and a broad vision will naturally have a stable and promising future. The tricky part is eliminating Karmic Force."

"That’s the tricky part; I need to find that person. Those with strong power may have strong Wish Power, but often also strong Karmic Force. Without contention and competition, how does one gain Wish Power? What kind of person has strong power, strong Wish Power, but little Karmic Force? Isn’t that contradictory?" Bao Yu’er doesn’t believe such a person exists. Cultivation inherently goes against the heavens, and the act of seizing generates Karmic Force.

"Haha, Young Sect Master thinks quite far ahead. Karmic Force is only something to consider above Fifth Grade. At that point, challenges abound, difficulties accumulate, and the path of revival itself is not right. Although the new era has brought change, the essence remains unchanged. But things in the world are unpredictable, who says an exception can’t occur? There are such people." Blind Zhao smiles smugly.

"So, despite everything, you aren’t misleading me, right? That person exists and has appeared?"

"See, you’re trying to get me to say more again. I know nothing more. I’ve said all I can, but don’t think about skipping out on the promised free drinks, okay?" Blind Zhao protests.

"Of course not, you know our drinks at Jiuxiao Building are free, but there’s still admission fees, and sometimes you have to queue, right?" Bao Yu’er laughs gently, "Good things are always rare, and with your taste being so high, you wouldn’t queue with ordinary folk."

Blind Zhao licks his lips, tempted by the prospect of fine wine and heavenly dance. Although he doesn’t want to touch seductive women, the enchanting figures of lay disciples aren’t objectionable.

"Ah, it’s not that I’m unwilling, but the more you know, the greater the obstacles to your cultivation. There are things there, but you must bear the consequences." Blind Zhao says.

"Senior, the road of cultivation is tough. Who hasn’t come through trials and tribulations to succeed, right?" Bao Yu’er calmly states.

Blind Zhao hesitates for a moment and takes out a pair of black crystal glasses from his chest pocket, "This is the supreme treasure passed down from our sect’s ancestors, the True Essence Peeping Mirror, which can perceive Wish Power and Karmic Force. It can be loaned to the Young Sect Master to use, though I will retrieve it when appropriate. It’s not stinginess, but better for non-Life Masters not to possess it long-term. Cough, cough, what price is the Young Sect Master willing to offer?"

Looking at the seemingly ordinary glasses, Bao Yu’er doesn’t hesitate and puts a gold medal on the table, "Jiuxiao Building’s Supreme Member: free drinks, free admission, and other privileges. I think you’re aware. Valid for one year."

"Two years!"

"One year. If I find that person, I’ll extend it for another year."

"It’s a deal!" Blind Zhao agrees cheerfully, "This is our sect’s supreme treasure, be careful not to lose or damage it. I wouldn’t want to become a sect sinner."

Bao Yu’er picks up the glasses and puts them on, her gaze sweeping over Blind Zhao. Truly, through the glasses, Blind Zhao’s aura is complex, wrapped in threads of black energy, with hints of golden life force protecting his being, mixed with red, gray, and purple hues.

Putting the glasses away, Bao Yu’er looks again at Blind Zhao, with a few more strands of sentiment on her face, "Senior, three years is the maximum authority I can offer."

The Jiuxiao Building’s guest identity and status aren’t permanent. Only this way can guests be motivated, and she is still a Young Sect Master undergoing trials.

Having finished speaking, Bao Yu’er bows and leaves.

Watching Bao Yu’er’s departing figure, Blind Zhao puts away the gold medal and murmurs, "Little girl, you are rather soft-hearted. Rong’er, I’ve pointed the way, let’s see if your precious disciple has such a destiny."

Sighing, Blind Zhao’s face bears more wrinkles, coughing a few times, and his body becoming more hunched.

The night at Jiuxiao Building is the most bustling, populated place in Cyan Dragon City. It’s not just Jiuxiao Building; several surrounding blocks reflect a prosperous scene, the clamor marking the start of nightlife.

Divine Land’s prosperity is unlike that of Hedan and Dragon Capital; Hedan has a holiday and leisure vibe, Dragon Capital a busy one, while Cyan Dragon City has a bustle unique to Beijing people.

Li Xin likes it a lot and upon arrival at the preliminary Martial Arts Arena, is invited to the inner room by Que Mingyuan.

"Que Mingyuan pays respects to the squad leader; under the moonlit night, Justice stands eternal!" Que Mingyuan excitedly performs the stacked finger salute.

Li Xin returns the stacked finger salute, "Old Zhang should have briefed you on everything."

"Yes, squad leader. Earlier, I was unaware of your identity, and I apologize for any offenses. I hope you’ll forgive me."

Li Xin waves his hand, "I’ve been using the alias Ren Yanli here, you’ve handled things well. This position is important. Share your thoughts on Jiuxiao Building."

"Squad leader, Jiuxiao Sect is one of the four major Earth-level sects. Its power is immense in Divine Land. However, compared to the other three sects, it’s not known for combat. Due to the seductive woman connections, it actually has intricate relations with all sects, making it best in intelligence." Que Mingyuan says.